This list was updated and revised for Easter 2018.
There’s nothin’ like capturing the story of Easter while burying your nose in a good book. There are TONS of spring and Easter books out there! As a former youth pastor’s wife, I have seen a few in my day! I love ’em all! The colorful pages filled with baby animals and flowers just have a pure happiness about them.
When we go to the library, we pull out the gardening books, the bunny books, etc. We also love reading the story of Peter Rabbit and The Velveteen Rabbit, but if I were to hand-pick which Easter books are my absolute favorites that captured the message of Easter, these would be it.
These must-have Easter books are not only fun and exciting, but they are rich with scriptural truths that will help your children grow and mature in their understanding of their faith. I have found all of these as wonderful parenting tools that went beyond the cutsie bunny books and have helped with many teachable moments at home.
{We enjoy listening and watching to the YouTube versions as well. If you would like to view the YouTube read-a-loud books and watch the full length movie versions, scroll down to the end of this post.}
What a great book for that little adventurer in your life! Seriously. I love books that you can use as an Easter tradition. If you are familiar with the Resurrection Eggs, this book is similar to this, but with a twist. This is a great book to add to any young boy’s library.
Hands down, I think this is THE best Easter book out there! We all have our favorites, but this book really does capture the true promise of Easter. If I could only have one Easter book on my shelf, then this would be it. I love it so much that I shared a book review on it and how we utilize The Sparkle Egg in our home all year round. You can watch my review of it here and all of the reasons why I LOVE it.
This one is GREAT. It would make a great gift for boys, but it’s really great for anyone. The story is about how much God loves us and the price that he pays for our sins. Deep truths here written for little thinkers. This would be a great book to read on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday with this easy kid-friendly Last Supper activity.
4. The Donkey Who Carried A King
Here’s another deep message put into simple terms for little minds. It has amazing nuggets of truth here. Hop on over here to get your free nature walk printable that goes along with this book. {Scroll down to the bottom of this post to watch the movie on YouTube.}
Amazon’s summary explains it well:
“This best-selling children’s book tells the Easter story from a new and unusual point of view. Children will be deeply touched as they understand, perhaps for the first time, the significance of Christ’s life and his atoning sacrifice on the cross.”
Okay. So, out of all of the books that I added here, this one is my least favorite. I like it, but I found it a bit confusing to follow. However, I love this author and she does a really good job with writing her other holiday books. The Pumpkin Patch Parable is my favorite fall board book.
7. Have You Filled a Bucket Today?
Buckets seem to flood the store aisles as Easter rolls around, so I had to add this one into the mix! It’s purposeful and has some great teaching points. It doesn’t have scripture woven through it, but you can easily do that along with this book.
This is a top 5 book on my list! I hold back tears every time I read it. {I don’t know what my deal is!} Great author. Great message. Get the rest of the books in the series here and order the movie and DVD set here. We enjoy reading this book along with a nature study on trees. This would make a great tag-a-long gift for a child with an interest in woodworking.
9. The Pearl That Changed A Life
Here’s an oldie, but goodie. Peanut was named after this parable, so this book holds a special place for us on our shelf.
10. The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story
Don’t you just love the Berenstain Bears? They really are that picture perfect family! All of their Easter books are enjoyable. I couldn’t choose just one. Jump online to utilize their games, activities and other resources. {Scroll down to watch the YouTube versions below.}
11. My Easter Basket
This may be a board book for infants and toddlers, but this book is seriously one of my favorites! {Can you tell I love these books?!} The book includes all of the things that you may find in a traditional Easter basket, but each item symbolizes something important in the Easter story. I love it. Read it alone or use it along with a scavenger hunt.
This book is a special edition to the traditional books in the Princess Parables book series. I highly recommend these books as an alternative to the Disney princess characters if you have that special princess in your life.
13. The Donkey That No One Could Ride
This donkey is set apart to embark on an important journey. Help your child gain perspective on God’s purpose in their lives through this book.
14. Dangerous Journey: The Story of Pilgrim’s Progress
A classic. A great book for older children, but still captivating for young and emerging readers. It’s long, so we summarize it while reading with our boys.
15. Amon’s Adventure: A Family Story For Easter
We do not have any of these books in the series written by Arnold Ytreeide, but we have heard great reviews on them. Since I haven’t read any of his books, I’m not sure if these are solely for an older audience, but you can read more information online at Jotham’s Journey.
15. The Lightlings
Our kids enjoy watching the YouTube version of this! This fairy tale story of redemption is about a kingdom of lightlings who are afraid to come into the light. This drama of a book shares the promise of Easter with a fairy tale ending.
16. Girl Talk
Look at this revised cover! It simply screams spring! This is a great introductory book for mothers and daughters to have open conversations about biblical womanhood.
17. Knights in Training: Ten Principles for Raising Honorable, Courageous, and Compassionate Boys
This may be an Easter gift that goes in mom’s or dad’s basket! This book has countless resources from the author’s website. Find other books and great gifts that go along with this book. View all of her other free printables and resources on chivalry here.
18. Strawberry Girl
Not only is this a spring-themed book, but the redemption story woven throughout the book is worth the read! It’s a top 10 on my list!
I have not read this book yet, but it has been on several book lists that I have seen. It’s an exciting children’s adventure book that debates between creation and evolution. I want my children to read a book that will encourage them to defend their faith.
Here’s another top 10 for me! If you have young readers that need phonics application, this book is for you. Every emerging reader should have this book on their shelf! View sample pages online and visit the author’s site for other great books.
Sheila Walsh is one of our favorite authors! We have several other books by her. Teach your children how to wear God’s armor as they conquer spiritual battles each day.
22. Polished Cornerstones by Doorposts (for girls)
Plants Grown Up by Doorposts (for boys)
We have used Doorposts resources for years now! These character training resources are for all ages. Beginner, intermediate and adult levels are all included to share bible time with all of your children at once. View downloaded samples of lessons here.
23. Indescribable: 100 Devotions for Kids About God and Science
Have a nature lover? Add some binoculars, a fishing pole, and this book into a nature lover’s Easter basket. Learn about science and our creator in one book!
24. God’s Names
This book is a great resource to use through Lent or the days leading up to Easter with Resurrection Eggs.
25. Faithgirlz! Series
All of the Faithgirlz books are worth looking into. Find faith-building books for girls ages 9-12. We’re finishing up this one now before bed!
26. The Cul-De-Sac Kids Series
These are great introductory chapter books for young readers. Here’s an expert from the author’s site:
“Nicknamed the “Cul-De-Sac Kids,” they learn important lessons about friendship, teamwork, and faith through their adventures and mysteries. Parents will love helping their children experience the wonder of reading. For ages 7-10.”
27. Christian Heroes: Then & Now
Read chronological missionary heroes and other stories from around the globe. This book is included in the series set. Great missional read for families!
27. Kingdom Tales
If you enjoy Chronicles of Narnia, here is another similar read!
28. Adventures In Odyssey: Imagination Station & Audio Books
Why not choose a book series about history and scripture in one?! View audio books online or at your local library.
29. Johnathan Parks Audio Adventures
These audio books are adventurous and faith-building. We’ve enjoyed listening to them during quiet time or on the road.
The pictures in this book are so incredibly artistic. We enjoy giving this book away as a birthday gift!
31. Easter Love Letters From God
These are so cute. Kids will be excited as they open and receive a letter written just for them from their personal God and King. Check out the other books in this creative series.
32. Prince Warriors Trilogy Series
Okay, if you have middle grade readers, this book series just has to be in their basket! This is another book that we don’t own yet, but have heard nothing but raving reviews about. Priscilla has won several awards and is such a wonderful author full of wisdom. It’s in my Amazon cart now! Add Unseen and The Armor of God to your list also written by her. These bible studies can pair with the trilogy books.
Well, there you have it! What are your favorite Easter books? I’m always looking for new books to add to our shelves. I would love to hear your feedback!
YouTube Read-a-Louds and Movies
If you don’t own these books, you can jump online and watch a few below. We enjoy watching them during our afternoon quiet time, before bed, or if I’m in the kitchen cookin’!
Happy Easter!
The Hen House 
What a great list! I have this pinned for future reference and am happy to report we already own a few of these books.
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Thank you! There are so many great Easter reads out there. It’s so hard to choose just one! Happy Easter to you.
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