The Parable of the Lily: An Easter and Springtime Book for Kids (Parable Series)
The Parable Series
on Goodreads (275)
What’s inside...
A farmer's daughter receives a mysterious gift which she neglects and then discards, only to find out on Easter morning how special it is. Bible verses link the story to the life of Jesus. Bestselling author Liz Curtis Higgs shares a joyful Easter story about grace, forgiveness, and the true meaning of Easter.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Maggie
Father
Discussion points
What do you think the lily symbolizes in the story?
How did Maggie's feelings change throughout the book, and why do you think they changed?
What does this story teach us about forgiveness and surprises?
Can you think of a time when you received an unexpected gift that turned out to be special?
How do you think showing kindness can impact others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that allow your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Relate the themes of the book to personal experiences or family values to make the conversation more meaningful.
Encourage your child to think about the symbolism in the book, such as the lily, and what it might represent in their own life.
Discuss the importance of forgiveness and how surprises can sometimes lead to unexpected joy, stressing these moral lessons in a gentle way.
Praise your child for their insights and encourage them to share their thoughts on how kindness can make a difference.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Forgiveness
Explanation: In the story, Maggie learns to forgive when she initially feels disappointed about receiving a bulb instead of a blooming flower, but later appreciates its beauty when it blossoms into a lily.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to forgive their peers' mistakes and understanding that sometimes patience and time can reveal the true value of situations.
Example Lesson: Gratitude
Explanation: The tale emphasizes being grateful for the gifts we receive, no matter how small or unexpected, as Maggie comes to cherish the lily that the bulb turns into.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate and find value in whatever they receive, helping them develop an attitude of thankfulness in daily life.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: Maggie learns the value of patience through waiting for the bulb to blossom into a lily, illustrating that some rewards take time.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that immediate gratification isn't always possible and that some things, like personal growth and learning, require patience and time.
Example Lesson: Renewal and new beginnings
Explanation: The blooming of the lily symbolizes new beginnings and the beauty of transformation, which is also a theme of Spring and Easter.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and embrace changes in their lives, seeing them as opportunities for growth and renewal.
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: The story explores the themes of giving and the joy it brings, as Maggie’s father gifts her the bulb, which eventually brings great joy when it blooms.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of generosity and the happiness that comes from giving to others, fostering a spirit of kindness.