I was all set to leave Easter behind after last week’s Read Aloud Thursday post, but I just couldn’t end the week without sharing one more Easter book. This one is actually one I mentioned in last year’s Easter post, but last year the girls were just a little too young for it. This year, though, it has been perfect for us!
Benjamin’s Box: The Story of the Resurrection Eggs has replaced our usual Bible story this week, and the girls have loved it! Benjamin’s Box is the fictional story of a little boy named Benjamin who lived in Palestine when Jesus was on earth. His grandfather gave him a treasure box in which to keep valuable objects, and Benjamin becomes an observer of Jesus’ Passion and a collector of artifacts that help us remember the significant events leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection. It just so happens that most of the objects Benjamin places within his box are the same as the items inside Resurrection Eggs, so it works out nicely. The story is episodic, so it’s perfect for shorter attention spans and/or pairing each episode with an activity. I’ve been hiding the appropriate eggs in our living room or den, reading the excerpt from Benjamin’s Box, reading the corresponding Bible passage (which is noted in the story), and then letting the girls find and open the eggs. After the first day, I’ve also hidden the eggs we’ve already opened so that we can review the events we’ve already read about and discussed. This has been a perfect read-aloud for us this week. They love taking the objects out of the eggs, and they can retell accurately what happened to Jesus in the last week of His earthly life. Of course, we’ve read a few other Easter books, as well. This one is the best one by far, though. I want my children to really grasp the Easter story, and I think this almost makes it as tangible as it can be for them. Yesterday’s focus on the physical suffering of Jesus put our week’s memory verse into perspective for all of us. We’re memorizing John 15:13 as a part of our church’s Bible quiz ministry, which Lulu will officially be a part of next year.

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

The reality of the crown of thorns, the scourging, etc., really seemed to strike the girls (Lulu especially). Benjamin’s Box is not graphic in terms of illustrations or words, but it leaves plenty of room for parental explanation. Plus, the pairing the book with the eggs makes it a lot of fun!

Benjamin’s Box and the Resurrection Eggs have been a big hit at the House of Hope this week!

Has your family been enjoying anything special for Easter this week? Or have you discovered a new picture book that you’ve all fallen in love with? Please share it with us by linking your blog post below, or you may simply leave a comment.

Have a beautiful Read Aloud Thursday and a blessed Easter!