15 Jesus-Centered Easter Books for Kids
If you’re looking for Christian Easter books for kids that clearly explain the Gospel, help your children understand Jesus’ death and resurrection, and keep their attention (even the wiggly ones), this list will help.
These books range from toddler-friendly board books to theologically rich family devotionals you’ll use for years. Whether you’re preparing your heart during Lent or looking for an Easter story for children to read on Easter morning, you’ll find something here for every age.
And I love books and reading books with my kids so this couldn’t be a short list! Don’t feel pressured to get these all at once–just add 1-2 every year and your collection will expand quickly!
Easter Books for Toddlers and Preschoolers
The Easter Story
A simple, gentle retelling of the key Christian events leading up to Easter.
It explains Jesus’ death and resurrection clearly without being frightening for young children. This is a great first introduction to the Gospel story.
Best for: Ages 2–5
Why parents love it: Faithful to Scripture but presented in soft, understandable language.
Good News! It’s Easter
Perfect for busy toddlers. With recognizable animals and engaging rhymes, this book emphasizes the joy and celebration of Easter.
Best for: Toddlers
Why parents love it: Short, rhythmic, and engaging for little attention spans.
Easter Is Coming
We love this padded board book for telling the traditional Easter story. The beautiful artwork and repeating phrases help even very young children remember what they’ve learned.
Best for: Babies–Preschool
Why parents love it: Durable, memorable, and easy to reread every year. Still a favorite of our big kids!
Rich Easter Storybooks for Elementary Kids
The Jesus Storybook Bible
I cannot recommend this enough. Beautifully written, visually engaging, age-appropriate, and spiritually rich. It weaves the entire Bible together, showing how every story whispers the name of Jesus. I read this to my oldest in the womb and we reread it every couple of years as a family. So good.
It may be a bit long for little-littles, but elementary-aged kids will love it — and you’ll likely read it for years–just like us!
Best for: Ages 4+
Why parents love it: Deep theology without feeling heavy.
The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross: The True Story of Why Jesus Died and Rose Again
A beautiful and theologically rich explanation of why Jesus had to die and what His resurrection means. It connects the entire story of Scripture in a way children can grasp.
Best for: Ages 4–10
Why parents love it: Clear Gospel presentation that ties the Bible together.
The Friend Who Forgives: A True Story About How Peter Failed and Jesus Forgave
This is my kids’ favorite from the Tales That Tell the Truth series. It shares about the night Jesus was betrayed — but doesn’t stop there. It highlights Jesus’ love, forgiveness, and restoration of Peter. I love the focus on Jesus and Peter’s friendship!
Best for: Ages 4–10
Why parents love it: Teaches grace and restoration in a way kids understand.
The Donkey Who Carried the King
This book offers a unique perspective on Passion Week through the eyes of the donkey Jesus rode into Jerusalem. It gently invites children to follow the Suffering Servant.
I haven’t read this one yet, but it’s high on my list to add to our Easter bookshelf.
Best for: Ages 4–8
Why parents love it: Creative storytelling centered on Christ.
The Tale of Three Trees
We read this every Easter in my childhood, and it still brings tears to my eyes. A beautiful allegory that connects longing, sacrifice, and God’s bigger story.
Best for: Elementary ages
Why parents love it: Nostalgic, meaningful, and deeply moving.
The Legend of the Easter Egg
This sweet story helps bridge the gap between Easter traditions and the story of Jesus. It’s a little long for wiggly toddlers but wonderful for older kids.
Best for: Ages 6+
Why parents love it: Connects cultural traditions to Gospel truth.
Unwrapping the Story of Jesus for Kids
The captivating story of how the mother encountered Jesus—and His beautiful names— as a little girl. Love the focus on Jesus as a real person who meets our real needs. A great retelling of His life and sacrifice for us.
Best for: Ages 4-12
Why parents love it: Emphasis on Jesus’ names and how each one means something to us personally–culminating with Savior! The illustrations are so detailed and gorgeous too!
Goodbye to Goodbyes: A True Story About Jesus, Lazarus, and an Empty Tomb
Another powerful book from the Tales That Tell the Truth series. It connects the story of Lazarus with Jesus’ own death and resurrection.
The illustrations are beautiful, and I especially appreciate the parenting section in the back that gives helpful talking points for discussing hard topics like death and hope.
Best for: Ages 6–12 (some of the content is a little heavy)
Why parents love it: Gentle but honest conversations about death and eternal hope.
Easter Devotionals & Family Bible Studies
If you want to go deeper than a one-night story and truly prepare your heart before Easter as a family, these are wonderful options.
The Wonder of Easter
A Lenten devotional designed for families. It includes questions for various ages, making it easy to apply what you read together.
Best for: Family devotional time
Why parents love it: Practical discussion questions built in.
A Jesus Easter
An interactive Bible study that walks through the Old Testament, Jesus’ death, and the resurrection. There is space for kids to draw or write responses, making it ideal for older children.
Best for: Older elementary kids
Why parents love it: Encourages personal reflection and ownership of faith.
The Action Bible Easter: 25 Stories About Jesus’ Resurrection
Stories are told from the viewpoint of 25 unique “eyewitnesses,” including the colt from Palm Sunday, the olive tree in Gethsemane, and Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb.
The comic-book style illustrations are especially engaging for kids who might not naturally gravitate toward reading. My kids love The Action Bible and I often catch them reading it on their own!
Best for: Ages 7+
Why parents love it: Visually compelling and creative.
The Easter Storybook
A 40-day journey through the life of Jesus — from His birth and ministry to His death, resurrection, and ascension. This makes a meaningful family read during Lent and Holy Week.
Best for: Family read-aloud
Why parents love it: Structured, chronological storytelling.
How to Choose the Right Easter Book for Your Child
When choosing a Christian Easter book for kids, consider:
- Your child’s attention span
- Their emotional sensitivity
- How much theological depth they’re ready for
- Your capacity for a larger conversation (kids love asking questions!)
- Whether you want a one-time read or a devotional format spread out over time
You don’t need to read or buy all of these! We have grown our collection of Easter books slowly, over time. (Just like we did our Christmas collection!) Even one or two intentional reading times leading up to Easter can open beautiful conversations about Jesus’ love, sacrifice, and victory over death.
More resources for intentional faith parenting and Christ-centered family rhythms:
If you’re trying to raise kids who know and love Jesus (without adding more chaos to your plate), these resources will help.
- 30 Jesus-Centered Easter Activities for Families
- Non-Candy Easter Basket Gift Ideas
- 35 Powerful Scriptures to Pray Over Your Children
- Easy Family Devotions for Toddlers and Kids
- Growing Faith Toolkit for Christian Parents
