Lent Resources for Families: Books to Help You Prepare for Easter
Lent is a season of preparation: an invitation to intentionally reflect and turn our hearts toward the hope of Easter. For many families, though, Lent can feel unfamiliar or even intimidating. We want to be intentional, but we also are keenly aware of how busy our lives already are.
One of the simplest ways our family has found to observe Lent is through—of course—shared reading! Books help both children and adults engage with the story of Jesus in an easily accessible format.
Below are some of our favorite Lent resources for families and adults—books that will prepare your hearts for Easter in a meaningful way.
If you’re looking for a deeper understanding of what Lent is, its practices, and how to incorporate meaningful rhythms at home, Sacred Seasons is an incredibly helpful resource for families and parents. I’ve linked it below for those who want to explore Lent more intentionally.
Lent Books for Families & Read-Alouds
These family-friendly Lent books are well-suited for reading aloud and for creating meaningful rhythms at home. Some work beautifully as daily or weekly reads, while others can be revisited throughout Holy Week and even after.
Sacred Seasons by Danielle Hitchen
This beautifully written guide helps families understand the rhythms of the church year, including Lent, in a way that feels approachable rather than overwhelming. I was so impressed when I found this book at my library that I purchased it for our home right away. The guide includes liturgies you can recite as a family, helpful church history, recipes and more to guide you through the entire year.
Best for ages: A parent-read meant to be used as a guide for families of all ages
2. 10 Days of the Easter Story by Josh & Christi Straub
If you’re looking for a shorter option for your family for either the 10 days leading up to EAster or spaced out over Lent, this book walks through the Easter story over ten days. Your children will learn about the events leading up to Jesus’ resurrection and how they are part of one connected story.
Best for ages: 5-12
3. Who Is Jesus? by Kate Hox
This book invites children to explore who Jesus is through clear, engaging storytelling rooted in Scripture. While it really can be read any time of the year, it is an especially useful resource at helping kids understand Jesus’ identity, mission, and sacrificial love.
Best for ages: 4-11
4. A Jesus Easter by Barbara Reaoch
A Jesus Easter is great for families looking for something interactive. Each day contains a passage of Scripture to read together, questions to think about and write down, an explanation and a prayer. This one also has questions for younger kids as well as older children, so it can accommodate whatever audience you’re working with.
Best for ages: 3-12
5. Darkest Night, Brightest Day
A very unique family devotional, this one is structured a bit differently than your typical Lent devotion. For the seven days leading up to Easter, your family will read the “Darkest Night” portion, then on Easter day, you’ll flip the book upside down (yes!) and complete the final seven days “Brightest Day” the week after.
Best for ages: 5-11
6. Mission Accomplished
Another great option for families looking for a shorter Lent devotion, these 10-minute devotions shine a light on the greatest rescue mission in history. With 14 devotions, you can tackle it in just two weeks which includes suggested hymns to sing and family activities to help you apply the truths you’ve learned.
Best for ages: All
7. The Easter Storybook
This one is well-suited for reading throughout Lent as it contains 40 stories that help children connect the story of the cross to the joy of the resurrection. Each story gets a full-page illustration and accompanying conversation question.
Best for ages: 4-10
Lent Reading for Parents & Adults
If you’re looking for a Lent resource you can do on your own, these books for adults offer space for reflection and preparation during the weeks leading up to Easter (no kids required 🙃).
1. Uncovering the Love of Jesus
This one straddles the line between adult and family devotional. With 40 devotions that help you reflect on the love of Jesus, adults can read one each day, while also participating in the optional family activities.
2. The Risen King
This collection of Spurgeon’s reflections centers on the resurrection of Christ and its significance for the Christian life. Rich in theological depth, it invites readers to dwell on the hope and victory found in the risen King throughout the Easter season.
3. Incomparable
Incomparable offers short, daily readings that focus on the unmatched person and work of Jesus. This devotional is great for the 40 days of Lent and days following, helping readers linger over Scripture and grow in awe of Christ.
4. From The Grave
This powerful collection of writings and teachings by Tozer draws attention to the transformative truth of Christ’s resurrection. Every day includes portions of Scripture and reflections from Tozer, making it a wonderful way to spend the Lenten season.
5. Called To Follow
Called to Follow is a 40-day discipleship journal that traces the life of Jesus—from the manger to the ascension—inviting readers to slow down and consider what it truly means to follow Him. If you like to put pencil to paper, this devotional journal is a great way to intentionally reflect and sit in the journey of the cross.
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6. Clinging To The Cross
Clinging to the Cross is a 40-day Lenten study that points readers to the lasting hope found in Christ’s sacrifice. By connecting Old Testament stories to the gospel, this study helps explain why Jesus had to die and how His grace meets us in our brokenness, offering comfort, healing, and hope as we prepare our hearts for Easter. I love Daily Grace Co. studies!
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If you’re looking ahead to Easter, many of these Lent reads pair beautifully with our favorite Christ-centered Easter picture books for children.
< Easter Picture Books Blog Coming Soon >