"For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

At the very heart of the Gospel lies good news of “first importance”: Not even the grave could hold Our Lord. Death has been defeated!

Here are some books to help little ones learn the basics of the Easter story, plus some suggestions to help older kids to consider the impact of Christ’s resurrection on their lives and on their world.

The good news abounds in these seasonal celebrations of our faith. Their pages proclaim, in warm and winning ways, that Jesus Christ is risen today. Alleluia!

My Day with Jesus

written by Alice Joyce Davidson

illustrated by David Austin Clar

Zonderkidz, 2005

16 pages, $3.99

To order: zonderkidz.com

“Hee-haw, hee-haw, I’m happy as can be. Jesus needs a donkey and his friends have chosen me.” The story of Palm Sunday unfolds with these words, told from the perspective of the donkey who would serve as a throne for the Lord. The rhythmic text, joyful pictures and sturdy boardbook pages will help even the very young to grasp the importance of Palm Sunday and to enter into the joy of the day.

Ages toddler to 4.

Rechenka’s Eggs

by Patricia Polacco

Putnam, 1996

32 pages, $7.99

Available in bookstores

Babushka, famed throughout all of Moscow for her painted Easter eggs, finds a wounded goose. While the little goose — dubbed Rechenka — is healing in Babushka’s home, she accidentally knocks over a basket of the decorated eggs that her new friend had so lovingly painted. These were the eggs the old lady had planned to enter in the Easter Festival. For the next 12 mornings, Babushka discovers a small miracle: Rachenka has laid a special, decorated egg. Soon Babushka has enough painted eggs to take to the Easter Festival. After winning first prize, she returns home to find one last, very special egg. Russian folk dress, Ukrainian Easter eggs and icons decorating the house of Babushka enrich a tale well told.

Ages 4 to 9.

The First Easter: The Story of Why We Celebrate Easter

by Carol Heyer

Ideals Children’s Books, 2002

32 pages, $14.95

Available in bookstores

Baby animals, candy and colored eggs point to a special time — a time “we think about Jesus and all that he did for us.” This retelling of the story of the last week of Jesus’ life and the first Easter day is accompanied by close-up illustrations. The common thread: hands. Hands of women waving palms. Hands of Jesus as he breaks the bread. Hands, newly washed, of Pontius Pilate. Hands of a soldier as he shields his eyes after the crucifixion. And, ultimately, the pierced hands of the risen Christ blessing Mary Magdalene. Hands down, this is a good choice for this holy season.

Ages 4 to 9.

The Easter Story

written by Patricia A. Pingry

illustrated by Mary Ann Utt

Ideals, 2006

32 pages, $3.95

Available in bookstores

The story of the Resurrection is told with love and simplicity in this inviting picture book. The author includes just enough background about Jesus’ life and ministry to provide a context for young readers’ understanding. Bright, engaging pictures bring the action to life.

Ages 3 to 8.

The Easter Story

retold by Allia Zobel-Nolan

illustrated by Trace Moroney

Reader’s Digest

Children’s Books, 2003

24 pages, $3.50

Available bookstores

This simple re-casting of Mark, chapters 11-16, invites kids to follow Jesus from his entry into Jerusalem to his death and resurrection. Children will join in the excitement when the friends of Jesus look into the tomb and shout, “It’s empty!” An angel tells them, “He’s alive again.” “Things to Know about Easter,” which follows the story, connects the new life of spring — blooming flowers, new grass, baby animals — with our new life in Jesus.

Ages 3 to 8.

The Jesus Garden: An Easter Legend

written by Antoinette Bosco

illustrated by Patricia R. Maggozzi

Pauline, 2004

40 pages, $14.95

Available in bookstores

How did the robin get its red breast? Why is the Easter lily so white and pure? Why do morning glories hide their beauty in the afternoon? This beautiful book mingles old legends with the traditional Bible story to answer these questions against the backdrop of Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection. Readers will be transported to the Jesus Garden, a special haven in which every creature loves Jesus, aches along with his suffering, and then receives a new kiss of life with his resurrection. Children will view  both the Easter story and the beauty of God’s creative gift of nature in a new way after reading this book.

Ages 8 to 10.

He Is Risen Indeed!

text from The Holy Bible,

English Standard Version

paintings by David Erickson

Concordia, 2006

24 pages, $12.99

Available in bookstores

With words taken directly from Scripture, this book recounts the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Each passage is accompanied by a realistic and richly detailed oil painting. These captivating images will help readers young and old to garner a new depth of understanding about the Easter story.

Ages 8 and up.

At Jerusalem’s Gate: Poems of Easter

written by Nikki Grimes

illustrated by David Frampton

Eerdmans, 2005

48 pages, $20

Available in bookstores

In her introduction, noted poet Nikki Grimes states that the Easter story both begs questions and provides answers. In the 23 poems that follow, she weaves these questions and answers together, while providing an overview of the Easter journey from Palm Sunday to the Resurrection and beyond. Each poem is illustrated with an original woodcut that brings the poems — and events of the Easter story — to life. While adolescents will enjoy this book, adults will find this beautifully detailed collection to be equally helpful in prayer and contemplation.

Ages 10 and up.

Kerry Crawford writes

from Pittsburgh.

Patricia A. Crawford writes from Winter Park, Florida.