Laura Alary is a writer, storyteller, and religious
educator. When she was a little girl she used to make her own books
out of manila paper, crayons, and mucilage. These early efforts at
writing eventually gave way to academic papers and theses, as she
earned degrees in Classics (B.A., Dalhousie), Theology (M.Div.,
Knox College, University of Toronto) and New Testament (Ph.D.,
University of St. Michael’s College). More recently, Laura has
focused on a new type of education—raising three creative and
curious children. She leads workshops on everything from
storytelling to biblical interpretation, teaches the occasional
university course, and works with children at a local congregation.
She has also returned to her early love of creating her own books,
including Is That Story True? and Mira and the Big Story.
Laura lives in Toronto, Canada.
Ann Boyajian is the illustrator of many books,
including Samantha's Friendship Fun (in the American Girl
series), More Spice Than Sugar (Houghton Mifflin),
and O Say Can You See? American's Symbols, Landmarks, and
Inspiring Words (Scholastic).
“A great addition to your Lent / Easter Shelf Unit: This unique
book invites children to experience Lent with all their senses, and
to see it as a special time for creating a welcoming space for God.
We recommend placing this book on the bottom shelf of your Lent /
Easter shelf unit.” —The Rev. Cheryl V. Minor,
Ph.D. Co-Rector, All Saints' Church, Belmont,
MA, Director of the Center for the Theology of
Childhood, The Godly Play Foundation
“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. 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.” —Traci Rhoades
“The book reveals what is usually hidden: what we knew as
penitential is actually life-giving and faith-building. After
reading the book to my kids, my five year old daughter exclaimed ‘I
can't wait for Lent! I just can't wait!’”—Gary Neal Hansen, Author
of Kneeling with Giants: Learning to Pray with History's Best
Teachers
“Dr. Alary truly respects the child and asks us to walk with them
as they point us to Christ. This is a wonderful resource.” —Rev.
Olivia Stewart, Director of Children & Worship
“This is a poetic, practical and theologically wise book for
children.” —L. Ann Jervis, Professor of New Testament, Wycliffe
College, University of Toronto.
“Wow, what a wonderful children's book, delightfully illustrated
and nicely told. It is an invitation for children to wonder about
the Lenten story, helping children to experience Lent with all
their senses. I think it is a fine book for almost any kind
of Christian.” —Byron Borger, Hearts and Minds Books
“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.” —Amy
Shaw, Educator
“Reading Make Room with my two-year old Plum, I delighted
to see how Alary makes room for our own conversation within her
text, sprinkling pages with I
wonder and maybe. I wonder why Jesus went into the
desert? I wonder who they thought Jesus was? Ann
Boyajian’s illustrations are thought-filled and
beautiful, making the book feel like a window into an active
congregation where the Biblical stories are vividly live. I
liked how Alary balances wondering questions with more
straightforward teaching. She writes simply and clearly so that
small children will be able to understand, but older ones will also
be able to find rich material for their own
wondering. Intriguingly, Alary makes a point of creating a
wide sense of space around both the crucifixion and the
resurrection. She does not supply the theological meaning behind
either aspect of the story, but rather describes the lived history
and experience of Easter and again makes room for us all,
whatever our theological understanding, within the
story.” —Katie Munnik, The Messy Table, Presbyterian
Record
“Children of all ages will come away with a broader understanding
of the holy Lenten season and what it means to prepare for the
glorious gift of Easter and new life in Christ.” —Michelle
Thomas-Bush, Big Ideas in Youth Ministry
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