Make Room

The author did a beautiful job of describing Lent in such a way that it is easier for young children to understand. I loved the simple illustrations and the examples of activities that can be done during Lent. While the suggestions lean toward sacrifice and helping others, they are presented in a way that will make many children want to take the lead in deciding what they own that can be given away or helping to decide which simple meals will allow money to be saved that can be donated to a food bank.

I highly recommend this book that is sure to be a treasured part of Lent and Easter for families to share.

A beautiful little book that will really help children to understand what Lent is all about. So many times all children get from Lent is that they are supposed to give up something that they enjoy. This book gives wonderful examples of things children can do during Lent to make it meaningful for them. Some examples in the book were spending quiet time in prayer or just sitting quietly and thinking about the choices made during the day, donating clothes and money to those in need, and many more.

The illustrations are simple and add to the message of the book. I know I will be reading this with my son before Lent begins to help him to understand why we do the things we do during this time.

Make Room: A Children's Guide to Lent and Easter was a solid addition to the religious education of our young children. Where many Easter books focus on the resurrection of Christ, this book tenderly and thoughtfully explained the Lenten season with child-appropriate examples of reasonable and realistic ways in which children can observe. With sections on reaching out to help others, giving away extra so that others can have simply enough, and ways to sit in quiet prayer and reflection, this book created room for ongoing thought-provoking questions. Best of all, the book is written in a way that allows the child to see ways in which to meaningfully participate in the process and shift attention away from a season of "I can't have..." to a season of preparation and dedication. Make room on your shelf for this title.

While I realize my daughter will develop her own faith traditions, I want her to be aware of all the various ways she can remember all her Lord and Savior has done for her. This book explains why Lent helps us remember.

First, it walks through what the church as a whole does to prepare during this season.

"The Church is dressed in purple."

"We count the days by snuffing out purple candles, one for each week."

"Make Room" also teaches us about what we can do as individuals or with our families during this season as well. Questions we can ask, artwork we can work on as an offering to God. Focus on how we treat other people. Find ways we can give.

Taking us through the events of Holy Week, the author explains how all the Lenten traditions we focus on help us “Make Room” for more of Jesus.

While the book is simple enough for a child, it unpacks the importance of participating in Lent very well.