Based on author Esau McCaulley’s recently published God’s Colorful Kingdom Storybook Bible, this picture book relates the story of the first Easter from the perspective of Simon of Cyrene.
In his introduction to Simon and Jesus, McCaulley invites children to think about their perceptions of heroes: “When we imagine heroes today, we think of swords and punches. Aren’t heroes supposed to fight?” McCaulley assures children that his book will introduce them to two heroes, neither of whom “shot laser beams from his fingertips or swung a sword at dragons.”
Simon, who had traveled from North Africa to Jerusalem to participate in the Passover Feast, “played a small role in God’s greatest miracle ever.” When a Roman soldier enlisted him to carry the cross for Jesus, Simon willingly agreed and must have thought, “There is something about this man. He is no common criminal.”
McCaulley relates in clear and simple terms the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, death, resurrection, and subsequent 40 days of teaching and ministering before he ascended into heaven. McCaulley spells out God’s intentions for the world: “God loves the whole world and wants everyone to know what Jesus, our Hero, has done. God wants all people to belong to his colorful kingdom.”
God’s Colorful Easter is unique among many Easter picture books because it relates Jesus’ work beyond his resurrection, relating how “God always wanted a beautifully diverse family gathered around the cross. Simon was just one part of God’s colorful Kingdom.”
Illustrator Rogerio Coelho’s spirited, emotive artwork captures the joy of Easter and the wonder of God’s colorful Kingdom and brings McCaulley’s narrative to life. (Tyndale Kids)
About the Author
Sonya VanderVeen Feddema is a freelance writer and a member of Covenant CRC in St. Catharines, Ontario.