The Easter Egg

 

The Easter Egg was written and illustrated by Jan Brett. Brett does a wonderful job relaying the story of a bunny who finds himself on a journey to make an Easter egg that he can be proud of. This story is such a lighthearted read, and will leave children asking: Will Hoppi get to help the Easter Rabbit this year?

 

This children's fantasy story was paired with intricate line style illustrations. The pictures throughout the book take readers into a different, more magical world. Brett's illustrations really bring the storyline to life. She include illustrations in ovals on the side of each page to give readers hints about what else is going on in the story.

 

 

The well defined conflict that is paired with colorful and lively illustrations that enhance the characterization is what makes this story so fun to read. The plot gradually develops over time which intrigues the reader into wondering "What will the outcome be of Hoppi's choice?" It is clear to see that children would become engaged in this book not only because of the illustrations, but due to the storyline that includes busy working bunnies as well.

 

Teachers should read this story to students between preschool and Kindergarten. Children will enjoy the wide array of water colors used in each illustration throughout the book as well as the important message there is waiting to be revealed. While reading this story, teachers should ask questions such as: What do you think will happen next? What will happen to the robin egg? Do you think Hoppi made the right choice to help the robin egg? Is it important to make choices we can be proud of? Why or why not? What is the moral of this story? What did the story mean to you?

 

Class activities:

 

1. Paint/decorate a hard boiled egg. Encourage children to remember their favorite egg in the book when they create their own egg.

 

2. Have each child draw their favorite egg out of the book, and a description of why they liked that egg the best.

 

3. Compare and contrast all the eggs in the book. Ask how a wood carved egg is different from a chocolate egg, ask how a mechanical egg is different from a painted egg, etc.

 

This is a video version of Jan Brett's The Easter Egg:

I think this book is an adorable choice for the home and the classroom! Children will love The Easter Egg as well as these other books written by Jan Brett:

•  Christmas Trolls
•  Mossy
•  Home for Christmas
•  The Hat

“Books are a uniquely portable magic.”

~Stephen King

 

References:

 

Brett, Jan. The Easter Egg. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2010.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1Xl1cCuJe8