Book Review: What the Children Saw

By Farris Yawn

We all know the Easter story from church or Bible school, and we know the impact those events have had on the history of the world.

Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to live in Jerusalem at that pivotal time and witness those events firsthand? What the Children Saw, by Deb Gerace, shows us the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ through the eyes of two unlikely young friends the son of a Roman soldier and the daughter of a Jewish family.

The children secretly watch the brutal crucifixion. Jarius, whose father is in charge of the execution squad, sees his father profoundly changed by the experience. He presents Naomi, his Jewish friend, with an invaluable gift to pass to Mary, the mother of Jesus.

This short book is a wonderfully different perspective on these three days in Jerusalem and offers not only a great story to share with children and young adults, but also features a play that tells the story of these young people. In addition, it includes a song with sign language instructions to use with this book as part of a Lenten lesson or program.

This book is available from Yawns Publishing in Downtown Canton, YawnsPublishing.com and Amazon.com.