Independence Day Book

I wanted a religious Easter book to tell the real story so I was excited that my library had this.

She introduced Jesus as a man who lived a long time ago, a storyteller, miracle worker and preacher. He told kids that God loved them. I found it to cut out a lot about Jesus. No mention of Him being the Son of God, just acted like he was a normal, average man.

He told His disciples about a festival in Jerusalem. The people saw Him riding on a donkey and thought He would be their king and make everyone God's people. They waved palm branches and cheered.

I know the story of the money exchanging at the temple, but I think it would be confusing for kids. The festival market "was in full swing" and Jesus knocked the tables over and said it should be a place for prayers.

Priests thought Jesus was a troublemaker. With no mention of why, Judas had dark thoughts and betrayed Jesus to the priests.

Bread and wine are eaten in memory of Jesus and His body and blood that He gave for us.

He knew He would be betrayed by Judas so He wasn't surprised. He was crucified even though the priests made up a story that wasn't true. The crowds mocked Him but He asked God to forgive them.

Different versions are told, so I was surprised that she wrote that His friends took His body to the tomb because I just watched Jesus: His Life where the two priests who were secretly His supporters came to collect His body and prepared Him. And the women disciples came to the tomb the next day instead of just Mary Magdalen and two angels appeared to them and told them Jesus was alive. Definitely never heard this version.

Jesus came to His followers and told them He wants them to spread the word and that God will help them. They saw a blazing fire one day in the air which I've never heard either. They felt strong and brave and spread the news about Jesus and God's love which lasts forever.

That was the end and it felt so sudden. I wish there had been more facts, like what exactly you're supposed to do, the Ten Commandments or something more substantial instead of just "news" and "love."

The illustrations are pretty good: They're simple but colorful and cute. I wish there had been more substance to the book and it went deeper into the story instead of staying on the surface.