The Light of the World: The Life of Jesus for Children

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A few years ago, I picked up a video call from my niece. With the charming social graces of a four-year-old, she said my name and then launched into her questions. Why was Easter important? What was it about? Why did Jesus rise from the dead? I stumbled my way through what I hoped was a good enough answer. I am grateful (and always slightly nervous) for opportunities to share my faith and our sacred stories with children. I am also grateful for picture books that speak to these questions with words and illustration. We need many voices.

Photo of "The Light of the World" by Katherine Paterson

“The Light of the World: The Life of Jesus for Children” by Katherine Paterson and Francois Roca is one such book. It invites the reader (and listener) into Jesus’ sacred story in a way that encourages wonder about the questions my niece asked. As Easter Sunday approaches and we celebrate all of Jesus’ story, I encourage you to share this story with the young ones in your life in your own words and, if you’d like, the words of others.

“The Light of the World: The Life of Jesus for Children” is written by Katherin Paterson and illustrated by Francois Roca. Published by Arthur A. Levine Books in 2008.