The First Easter

The First Easter, illustrated by Jess Racklyeft (Penguin Random House Australia 2026) HB RRP $ 24.99 ISBN 9781761352430

Reviewed by Sylvia Forbes

We have Easter egg hunts and

make special food and get together with family and friends.

But do you know why?

The First Easter tells the story of how Easter began. It is simply told, with pared-back text, making it easy for children to learn about and appreciate why we celebrate Easter.

It tells how Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, bringing messages of peace, and how some people didn't like what he was saying and wanted to hurt him ...

When they came for Jesus, his friends wanted to protect him, but they were too scared ... and Jesus died

We call this day Good Friday, but why is it good if something so terrible happened?

Here, the story steers its young audience away from anything darkly descriptive or grim (as illustrated by a simple wooden cross) and instead focuses on hope and a happy ending.

Jess Racklyeft's endearing and delightfully detailed illustrations are perfectly suited to a young audience. She has selected a gorgeous colour palette — warm tones that almost look sun-faded, reminiscent of a time long ago, and fresh spring tones — representing new life after the depths of winter.

Today, perhaps most typically, we celebrate Easter by sharing a meal together with the people we love. We eat hot cross buns and have Easter egg hunts. The illustrations of the outdoor table setting exemplify this beautifully — first seen with everyone arriving, then again with everyone seated. A table surrounded by the happy faces of friends and family — where there's even a chair for the cat!

(The children with bunny ears sharing baskets of Easter eggs are adorable.)

The First Easter is a gentle story which has been lifted to a light, positive place with clean, uncomplicated wording and appealing illustrations — making it suitable for all children and their families regardless of their beliefs. Even families where religion has little to no influence on their daily lives will resonate with the story's essence. Because no matter how we celebrate Easter, which foods we eat, or which traditions we follow, Easter reminds us all that beyond its religious and historical origins, it carries a universal message — that there is always love, new life and hope, even in the most difficult times.

Suitable for children aged around 3-7 years.