Circle of Wonder

ECPA Easter Bestseller 2024!How can we help children experience the true meaning of Lent, cultivate generosity, and prepare their hearts for Easter? Make Room by Laura Alary offers an innovative and engaging way for children to approach Lent, teaching them how to "make room" for Jesus in their everyday lives through acts of kindness, hospitality, and self-reflection. This beautifully illustrated children's book connects everyday activities-like baking bread, having a neighbor over for dinner, or un-cluttering a room-with the story of Jesus' life, showing how these simple tasks mirror the values of justice, love, and sacrifice that Jesus lived. It's not just a book about Lent; it's an invitation to experience it with all the senses, helping children understand how to embody faith and discipleship in their own unique ways. Unlike traditional books that simply recount the Passion narrative, Make Room thoughtfully integrates the themes of hospitality and self-giving that were central to Jesus' ministry. It invites children to wonder about the story of Lent and Easter, teaching them that this season is not just about giving up things, but about creating space in our hearts and lives for others-and for God. Why Families Love Make Room: - Thoughtful, accessible explanations of Lent and Easter tailored for children. - Practical, real-life activities for children to engage with the Lenten season. - Inspires children to think deeply about generosity, helping others, and self-giving in a fun, relatable way. - Beautiful illustrations by Ann Boyajian that bring the story to life and help children visualize the biblical narrative. - Encourages meaningful conversations about faith, love, and preparation for Easter. Praise for Make Room: - "This is a poetic, practical, and theologically wise book for children." – L. Ann Jervis, Professor of New Testament, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto. - "Make Room helps children experience Lent with all their senses. A wonderful resource for families and Christian educators." – Rev. Olivia Stewart, Director of Children & Worship. - "A tender and thoughtful guide to Lent for children. The perfect resource for families wanting to prepare for Easter meaningfully." – Amy Shaw, Educator. Perfect for Sunday school, family devotionals, or bedtime reading, Make Room makes Lent a time of joyful anticipation and deep spiritual reflection. The second book in the "Circle of Wonder: Liturgical Year Resource Set," it is an essential addition to your family's Easter bookshelf. Make Room is more than just a children's book; it's a way to help the next generation grow in their faith and understanding of the beautiful season of Lent-teaching them that, by making room for others and for God, they prepare themselves for the resurrection and new life in Christ. Add Make Room to your Lent and Easter bookshelf today and help your children experience the true spirit of this holy season! Enjoy the Board Book for toddlers:Make Space for Jesus: Learning About Lent and Easter Other titles in the Circle of Wonder series include: Look! A Child's Guide to Advent and Christmas Rise: A Child's Guide to Eastertide Breathe: A Child's Guide to Ascension, Pentecost, and the Growing Season

Look! A Child's Guide to Advent and Christmas presents Advent as special time for waiting and watching-paying attention-to the ways God comes to us. This treasured book reassures children of the presence of God in all times and places and invites them to become part of the holy work of making Christ present in the world. Told from the point of a view of a child, the story weaves together familiar Advent traditions like the Jesse tree and the Advent wreath, Biblical stories and characters, and reflections on what these stories call us to do and be. With thoughtful and thought-provoking text, and beautiful and diverse illustrations, Look! provides an opportunity to explore the coming of Jesus with practical and fresh perspectives, inspiring children to ask questions and experience this special season in a brand-new way. Laura Alary writes in the warm, thoughtful style that has made her books so popular with families who want to encourage their children to think deeply and engage their spiritual imaginations, Look! is the first book in the "Circle of Wonder: Liturgical Year Resource Set." (Click HERE for free downloadable resources) Other titles in the Circle of Wonder series include: Make Room: A Child's Guide to Lent and Easter Rise: A Child's Guide to Eastertide Breathe: A Child's Guide to Ascension, Pentecost, and the Growing Time

Imbued with a sense of wonder, and a strong connection to the natural world, Laura Alary's books invite young readers to engage with the liturgical seasons of the church year. Breathe is a journey through Ascension, Pentecost, and Ordinary Time. "The day of Pentecost is coming. The church is changing color. The white and gold of Easter will soon burst into flaming red, then cool to green." So begins Breathe: A Child's Guide to Ascension, Pentecost, and the Growing Time. Breathe explores children's questions: How can Jesus go away, yet promise to be with us always? Can we trust someone who comes and goes so mysteriously? Moving beyond long ago and far away events, Breathe invites children to wonder about and watch for the presence and work of the Spirit here and now, in practices of prayer and mindfulness, and through acts of justice, generosity, and kindness. Slowly but surely, we discover that we are the body of Jesus now, his way of being in the world. And that whenever we choose the way of love, Jesus is there. Always. "In this poetic, thoughtful text, Laura deftly interweaves biblical stories with subtle invitations for readers to consider how the gentle wind of the Holy Spirit might be at work in their lives today. The text is imaginative, insightful and thoroughly inspirational -- a must for every parent, pastor and children's minister."-Glenys Nellist, author of the Love Letters from God, and Snuggle Time Prayers. Laura Alary writes in the warm, thoughtful style that has made her books so popular with families who want to encourage their children to think deeply and engage their spiritual imaginations. Breathe is the third book in the "Circle of Wonder: Liturgical Year Resource Set." (Click HERE for free downloadable resources) Other titles in the Circle of Wonder series include: Look! A Child's Guide to Advent and Christmas Make Room: A Child's Guide to Lent and Easter Rise: A Child's Guide to Eastertide