Rise: A Child’s Guide to Eastertide follows a child through the fifty days of Easter as she shares in family and community celebrations, hears stories of the Risen Jesus, notices how the world around her is coming alive again, and ponders how growth and new beginnings are part of her own life. Rise is the fourth book in the Circle of Wonder series.
Discussion Guide
A discussion and activity guide is available as a free download from Paraclete Press.
About the Book
On Easter morning, a child revels in the colors and sounds of celebration. The church is bright with flowers and all the songs are full of hallelujahs. But as she repeats the joyful words, Christ is Risen, secretly she wonders, “What does Easter have to do with me?”
Rise: A Child’s Guide to Eastertide follows a child through the fifty days of Easter, as she shares in family and community celebrations, hears stories of the Risen Jesus, notices how the world around her is coming alive again, and ponders how growth and new beginnings are part of her own life.
Out of this wondering comes a new way of seeing. Easter is not just about what happened to Jesus long ago. It is about change and transformation here and now. When we let go of things—even our own mistakes; when we look for Jesus and find him in new places; when we fall and get up again; when we share a feast; when we love—that is Easter.
Resurrection is a big word.
It means rise again.
I used to think it was a word
only for what happened to Jesus.
But now I’m not so sure.
Sometimes we trip and fall.
But falling does not have to be
the end of the story.
Peter did something bad
because he was scared.
But Jesus let him try again.
I like how Jesus feeds his friends,
even if they didn’t really deserve it.
I like how he gives Peter another chance
to show what he can do.
Maybe Jesus could see
that Peter was much more
than the mistake he made.
Maybe this is resurrection too.
Listen to a ten minute interview about Rise on CHRI Radio.
Book Details
- Author : Laura Alary
- Illustrator : Giuliano Ferri
- Publisher : PARACLETE PRESS; 1st edition (January 14, 2025)
- Language : English
- ISBN-10 : 1640608885
- ISBN-13 : 978-1640608887
Reviews
“Laura Alary has done it again. This book takes readers right to the heart of Eastertide, where they will encounter the grief, wonder, surprise, and joy that wraps around the season. One can’t help but close this book and know that Jesus is alive. Hallelujah!” —David M. Csinos, Associate Professor at the Atlantic School of Theology and founder of Faith Forward
“Many books about Easter do a good job of presenting the stories. Laura Alary goes much further – drawing out connections between the deep truths in the Eastertide narratives and the lived reality of children’s lives. She names and frames the mysteries of Christ’s Easter presence, the liberation that forgiveness brings and the life-changing love woven through the narrative in a way that is both revelatory and rooted. ‘Rise’ offers Easter life and hope to all who read it.” —Mary Hawes former Church of England’s National Children and Youth Adviser, and Anglican priest serving a parish in south London.
“In Rise, Laura Alary brings us another jewel of a resource for children and sets forth paths for people of all ages to wonder together about the newness that God has given us through Easter.” —Elizabeth Christie, Consultant for Children’s and Family Ministries, Practical Resources for Churches
“I finally found the Easter book I’ve been waiting for! I am consistently amazed at Laura Alary’s ability to take theologically intricate concepts and make them accessible to all. I don’t know how she does it! Rise stands out above the rest because of its masterful storytelling and beautiful imagery. Furthermore, as one who has spoken publicly many times about the need for children’s books to handle the death and resurrection of Jesus with care, I am eager to recommend this one, because it is so outstanding in its sensitivity. Thank you, Laura, for your great gift.” —Traci Smith, author of Faithful Families
“As Laura Alary’s church year series expands, we are given the gift of seeing Easter not as a specific day, but as a way of life for Christians—children and adults alike—all year long. The book reminds us that every Sunday is a “little Easter” in the Reformed tradition, as we celebrate Christ’s resurrection not just every year but every week. With its colourful, whimsical illustrations and down-to-earth storytelling, the book engages young audiences to see this core story of our Christian faith unfold in everyday life in
captivating ways. —The Rev. Dr. Emily Bisset, Presbyterian Connection, Issue 32, Winter 2024
Laura Alary 