Benjamin's Box: The Story of the Resurrection Eggs (Revised edition)
not part of a series
What’s inside...
Benjamin's Box follows a young boy named Benjamin who receives a mysterious box filled with items that represent parts of the Easter story. As Benjamin discovers each item, he learns about the resurrection and the significance of faith. The book takes readers on a journey with Benjamin as he follows Jesus through Jerusalem, initially thinking Jesus is a teacher and then a king. Through his journey, Benjamin fills his box with treasures that ultimately help him understand the message of love that Jesus represents. This Easter picture book provides an engaging way for children to connect with the biblical story of Holy Week.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-9
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Benjamin
Jesus
Discussion points
What do you think each egg in Benjamin's box symbolizes?
How do you think Benjamin felt when he discovered each new item in the eggs?
Why is it important to remember the story that each egg tells?
How can we see the qualities like kindness and bravery in people around us today?
What is one item you would put in an egg to represent an important event in your life? Why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own thoughts on the symbolism of the eggs, making it personal and relatable. Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, rather than just recounting events. Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into their responses, fostering critical thinking. Lastly, relate the themes of the book to everyday life to help your child connect the lessons from the story to the world around them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the significance of Easter
Explanation: Through the journey of Benjamin and his treasure box of colorful eggs, each egg reveals a part of the Easter story, emphasizing its religious and historical importance.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in Easter traditions and understanding their deeper meanings beyond the commercial aspects like Easter egg hunts.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity and exploration
Explanation: Benjamin’s adventures are driven by his curiosity and desire to explore, which leads him to discover the stories behind each egg.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive and explore the world around them, leading to a better understanding and appreciation of different cultures and histories.
Example Lesson: Value of personal faith
Explanation: The story demonstrates how Benjamin’s faith is strengthened as he learns more about the objects in his box, connecting them to his own experiences and beliefs.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of having personal beliefs and values, and how these can provide guidance and comfort in difficult times.
Example Lesson: Learning through tangible objects
Explanation: Each egg in Benjamin’s box contains a tangible object that relates to the Easter story, making abstract concepts more concrete and understandable for children.
Real-World Application: This can be applied in educational settings where children use physical objects to connect with and better understand complex ideas.