Once Upon a Book ~ Easter Bunny Are You for Real?

 

Easter Bunny, Are You For Real? 

by Harold Myra

Summary: Follow along as the children are able to see beyond the commercialism of Easter as they learn of its true meaning! This is a great book to use to explain the true Easter story and how many of the celebrations of spring have been tied together with it. The story encourages both the celebration of Christ rising from the dead as well as the the celebration of spring!

Bible Verse

He is not here. He has risen, just as He said.  Matthew 28:6a

Craft

Make a picture showing Jesus’ empty tomb! Draw two half circles (one small and one large) for the tomb. Draw a circle for the stone that was rolled away. Let your little one cut out the pieces. Glue to tomb onto construction paper and attach the stone with a brad.

Food

Make Resurrection rolls to represent how Jesus rose from the dead.

Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough

• 8 large marshmallows

• Melted butter

• Cinnamon

• Sugar

Directions:

1.  Dip one marshmallow (which represents the body of Christ) in the butter.

2. Roll the buttered marshmallow in the cinnamon and sugar mixture (which represent the oils and spices that were used to anoint Jesus’ body upon burial.)

3. Lay the marshmallow on one of the triangle shaped sections of crescent roll (which represents the tomb) and wrap it around the marshmallow.

4.  Make sure all seams are pinched together well. (Otherwise the marshmallow will "ooze" out of the seams)

5.  Bake according to package directions.

6.  Cool.

7.  Break open the tomb and the body of Christ is no longer there!!

8. Celebrate!!! Jesus is risen!!!

Resurrection Eggs

Make Resurrection eggs to help your child remember the Resurrection story.  You can use this Resurrection Eggs Printable from Christian Preschool Printables.

Another option is to purchase pre-made and pre-filled Resurrection Eggs.

Songs & Fingerplays

Here are some fun songs to sing with your little one!

Jesus Died For You and Me

(Tune: London Bridge)

Jesus died for you and me. You and me. You and me.

Jesus died for you and me. He loves you and me!

Jesus rose up from the grave. From the grave. From the grave.

Jesus rose up from the grave. He loves you and me!

from Hubbards Cupboard

Jesus Saved Me
(Tune: Jesus Loves Me)

Jesus saved me, this I know.

For the Bible tells me so.

Nailed to the cross for my own sins,

died, and buried, and raised again!

Yes, Jesus saved me!

Yes, Jesus saved me.

Yes, Jesus saved me.

He saved me from my sins.

from Hubbards Cupboard

Easter Cheer

(Tune: B I N G O)  

Though Jesus died, let's not be sad

(Make a sad face.)

On the cross for all to see

(Make cross with fingers)

The thunder clapped

(Clap hands & stomp feet)

The earth, it shook

(Shake Body)

When Jesus died, our sins he took

(Cross arms on chest and slowly raise them upward)

Then Jesus rose on the third day (hold up three fingers)

Walked from the tomb in which he lay

(put head on hands like sleeping)

The angels sang in heaven above

(cup hands over mouth like shouting)

For Jesus Christ's great gift of love (put hands on heart)

from Everything Preschool

Easter Basket

On Resurrection Sunday give your little one an Easter basket with a Christian theme. Here are some ideas of what to put in your basket. Be sure to explain the meaning of each item to your little one!

A Lamb: This represents the Lamb of God who came to take away our sin.

Rock candy: This represents the stone that was rolled away.

Chocolate coins: This reminds us of the 30 pieces of silver.

Jelly Beans: Attach the jelly bean poem as a cute illustration of our risen Savior! The poem and instructions are found here.

An empty plastic egg: This is a reminder of the empty tomb. Write "He is Risen" on the outside of the egg. Story books: Choose books that represent the true story of Easter. Here are some great choices:

 

Want to see what's coming next (and books we've done in the past)? Click here to see our Once Upon a Book webpage!