Jellybean Gospel and the Born Again Bunny, written by Wanda Carter Roush and illustrated by Alicia Renee, tells young readers the story of Easter. It blends traditional religious themes with a picture book narrative, using the vibrant and colorful allure of jellybeans to explain the significance of the holiday for children. Roush uses the colors of jellybeans as metaphors for various aspects of the Easter story. Each color represents a different part of Jesus’ journey, making it a memorable way for children to learn about faith, forgiveness, and resurrection. For example, red jellybeans represent the sacrifice of Jesus, while green signifies new life and resurrection, making the Easter message both visual and visceral. The story centers on the transformation of a misbehaving boy and a lost larva.

The characters add a whimsical touch while providing a secular counterpart to the religious messages, helping to bridge understanding for children exposed to secular Easter traditions like the Easter Bunny. Wanda Carter Roush balances the retelling of the Easter story without diluting the spiritual messages. It guides parents who wish to teach their children religious education. Jellybean Gospel and the Born Again Bunny is a teaching tool and a celebration of Easter. Through a narrative that is both educational and entertaining, it invites children to see and taste the sweetness of the holiday’s deeper meanings. Roush includes a gospel poem and the ABCs of Salvation, along with the story. The book is written for children aged 4-8 and is recommended for anyone looking to discuss Easter themes with children.

The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny by Wanda Carter Roush is a delightful, heartwarming story that captures the joy of Easter, while gently guiding children toward understanding the message of Jesus' love and sacrifice. Beautifully illustrated by Alicia Renee, the book delivers its message effortlessly. Told in poetic form, the story begins with the Easter Bunny, who prepares for the coming Easter holiday with the help of the caterpillars. However, one curious caterpillar, Little Larva, wanders off and finds herself at Little Lad’s windowsill. What she witnesses is something extraordinary, an event worth sharing with the Easter Bunny, sparking a metamorphosis and a meaningful tradition.

In The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny, Wanda Carter Roush combines rhymes and vibrant illustrations, making the story both memorable and fun. The use of everyday children's favorites, such as jelly beans, ingeniously introduces the Easter theme, making the message more relatable. The theme of metamorphosis is beautifully woven into the story. As the seasons change, the larvae transform into butterflies, mirroring the Christian belief in spiritual rebirth, and reinforcing the overall message. The different jelly bean colors convey the core theme, helping children easily remember key lessons. I loved the Bible verses interwoven throughout, as they added depth, meaning, and reinforcement to the overall message while strengthening the connection between faith and storytelling. Besides Bible class teachers, I highly recommend this book to parents who would like to introduce their children to the Christian faith, making it a perfect addition to any family’s Easter tradition.

Wanda Carter Roush's The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny aims to help children understand the good news of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. Many butterfly larvae gathered to help Mr. Bunny; however, Little Larva wandered off and settled on the windowsill of Little Lad. Little Lad was curious, but he was also very bad. He did not do his chores or assignments. He disrespected his parents and bothered his sister. Little Larva looked forward to Sunday mornings because Little Lad would go to church with his family and leave the home quiet and peaceful so Little Larva could sleep. One Sunday morning, things changed for Little Lad. That Sunday morning, Little Lad heard the Jellybean Gospel and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His life changed forever. After that, Little Larva shared the Jellybean Gospel with Mr. Bunny, who received Jesus, too. What changes occurred as a result of sharing the Gospel?

The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny by Wanda Carter Roush is a great children’s picture book for sharing the Gospel with young children. In simple language that children can easily understand, Wanda uses the colors of jellybeans to explain the meaning of salvation. She includes the simple acronym ABC (Accept, Believe, Confess) and explains how accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior changes a person’s life forever. The book is richly illustrated by Alicia Renee, who also writes a section at the end of the story called “Why the Cross?” I recommend its use in children’s church, Sunday School, and at home. Wherever young children are, they should have access to this book.

The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny by Wanda Carter Roush is a Christian storybook for young readers. Little Larva has chosen to spend winter away from the other caterpillars in Egg Land. Instead, she hangs from a windowsill but the little boy who lives in the house is naughty and noisy. The only day of peace Little Larva gets is on a Sunday when the family goes to church. One day, she notices something has changed. The little boy has changed and has become nice and it’s all because of a bag of jellybeans. Inspired, Little Larva spreads the news to the Easter Bunny and everyone else she can find, starting a brand new Easter tradition. How did a bag of jellybeans change one little boy’s life? And will it work on Mr. Easter Bunny?

The Jelly Bean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny by Wanda Carter Roush is a wonderful way for kids to learn the gospel. Using jelly beans is an ingenious way of teaching – who doesn’t love a bag of jellybeans? The illustrations by Alicia Renee are amazing, the perfect accompaniment to the story. The characters are developed well and all young readers will love them – the naughty boy, the colorful caterpillars and butterflies, and the Easter bunny. It helps kids learn the ABCs of salvation, and how having faith in Jesus can bring about great changes in them. At the end of the book is a primer on each color jellybean and a relevant Bible verse, an explanation of the cross, and the salvation ABCs. This is the ideal book for any parent, caregiver, or school that wants to introduce children to Jesus and I think kids will love it; such an easy and fun way to learn.