Can you believe Easter is next weekend? I feel like I was just putting away the Valentine’s Day decor, and suddenly here we are. If you are like me and still scrambling to put together the perfect Easter baskets, don’t panic. While the temptation is always there to just grab a giant chocolate bunny and call it a day, I’m a huge advocate for adding at least one or two “forever” gifts to the mix.
Books are truly my favorite Easter basket addition. Unlike the inevitable sugar crash that comes from jellybeans and Peeps, a good book doesn’t cause tooth decay. More importantly, it’s an investment in your child’s imagination. Promoting reading is one of the most vital things we can do as parents, and there is something so special about seasonal stories that you can pull out year after year.
Even though my kids are adults now (I still give them baskets), I still hold on to some of their favorite holiday books and put them out year after year. My kids love to see their favorite books from their childhood.
I recently received to review several darling new titles that would make perfect additions to your holiday celebration.
I Love You a Bunch!
By Rose Rossner and illustrated by Kathryn Selbert (Board Book; ages 3 and up)
If you have a toddler or a preschooler, you know that reading isn’t hearing a story, but it’s also very visual. This adorable book is absolutely “egg-stra” sweet and packed with the kind of sensory features that keep little hands busy.
It’s full of adorable puns (which, let’s be honest, are as much for us parents as they are for the kids), but the real draw is the interactivity. I remember when my own children were small. They wouldn’t go crazy for these types of books. They wanted to touch, pull, and explore every page.
This book delivers on that. There’s even a hidden mirror tucked under a flap at the very end. Is there anything better than seeing a baby’s face light up when they finally find themselves in the story? It’s a “bunch” of fun and a great way to talk about love and spring.
A Fluffle of Bunnies
By Christie Matheson (Hardcover; ages 4 to 8)
Did you know a group of bunnies is called a “fluffle”? I didn’t either until I read this book. I just always referred to a bunch of bunnies as bunnies. Now I have a new favorite vocabulary word. I’ts fun to say “fluffle.”
This book is a rollicking, rhyming adventure that is perfect for kids who love nature and animals.
The illustrations are lovely and they fit the nature-inspired theme perfectly.
As you read, you follow different clues to find various animals. It’s also a wonderful way to introduce “collective nouns” (like a fluffle of bunnies or a parade of elephants) without it feeling like a dry classroom lesson. It’s the kind of book that begs to be read aloud because the rhythm is so catchy. If your child is at that age where they are starting to get curious about the world outside, this is a must-have for the basket.
Playtime Express with the Easter Bunny
By Layla Sutton and illustrated by Jenniver Zivoin (Hardcover; ages 3 to 7)
All aboard! If your kids love trains or “things that go,” they are going to adore the Playtime Express. This story takes the reader on a journey all the way to Bunnyville, following a group of lovable toy characters who are on a mission to spread springtime giggles.
This book reminded me in a way of the classic Easter special “The Easter Bunny is Coming to Town” where the characters took the silly train into town to deliver Easter goodies to the town’s children.
What I love about this story is the sense of adventure. It’s whimsical and bright, and the characters feel like “friends” for your kids. It captures that magical “night before Easter” feeling where everything feels possible. It’s a great bedtime read for the week leading up to the holiday to get everyone excited for the Bunny’s arrival.
Magic Paper Coloring: Easter Bunny and Friends
Illustrated by Natascha Pitz (Paperback; ages 4 to 8)
Now, this is something a little different and incredibly cool. It’s not just your standard coloring book. You use regular colored pencils to shade in the pages, and as you do, hidden images and patterns suddenly begin to emerge on the paper.
I actually see these types of books in action at work, and they are always a massive hit with my “work kids.”
There is something almost “magical” about watching a hidden chick or a secret Easter egg appear out of nowhere. I don’t have my pencils handy at home, but having seen how much the kids enjoy them, I can tell you it keeps them focused and engaged for much longer than a traditional coloring page.
Pair this book with a brand-new box of 24 colored pencils in the Easter basket. It’s an instant activity that will keep them busy while you’re busy cooking Easter dinner. The pages rip out easily too so the book could be shared with multiple children.
An Untold Story of the Easter Fairy
By Diane Alber (Hardcover; ages 4 to 7)
We’ve all heard of the Easter Bunny, but have you heard of the Easter Fairy? This book is such a refreshing take on holiday traditions. It tells the “untold story” of how the Easter Fairy actually helped create all the traditions we know and love today.
The illustrations in this book are just so silly and vibrant. The colors practically pop off the page. It’s also genuinely funny too. It’s great for kids who have a bit of a funny bone and like stories that turn traditional tropes on their head. It adds a whole new layer of wonder to the holiday.
I’ve reviewed other Easter and Spring titles worth checking out. You can do a search (top right of the home page) to find those posts.
You don’t have to go on an epic hunt to find these books. You can find all of these titles at major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you order soon, you’ll have them just in time to tuck them between the grass and the chocolate eggs.
Happy reading, and I hope you and your family have a wonderful, book-filled Easter!
How are you planning to fill your Easter baskets this year? Let me know in the comments. I always love to hear from readers.
Kimberly
*I received free book samples in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
