Read With Audra Presents: Jesus Rose For Me by Jared Kennedy

The Reason We Celebrate Easter
Jesus Rose for Me introduces young
children to the true story of Easter

Jelly beans, decorating eggs, new clothes, and going to church as a family. All of these things are synonymous with Easter, right? For little kids, those things are Easter. However, it’s important for them to learn what Easter is really all about. That’s where Jesus Rose for Me: The True Story of Easter (New Growth Press/March 2, 2020) written by Jared Kennedy and illustrated by Trish Mahoney comes in.

Every Easter, we celebrate that Jesus is more powerful than death. But what does that mean for the youngest members of the family?
Jesus Rose for Me helps toddlers and preschoolers understand the true meaning of Easter in a personal, memorable way. Created for children ages three to seven, this beautifully illustrated board book begins with Palm Sunday and ends with Easter, when Jesus rose for us. Children will learn that Jesus is our king, and that everyone who trusts in him is part of his forever family.

“Children need to know that Jesus rose, but more importantly, they need to know that Jesus rose for them,” says Kennedy. “I’m excited about Jesus Rose for Me because I know that the resurrection changed everything. And my prayer is that this resource will help kids to know, understand, and believe it.”

Part of The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible series, this conversational book simply tells the story of the gospel. It includes simple reflection questions to facilitate family discussion. In doing so, Jesus Rose for Me allows parents, grandparents and teachers help kids understand that Jesus died for us and rose from the dead. Through the compelling content and modern, vivid illustrations, children can live in the joy of the greatest truth of all: Jesus is alive! Because he is alive, all can celebrate that every day is resurrection day.

“For parents who want to make sure their children understand Easter as more than pastel–colored eggs, pretty clothes, and pictures with Grandma, this book is for you,” shares Daniel Darling, author and VP of Communications at ERLC. “The most important truth you can pass down to your children is the story of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and Jesus Rose for Me is the creative, beautifully–written, artistically designed resource you need. If Easter changed everything, then this book helps your littlest ones know, understand and believe it.”

While understanding why Christians celebrate Easter is incredibly important, Kennedy does not want parents to think they have to put all the fun and games aside. “Maybe the most important thing you can do is to show your kids the impact of the resurrection by giving them your time, presence, love, and joy. Hide and hunt those eggs a third and fourth time. Enjoy a chocolate bunny! And let your kids hear you sing with joy in your heart because your Savior lives!”

Jesus Rose for Me
by Jared Kennedy, Illustrated by Trish Mahoney
March 2, 2020 / Board book / Retail Price: $11.99
Print ISBN 978-1-645070-45-0
Religion / Christian Ministry/ Children

About The Author

Jared Kennedy, MDiv, ThM, is the co-founder and managing editor of Gospel-Centered Family, a ministry that helps churches and families share Jesus with the next generation. He also serves as the Children’s and Family Ministry Strategist for the Sojourn Network, and is an adjunct professor at Boyce College.

He is the author of The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible, Are You Close to God?, Jesus Rose for Me, Jesus Came for Me (available October 2020), and God Made Me for Worship (available October 2020). He has also helped to develop two VBS programs, Proof Pirates and Clap Your Hands, Stomp Your Feet.

He blogs regularly at Gospel-Centered Family and contributes to The Gospel Coalition, ERLC and He Reads Truth.

He and his wife, Megan, have three daughters.

Read more from Jared Kennedy at gospelcenteredfamily.com. He can also be found on Twitter (@jaredskennedy).

About the illustrator:

Trish Mahoney is a graphic designer and illustrator in Seattle where she runs The Mahoney Studio with her husband, Patrick, also a designer and illustrator. They have two children—both budding artists too. Trish illustrated The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible and is also the illustrator for the God Made Me series.

Endorsements

“The crucifixion and resurrection are the central events of the entire Christian faith. And yet, few books for the youngest of our children have focused on the meaning of the cross and the empty tomb. This exploration of the resurrection is thoroughly biblical yet written in a way that even a preschooler can understand—and parents who read this book to their children are likely to find their own faith strengthened as well.”
~ Timothy Paul Jones, Ph.D., Professor of Christian Apologetics, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Too many gospel presentations leave Jesus hanging on the cross. But a dead Savior is no Savior at all. In Jesus Rose for Me, Jared Kennedy completes the story. Read this radiant book to a young child, and introduce them to the living King who loves them.”
~ Matt Smethurst, Managing editor, The Gospel Coalition; author of Before You Open Your Bible: Nine Heart Postures for Approaching God’s Word

My Review

 

This hard covered book is great for little hands, and sturdily made for them to carry around.
This book is timely as we are in the Lent season at this point, and I was looking for something to share with my little niece, and have her continue to grow in the Christian faith. The book has brightly colored pictures showing Jesus and his last week here on Earth.
Several of the pages also have scripture references for referral of the adult reading this too and encouraging the little one, while helping you answer their questions, and help focus on the real meaning of this Christian Holiday, beyond the baskets, eggs and rabbit.

I received this book through Read With Audra, and was not required to give a positive review.