Christian Easter books to help young children learn about Jesus
The Easter story is the most pivotal one in the entire Bible, yet teaching it to preschoolers can be challenging. The story includes some difficult themes to cover with little ones, and it can be hard to know how much to share and how to explain it in a way they understand.
Picture books are a great way to help bring the Easter story of Jesus to life for this age group, especially when they include lovely illustrations that help little ones stay engaged. Whether you are looking for the best Easter books for preschoolers to fill an Easter basket, one to read with your own children or one to use in a church setting, these three Berenstain Bears books are a great fit.
Why Easter books matter
Personally, I’m a huge fan of reading to kids. It’s one of the best ways to build vocabulary, strengthen your relationship and introduce new concepts in a way that feels natural and engaging.
Because the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection is intense, using books with colorful illustrations and simple text helps young children begin to understand the true meaning of Easter in a way that isn’t overwhelming.
In the lives of my own children and the kids I work with at church (where my teen daughter and I help create curriculum), I’ve found Bible story books engage children in learning in ways they’re much more likely to remember.
The story of Easter is too important to skip over or water down completely. With the right children’s books, we can share it in a way that is both truthful and appropriate for young kids to learn the holiday is about so much more than the Easter Bunny and an Easter egg hunt.
I received copies of three Easter and Bible related Berenstain Bears books at no charge in exchange for providing book reviews and social media posts. All opinions, however, are completely my own and not influenced by the free copies.
How we’re using these books in our church preschool class
My daughter and I create the curriculum for all K through 5 classes at our church, and she also teaches the preschool class during one service. She has always had a heart for young children, especially preschoolers, so she is constantly on the lookout for resources that will work well in a Sunday School setting.
Recently, she was out shopping with her brother and picked up a new book, The Berenstain Bears: The Very First Easter by Jan and Mike Berenstain. She thought it would be a great fit for her class, especially since the Berenstain Bears books are some of our family’s favorite books.
That same day, I opened the mail to find that exact book along with two other Berenstain Bears titles for review. It felt like one of those little God moments where everything just lined up.
After looking through all three together, we quickly agreed that The Very First Easter is the perfect book to read to the preschool class on Easter Sunday. It became part of our curriculum—and one of our favorite Easter books—just like that.
(Don’t miss these simple DIY resurrection eggs and Easter object lessons for young children that pair well with these Easter books.)
Book #1: The Berenstain Bears: The Very First Easter
This book tells the Easter story in a clear and straightforward way that works really well for preschoolers. It begins with following our animal friends, the Bear family, on the night before Easter. Papa Bear is reading a story to the cubs, and then the book transitions into the story itself.
From there, The Berenstain Bears: The Very First Easter walks through the events starting with Palm Sunday and continues all the way through Jesus’ resurrection. The flow of the story feels natural and easy to follow, which is especially important for younger kids who are hearing these events for the first time.
What I appreciate most about this book is that it doesn’t shy away from the truth of what happened, but it presents it in a gentle, age-appropriate way. It keeps the focus on Jesus and why Easter matters without becoming overwhelming.
Out of all three books, this one is my top pick for teaching the Easter story in a church or classroom setting. It stays focused, it’s easy to understand and it clearly points back to the meaning of Easter for young readers.
Book #2: The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story
This book takes a slightly different approach to sharing the Easter story. Instead of reading it as a traditional narrative, this sweet story follows the Bear family watching children perform a play about Jesus at church.
Because of that format, the story includes a broader overview of Jesus’ life along with His death and resurrection. It doesn’t go as in-depth into specific events like the Last Supper, but it still clearly communicates the message of Easter.
This book also includes a page of related stickers, which are always a hit with kids.
The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story is a great option if you are looking for something that connects the Easter story to a church setting, since kids can see other children learning and participating as well. It reinforces that Easter time is about more than traditions like candy and Easter egg hunts and instead points back to Jesus and salvation.
Book #3: The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible Search and Find
This book is quite different from the other two, but in a really fun and engaging way. It’s a large, sturdy board book that includes a variety of Bible stories from both the Old and New Testaments.
As kids flip through the pages, they can search for different items hidden within each scene. It turns the book into more of a feel book experience for kids, because they aren’t just listening—they’re interacting with every page.
This interactive element makes it especially appealing for toddlers and preschoolers who may have a harder time sitting still for a traditional story.
In addition to familiar stories like creation, Noah’s ark and Daniel in the lions’ den, The Berenstain Bears Storybook Bible Search and Find also includes parts of the Easter story, such as the Last Supper and the events leading up to the resurrection.
I really like this one as a supplement to the Easter story because it helps kids engage with Scripture in a hands-on way. It’s not just something they listen to—they’re actively involved in it.
Which Easter book is best for preschoolers?
All three of these books are great resources, but they each serve a slightly different purpose.
If you are looking for a clear and focused retelling of the Easter story, The Very First Easter is definitely my top recommendation. It works especially well for church settings, family reading time or anytime you want to walk through the story from beginning to end.
If you want something that connects the story to a church environment, The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story is a good choice.
And if you are looking for something interactive that keeps little hands busy while still pointing them back to Bible stories, the Search and Find book is a fun option to add in.
A meaningful Easter basket idea for kids
If you are putting together Easter baskets this year, these books are a great way to include something meaningful alongside the fun items on Easter morning.
It’s easy for Easter holiday season to become all about jelly beans, chocolate bunnies and Easter eggs, but adding in a Christ-centered book with a heartwarming story helps keep the focus where it belongs. These would also be great to read together throughout the Easter season as you prepare your child’s heart for what the day truly represents.
Plus, books are great basket stuffers to add to your book collection without adding more sugary candy.
(Check out also these great Easter basket ideas for tween boys and 200 Easter basket ideas that aren’t candy.)
Where to find these Easter books
You can find all three of these Berenstain Bears Easter books here:
Final thoughts
Teaching young children about Easter doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools, we can share the story of Jesus in a way that is both meaningful and understandable for them.
These books are a simple way to start those conversations and help little ones begin to grasp the incredible truth of what Jesus has done for us.
