[.ca] The Easter Story (ISBN 0802851894)

From Amazon.com:
Brian Wildsmith, well-known illustrator of more than 30 picture books (including Brian Wildsmith's ABC, for which he won the venerable Kate Greenaway Medal), has this to say about the traditional Easter legend: "It is the world's greatest story, burning with history, passion, and tragedy." Wildsmith's own passion for the story of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection is unmistakable in his glorious, metallic-gold-hued illustrations, which tell the story more vividly than words ever could. In fact, to his credit, Wildsmith adapts the story of Jesus's last days in as simple and straightforward a manner as possible, allowing young readers to glean the substance from the paintings, symbolism, and, most likely, discussion with grownups who may be reading along. The donkey's-eye-view of the events allows a slightly different perspective from the standard, without being overly intrusive as a literary device. Lush jewel tones capture the richness of the narrative, and mesh in a strangely beautiful way with the simple paintings of Jesus, the angels, Mary Magdalene, and others in the biblical cast of characters. The Easter Story will make a gorgeous addition to any Easter basket. (Ages 5 and older)

beautiful!:
We bought this book because my daughter became very upset at the thought of having to return it to the library! The illustrations are beautiful and the story is an excellent adaptation of the Bibilical story of Easter - beginning with the Triumphal entry and going on to Jesus' ascension.

Simply the BEST version of the Easter story for children.:
I originally checked this book out from the library for my son last Easter. My husband and I were so impressed we bought it this year for him as a gift. The illustrations positively glow. And, the story line is captivating and easy to follow, unlike other children's versions I've read. It's a beautiful book that my two year-old will continue to enjoy for many Easters to come.

Compellingly beautiful:
This is one of the most beautifully illustrated and compelling takes on the Easter story that I've ever seen. Each illustration shimmers with colour and vitality. A joy for children and adults to read. Highly recommended.

Beautiful perspective on the Easter story:
The illustrations in this book are beautiful, and make you think differently about the Easter story. I had never really thought about there being so many people there watching it all happen. It's a beautiful family book, for everyone to gather around and read.

Beautiful depiction of Holy Week:
We use this book in our church school classes, mostly because of the way it depicts the events of Holy Week. The illustrations often take a panoramic perspective, giving the sense of the crowds in Jerusalem during the Passover. The story is told from the point of view of the little donkey that Jesus rode into the city on. This is somewhat distracting but the wonderful illustrations make this much more of a discussion than a read story. There are some illustrations that are not quite true to Jerusalem at the time of Jesus - the trial before Pilot is held in a strange amphitheater setting, but the view of the Last Supper is right on target. The best part about the book is the way the angels (in all their glory) watch over the events. For young children the ideas of the crucifixtion are particularly alarming. Here the sky is filled with angels that remind us that Jesus was never abandon during this horrible time. The scene at the Tomb gives an interesting interpretation of all the gospel versions with angels sitting atop the tombstone, hovering aloft and waiting inside. This book does a wonderful job of supporting discussion and deepening mediation.