Bestselling author Anthony DeStefano from New Jersey was motivated to write a book to Christianize the story of the Easter Bunny due to the commercialism and secular culture overshadowing the true meaning of Easter. “The Story of the First Easter Bunny” follows the journey of a small bunny with large ears who hears of a man named Jesus that can heal with his hands. The bunny finds Jesus, witnesses the Last Supper, the crucifixion, and the Resurrection, spreading the message of Jesus Christ around the world afterwards. DeStefano was inspired to write this children’s book after hearing the phrase “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” at Mass, connecting it to the spiritual receptivity and active listening Christians are supposed to have.
DeStefano wanted to merge the secular Easter Bunny with the sacred meaning of Easter in a way that could help parents teach their children about the death and resurrection of Christ without it being too frightening. He recognized the fear that can come with discussing death and wanted to use the Easter Bunny as a tool to introduce children to the concept in a softer way. By incorporating the Easter Bunny in the story witnessing significant moments from the gospel, DeStefano believes that the serious Easter message can be shared while maintaining the innocence and joy of childhood. He saw this as a way of striking back at the secular culture that often tries to de-Christianize holidays by providing worldly messages.
DeStefano highlighted the importance of the Easter Bunny witnessing Christ’s command to St. John to take care of His mother, the Virgin Mary, after His death, seeing the theological significance and personal connection in it. By giving the Easter Bunny a sick mother in the story, he made it easier for audiences to relate to the bunny and his connection to Jesus. DeStefano’s goal was to convey the serious message of Easter while preserving the fun and joy of childhood, believing that it could be an effective way to combat the secular culture’s influence during holidays.
Through “The Story of the First Easter Bunny,” DeStefano aimed to maintain the true meaning of Easter without watering down or compromising its significance. He wanted to present the Easter story in a way that could resonate with children and help them understand the message of Christ’s resurrection. By incorporating elements of the gospel into the story and using the Easter Bunny as a witness to these events, DeStefano created a book that could serve as a valuable tool for parents in teaching their children about the Christian faith. The book offers a way to strike back at secular culture by reclaiming the holiday’s spiritual significance.
DeStefano has authored multiple bestselling Christian books for both adults and children, including titles like “A Travel Guide to Heaven” and “The Donkey That No One Could Ride.” “The Story of the First Easter Bunny” is another addition to his collection of works and is published by Sophia Institute Press. The book can be found in various retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble, offering parents a resource to help introduce their children to the true meaning of Easter. DeStefano’s intention with this book was to provide a blend of the secular and sacred elements of Easter, creating a story that captures the essence of the holiday while maintaining the joy and innocence of childhood.
