Grom's Bookbag - The Flowering Cross - Book Review

Easter will be here before we know it. It's time to dig out those Easter books to enjoy with Grom.

The Flowering Cross is a new book on our shelf. It is written by Beth Ryan and illustrated by Renee Graef. The text is well written; just the right amount per page and drawing. The story moves right along and held Grom's attention well. The illustrations are sweet, maybe a little to sweet for my boy-boy.

Here's what it's about... Mean Old Jack has the reputation of being an angry grump. Kids are scared of him and everyone avoids him, except Katie and her family. Katie and her family show kindness and Jesus' love to their neighbor throughout the year. To them Mean Old Jack is Papa Jack, a kind of adopted grandpa. At Easter, Joe lets Katie pick flowers from his yard for the Flowering Cross at church. She invites him, one more time, to join them for church. This time he comes along and realizes the true meaning of the cross.

This book has a couple of cool extras:

• It has cues and Bible verses throughout the story that show parents how the story shares biblical truths and ways to apply these truths to our lives.
  
• Instructions to make your own flowering cross. Grom wants to make one.
  

I would recommend this book for kids of any age, but it's probably best for 4-8 year olds. This book does have an Easter basket in it, so if you're family doesn't "do the bunny" be warned.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”