Sacred Story Time: Sparrow’s Easter Garden

Sparrow’s Easter Garden by Roger Hutchison is such a gentle, hope-filled invitation into the season of Lent and the joy of Easter. The story uses the simple, familiar image of a garden to help children (and grown-ups, too) understand what it means to prepare our hearts, like soil, for new life.

One of the loveliest parts of this book is the author’s note, where Lent is explained in such an accessible, grace-filled way. It doesn’t feel heavy or overly complicated, it simply opens the door to the idea that this is a season for making space, for paying attention, and for gently turning our hearts toward God. Because of that, this book works beautifully as an introduction for young children, but it also holds surprising depth for older kids and adults.

Noticing Prompt:

What is quietly asking for your attention right now and how might God be present there?

Playful Prompt:

Gather a few simple objects from nature and “plant a garden” on a table. Add each item one at a time, slowly and playfully. As you create, you might wonder: What feels joyful to add? What do I want more of in my life right now?

Imaginative Prompt:

If you could plant anything in your “garden” today (a feeling, a hope, a prayer, a color, a tiny joy), what would you plant? Or imagine you are the garden. What is growing in you? What needs water, sunlight, or time?

Prayer:

God, you are the Gardener of my heart. Help me notice what is growing, tend what needs care, and trust what is still unseen. Give me patience in the waiting and joy in the new life you bring. Amen.