Easter Books for Children

**Our newest book reviewer, Koufax Tennyson, tackles the world of children’s literature. In staying true to her namesake, the books are given a 1 to 4 baseball score: single, double, triple, or a homerun!**

Words to describe this group of books: Adventure, Playful, Magical, Imagination

Not every bunny book is about Easter, a few examples of this include: Pat The Bunny (Dorothy Kunhardt), The Velveteen Rabbit (Margery Williams), The Tale of Peter Rabbit (Beatrix Potter). At the same time, not all Easter books are about bunnies, such as the Little Critter, Llama Llama, and Berenstain Bears Easter books.

Our focus for this book review was to read books that were either 1. purely about Easter (e.g. The Country Bunny) or 2. in a book series that we have not read before (e.g. Pete the Cat). We hope you’ll enjoy these books as much as we did!

The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes by DuBose Heyward (Originally Published 1939)

Koufax’s Score: 4 Baseballs (Homerun) **TOP PICK**

Certainly the oldest Easter book on our list in terms of publication, this story is focused on a female Cottontail who wishes nothing more than to be one of the five Easter bunnies. There is an underlying theme of feminism that is alluded to as the main character faces male bunnies that aim to detour the female Cottontail’s fulfillment of her dream. With a little help from her 21 children, Grandfather Bunny, and a pair of gold shoes, the Little Cottontail Mother tackles the task of being the fifth Easter Bunny. This imaginative tale has substance and staying power, as it has been in-print since 1939. This book is one of our top picks for an Easter story!

The Story of the Easter Bunny by Katherine Tegen (Originally Published 2005)

Koufax’s Score: 4 Baseballs (Homerun)

You will find this book has a soft narrative structure, form, and writing style, which is important because it attempts to reach a vast audience of children, all of whom want to know more about the Easter Bunny. This heavily illustrated book pays particular attention to background imagery with playful characters. The interesting part is that it tells how the Easter Bunny learned his tricks of the trade, such as where he lives and what he does (e.g. weaving straw Easter baskets, painting eggs, making chocolate eggs). This a nice introductory book for kids wanting to believe in the magic of Easter since it covers the traditions of the holiday. A few more details would push this book over the edge, nevertheless, we rate it as a home run because the story captures the spirit of Easter along with wonderful illustrations.

Pete the Cat: Big Easter Adventure by Kimberly and James Dean (Originally Published 2014)

Koufax’s Score: 4 Baseballs (Homerun)

“Pete the Cat” is a series of books, over 40 by now, drawn by illustrator James Dean. Pete’s demeanor, based on his lack of smile and piercing eyes, is a reserved and sullen cat, though he has enough spunk and spirit to at least go along with any plan. He’s exactly what you would think most animals are like when their owners decide to play dress up, they’re not amused. But with a small request, Pete the Cat sets out to help the Easter Bunny, even if it means he must wear some bunny ears and a nose. Our favorite part about this book, besides Pete at least, is that it has a lesson to be learned, which is best said by Pete, “Helping others out is what Easter is all about.”

Duck and Goose: Here Comes the Easter Bunny by Tad Hills (Originally Published 2012)

Koufax’s Score: 3 Baseballs (Triple)

Looking for a board book with a playful story that takes an indirect approach to Easter? Then this is a fun selection! Duck and Goose are hatching a plan to see the Easter Bunny and they have some interesting ideas on where to hide. This is a short read for young children (up to 5 years old), as either a bed time story to follow along or as a read aloud. The back and forth conversation between Duck and Goose helps to draw in the reader, particularly if your child is reading the book for themselves. While we were hoping for more mention of the Easter bunny, this cute story is still worthy of a triple score for us.

How to Catch the Easter Bunny by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton (Originally Published 2017)

Koufax’s Score: 2 Baseballs (Double)

The Easter Bunny meets the modern age in this rendition of an Easter book. While not a story or a tale, E.B. describes all of the ways people try to catch him in his efforts to make Easter deliveries. On one hand, this book is profusely illustrated with crisp and colorful art work that covers the full page. One the other hand, this is a quirky read, which has the feel of a hip-hop song and has some awkward syllables and rhymes. If you’re looking for a bedtime story, this is probably not for you. However, if you’re looking for a silly book to get a giggle or two from your child, this might be up your alley.