2.5 stars, rounded down.

This Easter picture book introduces the events of Holy Week to young children, starting with Jesus's ride into Jerusalem and ending with his resurrection. Glenys Nellist dramatizes the story in her own words, using short sentences and simple paraphrases that kids can understand. Her writing is expressive and full of feeling, and the story flows well. The illustrations from Sophie Allsopp are soft, colorful, and appealing, and her art style clearly conveys the emotions that the people in each part of the story were experiencing.

This book splits the story of Holy Week into seven sections for families to read in the days approaching Easter, and you can also read it straight through. I enjoyed many elements of this book, but unfortunately, I have multiple issues with this retelling of the Easter story. The author includes italicized biblical references, noting the source material for each section, but she heavily paraphrases things and sometimes puts words in Jesus's mouth. Most notably, when she is writing about Jesus washing the disciples' feet, Nellist says that Jesus told the disciples, "Love tells people how special they are. Love makes someone feel wonderful." Although Jesus did teach his disciples about love, that statement is the author's invention, not a quotation from Jesus. It also conveys a fluffy, sweet feeling that doesn't fit with the text's emphasis on humility and self-sacrifice.

I also took issue with some of the "love letters from God." Each section includes a paragraph-length letter that Nellist wrote from God's perspective to the child reading the book. Some of these letters convey straightforward biblical truths, such as God's promise to always be with us. Other letters involve creative license, with the author putting words in God's mouth and imagining God's thoughts and feelings. The author also paraphrases ideas so heavily that she leaves them open to problematic interpretations. For example, one of the love letters from God says that Jesus will "heal us from everything that hurts us." Without more explanation and context, statements like that can create false expectations, leading people to expect immediate, complete, and earthly healing for all of their problems, which the Bible never promises.

Also, nothing in this entire book addresses the reality of sin and the importance of repentance. The book communicates that Jesus is a moral teacher who set an example for us to follow, and it says that he died to show us the way to heaven, but there is no gospel message of repentance and salvation. The author also doesn't really explain why Jesus had to die. In this retelling of the story, soldiers appear out of nowhere to take him away, and there is no explanation of why this is happening, either in the cosmic sense according to prophesies and God's plan or in the earthly sense of the Roman rulers and Jewish religious leaders' reactions to Jesus. Although readers can subconsciously fill in the blanks based on their prior knowledge, at face value, this book feels very incomplete to me.

This book has lovely illustrations, and many families will enjoy its simple, kid-friendly retelling of the Easter story without putting much thought into it. However, even though many aspects of this book are very appealing, there are many other age-appropriate children's books about Easter that accurately, faithfully reflect the biblical narrative and convey a clear message of salvation. Because this book is so oversimplified and takes too much creative license, I cannot personally recommend it, even though I know that many families will enjoy this regardless.

I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

`Easter Love Letters from God` is a hardcover book for children by author Glenys Nellist. There are seven Bible stories centered on Holy Week illustrated by Sophie Allsopp. The stories begin with the ride on a donkey into Jerusalem and end with the Resurrection. Each chapter has a pop-up love letter from God for the reader along with a scripture verse especially written for the reader.

The text is organized into simple sentences and about 3-4 paragraphs per chapter. This organization is satisfactory, without being too long, for the telling of the story. Various literary tools are used throughout the stories. For example, imagery is used when the donkey brought Jesus into Jerusalem. The people were waving palm branches and shouting `Hosanna! Hosanna!` as Jesus passed by. Personification is used in `God's Wonderful Words to You` scripture verses plus the love letter from God is personified to the reader. The first chapter moves the story along by adding, `And so, his last days began...`

This lift-the-flap book cover shows Jesus with a donkey and an envelope `Easter Love Letters from God`, which show the imagery of what the reader will find inside the book. The book would make a great read-aloud for all ages. The primary medium used are colorful drawings. The element that is repeated throughout the book is the illustration of Jesus. This helps the reader understand who the story is about.

The problem that faces the main character, Jesus, is that the people want him crucified. They don't believe he is the Messiah they are looking for. They are looking for a king who would be wearing armor, ride a mighty horse (not a donkey), have an army of strong soldiers and carry gleaming weapons, Jesus had none of these.

I recommend that this book would make a great gift for all ages, especially for Easter.

Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."

Steeped in scripture, Nellist has crafted a book that helps us share the story of Easter in an age-appropriate way. Easter Love Letters from God takes you from the Israelites shouting Hosana as Jesus rides in on a donkey to the super surprise of the resurrection.

My daughter and I sat down and read the book in one sitting. But this collection of seven Bible stories is also perfect to use as part of family devotions. Each story is based on scripture and told in language that even my little 3-year-old could understand. As we walked through the pages, Sarabeth was able to put back into words what I had just read to her.

I think my daughter's favorite part of the story is the letter from God. At the end of each story, Nellist has crafted a letter to be read to your child as though it's from God. Each letter helps your child understand how the story relates to them. Each time my daughter would lift the flap on the letter, and I began with "Dear Sarabeth" she would squeal in delight and say "It's a letter for me?!?"

As the story in the book progresses, the last letter gives your child an opportunity to respond to God in faith. It's a great way to share the gospel story with your child, and then give them a chance to say whether or not they want to live their life for God.

The last page of the book gives your child the space to write their own letter to God. It's a great way to help your child learn how to respond to what God is doing in their life as they learn to relate to the stories in the Bible.

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review is my own, honest opinion.

This book is BEAUTIFUL and all the loveliness I've come to expect from Glenys Nellist. The illustrations are captivating and being able to personalize the letters is wonderful. I also love having a different letter and story to read every day leading up to Easter. PLUS there are biblical passages given so I can read aloud to my kids and one verse for every day that would be good for my kids to read aloud. WONDERFUL book!