The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross, by Carl Laferton

The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross is one of my favorite books to read with my children at Easter. The illustrations are colorful and fun, and message is simple, yet profound. I think you and your family will love it.

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TITLE: The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross: The Story of Why Jesus Died and Rose Again

AUTHOR: Carl Laferton

ILLUSTRATOR: Catalina Echeverri

THEME: Our sin keeps us from entering into the presence of God. But because of Jesus, we can be close to God again.

OVERVIEW: When Adam and Eve sinned, God told them they were no longer able to live in His perfect garden. They had to leave God’s presence. God stationed angels at the entrance to the garden to keep people out. As Adam and Eve had more children and filled the earth, sin continued to increase. Years later, when God instructed the Israelites, to build a temple for Him, he told them to hang a huge curtain that would separate sinful people from a holy God. Large angels with swords adorned the curtain. God’s people were again reminded that sinful people could not enter into the presence of God. When Jesus died on the cross, however, the curtain in the temple was torn in two. Now, because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, we CAN come into the presence of God!

SPECIAL FEATURES: I love the repetition of the key phrase throughout the book: “It is wonderful to live with him (God). Because of your sin, you can’t come in.” But then at the end of the book, Jesus says: “But I died on the cross to take your sin, so all my friends CAN now come in!”

RESERVATIONS: None!

RECOMMENDATION: This is one of my favorite books to read at Easter. Laferton uses simple language that is easy for children to understand, yet the meaning behind the story is quite profound. Laferton does a wonderful job explaining an important theological concept in words that young children can easily grasp.

NUMBER OF PAGES: 30

NUMBER OF CHAPTERS / SUBHEADINGS: None