This darling children’s book, A Royal Easter Story is a story of 5 princesses who are all sisters— Joy, Grace, Faith, Charity and Hope. They were celebrating the start of Spring and all things news as they were also preparing for the annual Easter Jubilee. As the sisters journey to a neighboring kingdom for the jubilee, they encounter several challenges on their way. They show integrity of character and love to their neighbors as they accept a lost little girl, and help bring her to her mother. The takeaway from the story is that we should try to be selfless and serve others first, just like Jesus did for us. 

This book is recommended for ages 4-8. My 5 year old is going to love this book (I’m putting it in her Easter basket), as it is about princesses and has very colorful, fun illustrations. However, I feel like the story is a little bit jumbled up, for lack of a better term. It seems that there are several minor story themes that don’t really all meet up at the end. I felt like the story could have been written a bit more concisely and it wouldn’t have seemed so convoluted. Also, other than the circumstances of the story (traveling for an Easter Jubilee), there is not much about the actual resurrection story within this book. I was a little disappointed in that, as I thought it might actually be about Easter. However, I do like that at the end of the book, there is a wrap-up page that explains the story and how it can be applied in our lives. 

Overall, I think this is a cute book, though not exactly concentrated on Christ’s resurrection as I perhaps thought it was going to be. The illustrations and beautiful and for the simple fact that it is relatable to young girls, I think this would be a good book for anyone in the given age ranges. If you want more information on this book, or to purchase it, you can go here: A Royal Easter Story.

Thanks to BookLook for sending me this book in exchange for my honest opinion. 

John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they might have life and have it abundantly.

1 Peter 1:3 
 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead..

 February 11, 1989

Fast-forward 21 years.  February 11, 2010.  The day my daughter was born.  I do not think it was any coincidence that Whitney was born on this day-- my 21st re-birthday.  For years I've celebrated that as my re-birthday, and from now on, I will also celebrate it as my daughter's birthday.  How can anyone see this situation and not see God's incredible goodness in all of this?  Of the 365 days my daughter could be born, God allowed her to be born on the anniversary of the day I gave my life to him.  And my mom and sister were also able to be with me!  A reminder that in every situation, no matter what the circumstance, God is still with me.  And I have promised to give him all the glory in every situation.  So you see, that's why Easter is so much more than just bunnies and eggs to me.  Easter is life!  And praise!  And HOPE!

February 11, 2010

Romans 6:8-11 
Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 28:1-10
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."