An Easter Story
Joy Basdeo
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Joy Basdeo, also known as "Mrs B" is an educator, former
English teacher, an avid reader and storyteller, mother of four
grown children and grandmother of Zoë. Her weekly column
is intended to assist parents and children select books which
entertain and build character.
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Have you ever wondered why eggs are associated with Easter?
This week in anticipation of Easter, I am taking a break from reviewing the classics to tell you about Petook. I have just been out shopping for Easter eggs, in anticipation of a family tradition being revived because my grand-daughter Zoë will shortly be paying us a visit. Her other grandmother and I are busily planning an Easter egg hunt, and both families are getting excited about the squeals of delight which will emanate from our yard this Monday when Zoë and her little friends get together to search for and pounce on the gaily coloured candy.
In Petook: An Easter Story, the beautiful story of the Resurrection is told from the perspective of a rooster, Petook. Martha, his wife has hatched twelve chicks and Petook is as proud as he can be.
Then Petook discovers footprints on the earth, and overcome by fear for his chicks he races to the nest. There he sees a boy kneeling with a rapt expression on his face as he witnesses the miracle of life.
Petook realizes this is no ordinary boy. Many years pass, and one day Petook sees three crosses on a hill. The boy, now grown to be a man, hangs on the cross, crucified there to atone for the sins of the world.
Three days later, Martha hatches another clutch of chicks, and she and Petook watch in wonder as the last chick struggles to free itself from its shell. As the chick emerges the sun emerges in total spendour, and Petook starts to crow in recognition of this special morning, Easter and the Resurrection!
This beautiful story is the best illustration I have seen to explain the symbol of the Easter egg, and how it is linked to Easter and Jesus Christ rising from the dead in the glory of Resurrection.
Petook: An Easter Story by Caryll Houselander, illustrated by Tomie de Paola and published by Holiday House is available through your favourite bookstore, and makes a special Easter present for the young readers in your family, or for a young friend
Until next week, have a Happy and Blessed Easter.
Mrs B
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed
in this column are those of the writers, and are not binding on
any individual or organization. They are intended solely as guidance.
Parents should always use their own discretion in selecting reading
material for their children).