Every Easter, we celebrate that Jesus is more powerful than death. But what does that mean for your little one? Jesus Rose for Me by author Jared Kennedy helps toddlers and preschoolers understand the true meaning of Easter in a personal, memorable way.
This board book is a part of The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible series. For children ages three to five, this beautifully illustrated 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.
Help your kids understand that Jesus died for us and rose from the dead. Because of the compelling content and modern, vivid illustrations, children will live in the joy of the greatest truth of all: Jesus is alive!
This conversational book simply tells the story of the gospel and invites children to respond. Jesus Rose for Me helps toddlers and preschoolers celebrate that every day is resurrection day.
AUTHOR
Jared Kennedy, MDiv, ThM, is the cofounder 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 Harbor 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, and God Made Me for Worship, and has developed two VBS programs, Proof Pirates and Clap Your Hands, Stomp Your Feet. He blogs regularly at Gospel-Centered Family and contributes to @TGC, @ERLC, and @HeReadsTruth. You can follow him on Twitter @jaredskennedy. He and his wife, Megan, have three girls, Rachael, Lucy, and Elisabeth.
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 is the illustrator for the God Made Me series and The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible.
“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
“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. 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.”
Daniel Darling, VP of Communications, ERLC; author of several books, including The Dignity Revolution and The Characters of Christmas
“What a wonderful re–telling of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus! The narrative is shaped around the kinds of details that children notice and enjoy, like donkeys and friends and songs. Insightful questions bring us into the story, making the good news of Easter personal to all who read this delightful book.”
Will Walker, Pastor at Providence Austin, M.A. Covenant Theological Seminary
“Jesus Rose for Me by Jared Kennedy is the perfect Easter storybook for young children. The captivating illustrations, clear invitation to hear the truth of the gospel story, and engaging questions open the eyes of wonder in young children.”
Deborah Harrell, Overseas Educational Advisor, Serge; author of What’s Up? Elementary; coauthor of What’s Up? Discovering the Gospel, Jesus, and Who You REALLY Are and Gospel–Centered Parent.
“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
“Can I say it? Most Christian children books are more about what we do for Jesus than what he has done for us. Jesus Rose for Me is not that. Kennedy has written a fun, engaging book for children that introduces them to the beautiful realities that Jesus rose from the dead, and he did it for me! Why keep the gospel from our children? Don’t. Buy this book and begin a lifelong journey of telling the good news to your child.”
Joel Fitzpatrick, Husband, father, pastor, sinner, and saint; author of Between Us Guys: Life-Changing Conversations for Dads & Sons
“This book makes me want to stand up and cheer. The way Jesus Rose for Me leads little hearts and minds into the true story of the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus is a gift to churches, children, and parents alike. As much as it is a children’s book, it is also a solid biblical literacy tool. I defy any adult who reads this book to a child not to learn something themselves.”
Russ Ramsey, pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church Cool Springs, Nashville, TN; author of The Passion of the King of Glory
“Hooray! Jesus Rose for Me is a wonderful little book about the biggest truth of all—God loves his people. The children in your life need to understand this gospel story, and so do you. Parents and children alike will rejoice as they see and come to know the beauty of Easter.”
Jamin Stinziano, Lead Pastor, Summit Church, Fort Meyers, FL
“Jared Kennedy knows that little hearts can hold on to big truths, if we’ll only show them the way. Through his faithful and engaging retelling of the Easter story, Jared has given toddlers and young children just such a gift with Jesus Rose for Me. In this book, families will find eternal, life–changing truths communicated with beautiful clarity.”
Scott James, Author of the Easter family devotional Mission Accomplished, and the illustrated children’s books The Littlest Watchman and Where Is Wisdom?
“Jared has created a vibrant, artistic and gospel–rich retelling of the greatest story ever told. As Bible stories become more and more mythologized in our culture today, Jesus Rose for Me provides children with an Easter narrative anchored in the beauty and accuracy of God’s Word!”
Ronnie Martin, Lead Pastor of Substance Church; author of The Best Gift Ever Given
“In Jesus Rose for Me, Jared Kennedy pours his wealth of experience in family ministry into the pages of a vibrant new Easter book for parents with young children. The writing and the illustrations are both wonderfully simple and beautiful—just like the biblical truth that they so effectively convey. Parents, this needs to be on your gospel–centered bookshelf!”
Joshua Cooley, Children’s minister; author of The Biggest Win, Heroes of the Bible Devotional, and The One Year Devotions with Jesus
“What continues to amaze me about Jared Kennedy is his ability to take deep gospel truths and creatively make them understandable and accessible to the youngest of churchgoers… without losing any of the impact. Trish Mahoney’s art is exceptional and draws young eyes into the story. If your church is serious about helping kids understand their need for the Savior, get this book!”
Pat Aldridge, Community Life Pastor, Redeemer Fellowship, St. Charles, IL
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Our family found Jesus Rose for Me to be a lovely board book perfect to introduce young children to the days between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. The book is divided into four sections which could be treated like chapters so you don't have to read the book all in one sitting with your children. My four-year-old and six-year-old both highly enjoyed this book. Note: I received a copy of this book for free in return for my honest opinion.
This is a sturdy, large board book with colorful illustrations that three to seven-year-olds will love! The story is told so it's easy to understand for children and the Gospel is also explained clearly. I liked that the question was asked if you've ever asked Jesus to forgive you and that there were a few other questions asked that makes the story more personal and that you can ask the child to think about. At the beginning of each story it gives Scripture references so you can look it up if you want to find it in the Bible. I highly recommend this book to help children understand what Easter is all about! I received this book free from New Growth Press. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.
Jesus Rose for Me is the first board book by professor, author, and father, Jared Kennedy. If you are familiar with Jared's previous book, The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible, you will certainly enjoy Jesus Rose for Me. This board book takes young readers through 4 of the stories from The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible. The stories included help little ones develop a Biblical understanding of the Easter story beginning with Jesus's entrance into Jerusalem and ending with His resurrection. I love that the stories are Biblical, brief, and engaging. Each story contains fun and aesthetically pleasing illustrations and ends with a simple question for children to consider. The stories also include multiple Scripture references at their beginnings so it is easy for readers to look them up if they so desire. My favorite aspect of this book is that it presents the gospel message in a manner that is easy for little ones to grasp. Some of the text for the story of Jesus' death states, "On the cross, Jesus showed us how much he loves us. Jesus died on the cross for us even though he had never sinned or done anything wrong. Jesus died because WE do wrong things. Jesus took the punishment for OUR disobedience and sin. Jesus died instead of us. Have you ever asked Jesus to forgive you for your sins? Jesus Rose for Me is an excellent resource for young children and would make a great addition to any Easter basket. I received Jesus Rose for Me compliments of New Growth Press in exchange for my honest review.
This book is a nice large size (8.5″ square), and since it’s a board book, it’s sturdy as well. The illustrations are large and colorful, and take you from Jesus' earthly ministry years to the discovery of the empty tomb by the women on Easter morning. This is a 26-page book; more substantial and “meaty” than most board books. While it bills itself as a book for toddlers and preschoolers, I’d say that the complexity of the text would tax the average toddler. I feel like the conversational level of the book is around kindergarten level, and would be appropriate for early elementary school kids too (who could probably read it themselves). I think this book would make a nice gift for your favorite young child this Easter. It would also be a nice gift to give for a springtime baby shower or new baby gift.
This well-done educational story begins with a quick and clever recap of Jesus’ followers and miracles. The heart of the story follows Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, the Last Supper, including an explanation of communion, and the passion of Christ. It falls short of a full explanation of the resurrection by only describing that the tomb was empty. There’s a lot of information packed into a well-written children’s book. Additional educational features are Bible verse references and questions to the reader that help children relate the story to their own lives. Complex concepts are presented in child-friendly language, such as... Everyone who trusts Jesus is part of His forever family. Jesus Rose for Me is perfect for an Easter gift or for a Christian classroom library. It would make a great tool for explaining the foundation of Christianity to little learners. Our Christian Book Reviews: The book reviews at Finding God Among Us focus on Christian books - adult and children, fiction and nonfiction. We're proud to be included in the Top 50 Christian Book Review Bloggers. I chose to read an ARC from New Growth Press. This review is my honest opinion.
The publications from New Growth Press that I have had access to have always been theologically sound and provide uplifting education through enjoyable reading. Their children's books typically do not cater to the flippant telling of Biblical stories. In Jesus Rose for me the author retells the final week in the Earthly life of Jesus and breaks it out into four "chapters." As a board book, it is directed to the younger child who typically handles books roughly. The text and the length of this book is geared, in my opinion, more to older "young" children. The illustrations are cute with the front and back covers of modern children and the prerequisite lamb and bunny. The interior of the book, though, reflects totally upon the Biblical recount often depicting with darkness facilitated by deep, dense colors expressing the emotional and spiritual portion of the story. So while the book is longer than the typical board book might be, breaking it down into "chapters" and reading each at a different time, facilitates understanding on the young child's level. The vocabulary is fine. The four chapters include: 1. Jesus Rides Into Jerusalem 2. Jesus' Last Supper 3. Jesus Dies For Us 4. Jesus Lives Opportunity is presented for discussion with pertinent questions at the end of each chapter. Not a "study format" simply along the lines of "think about" or "have you.....?". I highly recommend. I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions and insights are mine, alone, and are freely given.
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.
Jesus rose for me, for you and for all of the little children in our lives. This colorful board book would be a great addition to any family’s library. Though made of sturdy thick pages suitable for a baby, there is just the right amount of text to keep toddlers and preschoolers engaged and learning about the life of Jesus. Throughout the pages, the stories of Jesus’s ride into Jerusalem, the Last Supper & the crucifixion are told. This book chronicles the Easter season which of course, ends on the everlasting victory story of the resurrection. Full of beautiful illustrations and informative text Jesus Rose for Me will springboard spiritual conversations and has the scripture notations for further growth. This book would be the perfect addition to an Easter basket or a surprise gift for a child to receive in the mail from an aunt, uncle or grandparent.
With Easter right around the corner, you might be looking for a new book for your toddler or preschooler that shares the true reason we celebrate Easter. Jared Kennedy has written a new book for this age group called Jesus Rose for me. This sturdy boardbook shares the story of Jesus beginning with his ride into Jerusalem, and then proceeds through the stories of the Last Supper, Jesus dying on the Cross and concludes with His resurrection. The book is well written in language that toddlers or preschoolers can understand, and the illustrations are bright and colorful drawing the eyes of little ones. This Easter, pick up Jared's new book to share and enjoy with your toddler or preschooler as you share with them the beautiful message of the gospel! ***I received this complimentary book from New Growth Press. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This board book retells the Easter accounts in simple language for toddlers, and includes Jesus riding into Jerusalem, the last supper, Jesus’s arrest and crucifixion and his resurrection. Kennedy is skilled at turning the biblical accounts into age appropriate yet still accurate stories for children. There is a question at the end of each to consider together, helping kids to see how wonderful Jesus is. The illustrations by Trish Mahoney are eye-catching, and match the accounts well. It is worth noting that they are the same four bible story accounts already in Kennedy’s The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible. It even feels like it has been ripped straight out of a larger bible story, because there is a ‘tag’ every couples of pages naming the story. Owners of that will not want to also get this. However, this smaller version might be a good gift for others, or perhaps an introduction to that book. I suggest getting the full version, as it is excellent (you can see a full review of it here: https://musingsinadelaide.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-beginners-gospel-story-bible.html) I was given an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review.