A religious Easter book for children ages 4 to 7 that roots cultural practices in faith and introduces Simon of Cyrene.

About this Book:

Legend tells us that Simon of Cyrene, the man who helped Jesus carry his cross up to Calvary, was an egg merchant. Passing by on his way to market, Simon is stopped by Roman soldiers and ordered to help Jesus carry his cross to Calvary. Three days later, Simon rejoices when he sees that not only has Jesus risen from the dead but his eggs have been transformed into a colorful new gift from Jesus-the first Easter eggs! For children ages 4 to 7.

Features & Benefits:

• Gives children ages 4 to 7 a glimpse of Jesus on his way to Calvary
  
• Links the history and culture of Jesus' time to the tradition of coloring Easter eggs
  
• Shows how a single encounter with Jesus can change lives
  
• Takes Simon's story into Easter Sunday
  

Terri DeGezelle has published more than 60 children's nonfiction titles as well as 100 magazine articles and several photos in national publications. She is a presenter at young writers' and young artists' conferences around the Upper Midwest. She enjoys sharing her skills during school visits and inspires students to follow their dreams while being the best they can be. Terri's passions include attending daily Mass, praying the Rosary, reading, writing, spending time with her adult children, playing with her grandchildren, and photographing the world around her.

About the Illustrator:

Gabhor Utomo was born in Indonesia and moved to California to pursue his passion for art. Gabhor has worked as a freelance illustrator on a number of children's books. His works have won numerous awards from local and national art organizations. Gabhor now lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife Dina and their twin girls. To see more of his beautiful illustrations, visit gabhorutomo.com.

What Are People Saying about this Title?

This book expounds on his minor role by re-creating what Simon might have been thinking and feeling during Jesus' Passion. Many people don't think of Simon as someone who willingly helped Jesus and who also quickly disappeared after the fact. Instead, we get a picture of a man who was changed by his brief encounter with Jesus. This is an excellent book and one you should pick up for your child and put in their Easter basket.
-Stuart Dunn, Stuart's Study blog

Simon of Cyrene and the Legend of the Easter Egg by Terri DeGezelle is a clever retelling of an old German legend.
- Barb Szyszkiewicz, OFS, CatholicMom.com Blogger

Told with a lively narrative and brightly colored, satisfying illustrations, this is a good story to choose for read-alouds, opening up an opportunity to discuss the many aspects of the Easter story.
-Bookology Children's Literature Magazine

Product Details:

Binding: Hardcover
Trim size: 6¼ x 7½ inches
Pages: 40

Keywords: Stations of the Cross, colored eggs, Easter story, Easter Sunday, fifth station, Easter legends, cross, why do we color eggs, dyed eggs, Good Friday, German legend, resurrection, Jesus, Simon helps Jesus, ages 4 to 7, primary, soldiers