Sunday, April 1, 2012

Simon and the Easter Miracle

Blog Tour

by Mary Joslin
Illustrated by: Anna Luraschi
ISBN: 9780745960586
$11.69, 32 pages, ages 5+

About the book:
The gospels tell of Simon of Cyrene--"a man coming in from the country"--who was ordered to carry Jesus' cross. Over the centuries, his story has been woven into a Polish folktale. In the tradition of The Three Trees, this folk tale gives a fresh perspective on the Easter story.

When Simon the farmer brings his wares to market, little does he expect how he will be involved in the events of that very special day, nor how his items--bread, eggs, and wine--will become important symbols of Jesus' passion and resurrection, remembered throughout the ages.

My thoughts:
With Easter coming up this week I thought I would share this interesting story - with a twist. It is more of a "folk tale" than a Bible Story because it doesn't tell the whole story. I would of liked to see a page in the back with the story/scripture typed up  to support the actual story for older kids/adults.

I had never heard this folk tale - yes, I knew about the man ordered to carry Jesus' cross on the day of his Crucifixion but I had never heard this particular story.  Peter was a man who went to the village to sell produce (eggs and vegetables) and ended up having to carry Jesus' cross. After Peter returns to get his things he discovers all of his goods were destroyed except 12 eggs - which end up hatching after the Sabbath. 

The illustrations in the book remind me of many of the little Bible Story books that we had when I was little. The pictures are simple and tell the story beautifully BUT do be aware this isn't a story that is based on the Bible (other than the man who carried Jesus' cross and Jesus' Crucifixion) - it's almost a combination of the Easter story and where Easter Eggs came from - there is no mention of Jesus' resurrection. I would use it along with a children's picture bible that includes the whole story of Easter.

Kregel Publications provided a copy of the book for review on Classic Children's Books. No money exchanged hands and I was not required to write a positive review.

No comments:

Post a Comment