The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny

by Wanda Carter Roush, Alicia Renee (Illustrator)

What if a bag of jellybeans could change EVERYTHING?

Little Larva should be in Egg Land with the other caterpillars, but she wandered off…
Now dangling from a mischievous boy's windowsill, her cocoon trembles. Then unexpectedly, a colorful bag of jellybeans changes everything.

Inspired by the boy's transformation, Little Larva takes flight, spreading the good news to Mr. Easter Bunny and beyond.

Join Little Larva, Little Lad, and Mr. Easter Bunny as their story begins a new tradition in Egg Land: Easter baskets filled with the colorful message of  God’s love , one jellybean at a time.

What you’ll find inside:

A FUN EASTER STORY - A rhyming tale of a butterfly, a boy, and a born-again bunny.
JELLYBEAN GOSPEL POEM - A colorful way to explain the life-changing message of the Gospel to children.
ABCs OF SALVATION - Introduce little hearts to the simple steps of Salvation. ~Accept, ~Believe, ~Confess. Includes Bible verses.
IDEAL FOR YOUNG READERS - Designed for ages 4-8, for grades K- 3, this picture book engages readers to explore faith, and the miraculous change made possible because of Jesus.

This book is perfect for children’s church leaders, Sunday School teachers, and grandparents who wish to introduce little hearts to the love of Jesus.

Discover the sweet message of faith and transformation in this whimsical Easter adventure—share the joy of the Jellybean Gospel with a child today!

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 26, 2025

Reviews

[Jenni]

3.5 stars
The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny is an Easter tale with beautiful, colourful and vibrant illustrations. The narrative and the illustrations blend nicely together. It is a picture book aimed at young children to help them learn about faith and spirituality.
The story is told in a rhyming manner which makes it fun and easier for children to enjoy.
The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny shares inspirational messages for young children.

[Angela]

3 Stars

The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny is a cute little illustrated children’s story book with a focus on sharing ‘Jesus’ with little ones. It is a Christian faith-based story with an Easter theme --- giving the ABC’s of salvation through BORN AGAIN beliefs, while also explaining The Jellybean Gospel along with other faith-based lessons and messages of transformation, faith, & hope.
It has a rhyming rhythm, along with really cute, colourful, bright, and engaging illustrations by Alicia Renee --- which make for a sweet and engaging read. The illustrations really made this book come to life, and to be honest, they really carried the whole story. The story itself was cute, and the messages were easy to understand- but the rhyming and rhythm didn’t always follow through, and so the story & flow faltered just a little because of it. But as the book is aimed at very young readers (4 – 8-year-olds) so I don’t think they would notice, or mind it much at all because the pictures definitely make up for it.
A cute story for anyone looking for faith-based Easter stories for the little ones in their life.
Happy Reading…

[Jenni]

3.5 stars
The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny is an Easter tale with beautiful, colourful and vibrant illustrations. The narrative and the illustrations blend nicely together. It is a picture book aimed at young children to help them learn about faith and spirituality.
The story is told in a rhyming manner which makes it fun and easier for children to enjoy.
The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny shares inspirational messages for young children.

[Book Reviewer]

In The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny by Wanda Carter Roush, readers are invited into a whimsical yet spiritually rich tale where caterpillars in Egg Land hang their cocoons in anticipation of a greater purpose of awakening to help Mr. Easter Bunny prepare his Easter baskets. But among them is one curious little larva who chooses a different path. Her reasons are never fully explained, adding a gentle layer of mystery to her journey. She settles near the windowsill of a young boy’s room, unknowingly selecting a place filled with turmoil.

This young boy, frustrated and distant, often clashed with his family. He was disrespectful toward his parents and sister, struggled in school, and neglected his responsibilities at home. Though his family spoke to him with concern and love, their words seemed to fall on deaf ears. Then, one Sunday, as the family prepared for church, the boy reluctantly agreed to go. That decision would change everything.

During the sermon, something stirred within him. The message of the Jellybean Gospel broke through his resistance. He learned of Jesus and how he died for our sins, rose again, and offered salvation to anyone willing to receive it. Each color of the jellybeans symbolized a truth: black for sin, red for Christ’s blood, white for purity, and a new beginning. This vibrant symbolism touched the boy’s heart. He repented and embraced a fresh start.

The little larva, witnessing this remarkable change, was so moved that she shared the story with Mr. Easter Bunny himself. Inspired, he decided that every Easter basket from then on would include jellybeans with each color, a reminder of grace, redemption, and the transformative power of faith.

This story is nothing short of wonderful. It beautifully captures the essence of Easter and presents it in a way that is accessible and heartfelt for children, without coming across as overly preachy. The use of jellybeans as a teaching tool is both clever and engaging. It’s a concept that sticks and is simple enough for kids to understand, yet powerful enough to leave a lasting impression, even on adult readers. Personally, I now see jellybeans through a new lens, each color telling a piece of the Gospel story.

Alicia Renee’s illustrations are a perfect match for the narrative. Bright, cheerful, and in line with Easter’s pastel palette, her artwork brings every page to life. Each illustration enhances the text, offering young readers a visual treat that deepens their connection to the story. Renee’s whimsical style complements Roush’s message with charm and heart.

The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny is not just a seasonal read, it’s a timeless tale that can be shared year-round. With a blend of faith, fun, and vibrant imagination, this book will leave children and adults feeling uplifted and inspired.

[Joanne Ellis]

Wanda Carter’s The Jellybean Gospel Kids is a heartwarming and imaginative Easter tale that beautifully blends faith, fun, and transformation through a whimsical story perfect for young readers and families alike.

At the centre of the story is Little Larva, an endearing caterpillar who finds herself far from home and in a bit of trouble. But what begins as a misadventure quickly turns into a divine moment of discovery when a bag of colourful jellybeans—and a boy’s surprising act of kindness—set a life-changing transformation into motion.

Through simple yet vibrant storytelling, Carter captures the magic of Easter in a way that’s both spiritually meaningful and easily accessible for kids. The jellybeans, each representing a different part of God’s love and the gospel story, offer a creative teaching tool that parents and educators will appreciate. It’s more than just a story—it’s a lesson wrapped in sweetness and symbolism.

Characters like Little Larva, Little Lad, and the charming Mr. Easter Bunny bring warmth and personality to the pages, making this a delightful read-aloud that inspires joy and reflection. The message is clear and powerful: transformation is possible, love is real, and Easter is a time of both celebration and deep meaning.

Final thoughts:
The Jellybean Gospel Kids is more than an Easter story—it’s a tradition in the making. With its blend of colourful storytelling, gentle faith-based lessons, and imaginative charm, it’s sure to become a treasured favourite for families looking to teach the true meaning of Easter in a playful, memorable way.

[Richard Battle]

Wanda Carter Roush has done it again! The Jellybean Gospel and the Born Again Bunny is a delightful story that helps parents introduce the Gospel to their youngest children. This book offers layers of meaning that will continue to resonate as children grow, deepening their understanding over time.

Using jellybeans to illustrate the stages of salvation and spiritual growth is both creative and engaging, making it easy for parents to turn learning into a fun, hands-on experience.

The use of the inside hardback book jacket as a visual chart for The Jellybean Gospel is especially clever, providing a practical tool that families can display for reinforcement.

I also love the book’s emphasis on family church attendance, showcasing the power of example and dedication. This influence leads the Little Lad to learn about Jesus and ultimately accept Him.

Alicia Renee’s illustrations are a stunning addition, bursting with vibrant colors that draw in both children and parents alike. Her section, Why the Cross?, beautifully complements the main story, adding even more depth to the message.

I can only imagine jellybeans becoming even more popular as this extraordinary story finds its way into homes everywhere!
• Richard V. Battle, multi-award-winning author of 11 books including, AmeriCANS Who Made America: 18th Century – Birth of The Republic

[Anna Hirsch]

The Jellybean Gospel and the Born Again Bunny
By Wanda Carter Roush
4 Stars

This is a delightful children’s book that intertwines the joy of Easter with a meaningful message of faith and transformation. Through engaging rhymes and vibrant illustrations, the story introduces young readers to a mischievous boy whose behaviour undergoes a remarkable change after he learns about the Gospel through a bag of jellybeans. Inspired by his transformation, the Easter Bunny starts a newfound Easter tradition. The story cleverly uses the various colours of jellybeans to symbolize different aspects of Jesus’ journey, making complex religious themes accessible and memorable for children. This creative approach not only captivates young minds but also imparts valuable Christian values in an understandable manner. The book also introduces the “ABCs of Salvation”—Accept, Believe, Confess—providing a simple framework for children to grasp the concept of salvation.

Overall, “The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny” is a heartwarming tale that beautifully captures the essence of Easter. It’s an excellent resource for parents, Sunday School teachers, and children’s church leaders who wish to introduce young hearts to the love of Jesus in a fun and engaging way. This book is sure to become a cherished addition to any child’s library, especially during the Easter season.

[Angela Scherer]

The perfect book to read to my daycare kids!!

I’ve been searching for the perfect book to introduce the gospel to preschoolers, and The Jellybean Gospel and The Born Again Bunny is exactly what I needed! This charming book uses colorful jellybeans and an adorable bunny to explain the gospel in a simple, engaging way that young children can easily understand. The storytelling is gentle yet impactful, and the vibrant illustrations keep kids captivated while teaching core truths about God’s love, forgiveness, and being "born again."

What makes this book stand out is its ability to balance fun and faith. It presents profound spiritual concepts in a playful, relatable way, using jellybeans as a creative visual aid that helps kids remember the message. It’s perfect for storytime, Sunday school, or as a gift for families. The Jellybean Gospel and The Born Again Bunny is a must-have resource for sharing the gospel with preschoolers in a way that’s both memorable and heartwarming. Highly recommended!

[Jennifer P Ramos]

This is a cute Christian/Spiritual children’s story. Probably best around Easter time but can be read throughout the year as well. Families who want to share the message with their children/family as well as Sunday School/Christian-based schools would really enjoy this selection in their libraries. Many characters were involved in this story to create such a beautiful message. Children will love to hear of the different characters. It is one of those stories where a character witnesses the disturbing behavior of another character but once a very powerful message is heard about asking Jesus into your heart and being born again, it will help create a new life in you. Jelly bean gospel represents each color jelly bean and symbolizes processes of spiritual renewing, such as sin, purification, etc. When one witnesses good behavior and tells others of amazing transformation, it spreads like wildfire making others eager for this jelly bean gospel news. Highly recommended either have a physical copy of this book or a colorful and big enough e-book to fully enjoy the book.

[Anya Davies-schultz]

This is a religious children’s book about a caterpillar from Egg Land that decides to spin its larva outside of the land. The chrysalis was spun outside the window of a not-so-nice boy. But one day, the family went to church, and the boy heard the story of the “Jellybean Gospel”. The story talks about gifts of salvation, and the boy was curious about learning more. The story inspired him to ask for forgiveness and that he would change his ways. The little larva that was now a butterfly thought this was wondrous and flew home to tell the Easter Bunny and all at Egg Land. From then on, the Bunny would also ask for forgiveness, take God in his heart, and spread the Gospel. This was a cute children’s story for those trying to explain forgiveness, the aspect of Easter, and that you can change your ways with a little inspiration. I also thought the art was bright, colorful, and really would attract children.

[Yvonne Derrig]

The Rhyming and Artistry Beautifully Executed

This beautiful book written by Wanda Carter Roush and illustrated by Alicia Renee is an absolutely adorable introduction to the meaning of Easter for children and enjoyable even for adults. The pictures are vibrant and easy to depict and the rhymes are upbeat, sunny, and such a fun way for littles to learn. This was easygoing and would make a nice bedtime story for kids, especially this time of year! The way Wanda brought in the scriptures and the meaning behind each color of the jellybeans was perfect. I love the jellybeans that are situated at the beginning of the book giving a place to write who the book is for and from while also giving the space for a message to the recipient. I enjoyed reading this myself, and I cannot wait to read this to my grand-baby!

[Amanda]

Well, this was a very sweet and adorable tale for young children to enjoy learning about the gospel with beautiful illustrations. Young children will love getting to see how a young boy who struggles with his behaviors, turns things around when he attends a sermon, learning about the Jellybean Gospel and how it relates to the story of salvation through Jesus. The little boy is so moved; he repents and wants a fresh start. A little larva who had wandered away from Egg Land and helping the Easter Bunny, witnessed this change and decides to go back to Egg Land to tell the Easter Bunny all about the Jellybean Gospel and how it changed this little boy. The Easter Bunny decided that moving forward, all Easter Baskets would have jellybeans of all colors in them. This story will be easy for young children to read and enjoy!

[Tausha Treadway]

The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny by Wanda Carter Roush. This author has become one of my very favorite children's authors. She incorporates Christianity into every book and this one is amazing for young children. It's the story of a butterfly, a little boy and jelly beans to teach kids about Easter and what the real meaning it. I've always thought Easter is about Jesus more than the Easter bunny but its fun to incorporate them both into one story. Jellybeans are even used to teach us things about Jesus. The illustrations are beautiful along with a beautiful story. This should be in all your young kids Easter baskets. I'm giving my copy to my grandson who is only 6 months but we will use it every year to teach him about Jesus and the true meaning of Easter!

[Debbie]

The illustrations by Alicia Renee are what first catches the eye with this lovely little children’s book. The Cover and end papers are beautiful and sure to capture the eye of any child. The author, Wanda Carter Roush, makes clever use of a developing butterfly to demonstrate rebirth and renewal. One little larvae, wanders away from the others (who busily assist Mr. Bunny in preparing Easter eggs) and hooks onto the window of a grumpy little boy. Through rhyme and the accompanying illustrations, the author tells the story of Jesus death and resurrection in a non-threatening way, and the joy of accepting Jesus into one’s heart. Colored jelly beans serve as a mnemonic tool in sharing the characteristics of God’s love. Reading ages 4-8

[Cindy]

This is a perfect story for Easter. Our children could learn so much about the Lord and our lives. I had never heard the Jellybean Gospel and absolutely love this story. We all sin and to learn we can be forgiven and be better people with the Lord by our side is pure magic. All children need to hear this story. Even the misbehaving children as well as adults. The author chose a beautiful way to teach the gospel. The jellybeans are a fun reminder. The book is well written and easy for our children to follow. Hey who doesn't love a handful of jelly beans to eat after storytime. Happy Easter to all.

[Phylis Carpenter]

I have a nine month old granddaughter that I am always reading too. We look for books that have a cute story and she loves to look at the pictures while I read the story. We usually read on my kindle and she has learned to turn the pages.

This book had some really colorful and good pictures for her to look at while I read and it had a great message. I never looked at the gospel this way but it is a great way to get the little ones interested in the gospel I highly recommend that you add this book to your child's library and take a few minutes to read the story to them. I think you will be glad you did.

[Kerry Baker]

This book was not at all what I was expecting when I sat down to enjoy it with my kids but what an amazing story we experienced. It is an engaging and fun way to teach children about the religious aspect of Easter. The illustrations really bring the story to life and make it an enjoyable story from start to finish.
My kids are fascinated by the idea of Easter and they really enjoyed learning more about the origin of this tradition. The book was well written and the author has done a great job of keeping the fun aspect throughout the story. This is a fantastic story that I would highly recommend.

[Heidi Sturgess]

What a beaut book for old and young alike 🥰 it’s a reminder to not over complicate the gospel and to believe like a child ❣️

Little Larva , Little Lad and Mr Easter Bunny dread the gospel in a beautiful, colourful and relatable way

It’s one of those reads you wish you had multiple copies of just so you can share it with all that cross your path

Matthew18:3 “ Truly I tell you , unless you change and become like little children , you will never inherit the kingdom of heaven “

Children are naturally humble and recognise their dependence on Him , such a valuable lesson 🙏 one we know but often need reminding of 😉

[Elizabeth]

The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny is children’s Easter story. I thought it was creative to combine the Christian story of Christ and Easter, with the story of the Easter bunny. The story rhymed and correlated the story with caterpillar and butterflies, while also following a “bad kid” turning into a good kid after hearing the story of Jesus at Sunday school. I have heard the comparison of the story of Christ and the jelly bean colors. The story itself was not amazing, in my opinion, but the concept behind it, and the art work was wonderful. The bible passes were well tied into the story, bringing it all together for the young readers.

[Roxsanne Lesieur]

It is Easter in Egg Land and Mr Easter Bunny is preparing his Easter baskets, so when Little Larva comes back from her adventure to talk to him, he is all ears.

This is when Little Larva tells the Easter Bunny about Little Lad and what he learned, Little Lad was very badly behaved and causing mischief everywhere he went, that is until he learns about the Jellybean Gospel and he transformed into a very well behaved boy.

This is when Mr Easter Bunny decides to make a change and spread the word of love by sending jellybeans to all the children this Easter.

What do you think you can learn from the Jellybean Gospel? Read along and find out in the charming book.

[Jaimie]

This is such a cute book that is perfect for younger kids learning about Jesus and being born again. Using the colors of Jellybeans and this cute story children learn about God's love and salvation. I love that kids get to enjoy this fun story about a butterfly and a mischievous boy, at the same time learning about powerful and important message. I think that this would be a great gift in a Easter basket with some Jellybeans and chocolate cross. It ties a message in with the fun of the Easter Egg hunt and Basket. Super cute illustrations and wonderful story. I can't wait to read more!

[Carrie]

Wonderful book. The artwork is beautiful, the little boy had the cutest little faces when he was mad. I love the story, the jellybean gospel is a great way to show children the love of Jesus and the sacrifice he made for all of us. Growing up as a christian I equate Easter to Jesus rather than the Easter Bunny and candy, but it is nice to see the two mixed together so that the children can have fun with believing in the Easter Bunny while remembering what Easter is really all about, the One who gave it all for us, Jesus.

[Shannen]

This is a new author for me but it’s the perfect time of year to read it since it’s almost Easter. My kiddos are a little older than the target audience, but it was still interesting to read. The illustrations are really pretty with vibrant colors, and the rhyming rhythm had us all bopping along. I feel like it will captivate the attention of younger children. I wasn’t familiar with this gospel, so it was a learning moment for all of us. The author made it easy to understand which is important for littles!

[Dawn Daughenbaugh]

5 Stars
The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny By Wanda Carter Roush

The Jellybean Gospel and the Born-Again Bunny is a cute children’s book that children of any age will enjoy reading. The colorful illustrations brought the story to life. This is a fun Easter story about a boy, a butterfly and a born-again bunny .This is a fun way to introduce kids to the ABC's of salvation. My now seven year old son loved reading this story and has been sharing with his friends. We loved this book and highly recommend reading it. We look forward to reading more from this Author.

[Trina Bagley]

Little Larva finds herself outside of Little Lad’s window. She can’t believe how much he misbehaves! After church service, she starts to notice Little Lad’s transformation. He has accepted Jesus. Little Larva is so touched by this that she rushes back to Egg Land to tell the Easter Bunny what she’s learned.
This book is written in easy-to-read rhymes and has such beautiful, colorful illustrations. I like how it gave extra information in the back about the JellyBean Gospel and how each jellybean’s color coincides with God’s words. Such a fun way to explain Easter to the little ones.

[Bobbi Wagner]

I enjoyed reading this fun Easter children’s story. This is a story about how one bag of jellybeans changes everything for these characters. This story has many learning aspects such as colors, spiritual and interactive characters. I thought the characters were fun and engaging. They will keep your child asking questions and it is easy to follow. I feel that any child would benefit and enjoy the colorful illustrations as well. I highly recommend this children’s book.

[Ayla Eddy]

Adorable Easter book. It shares the experiences Little Larva heard outside a little boy's room. Loud and wild until one day he was different after an experience at Church. How his prayers washed him anew and he was born again. Now a Butterfly she returned to the Bunny to share with him what she learned. Bunny too became born again and Jelly Beans were included in baskets for Easter. The colorful drawings were well done and helped share the story.

[Jessica Condra]

Oh wow! This was a beautifully written and illustrated story. The author put together a wonderful, simple story teaching the gospel as well as showing how we can spread the good news! It is perfectly timed to read around Easter, but good all year long. This is a staple for any household that would appreciate it. I loved that the story rhymed and was easy to follow. I also loved all of the “extras” at the end. This is a gem and highly recommend it!

[Cindy Rushin]

This was a cute little story about the Easter bunny and a little butterfly friend. The story was a nice way to introduce the concept of salvation through acceptance of Christ into your heart. It was also a nice way to explain why jellybeans are so popular at Easter time. It is a cute little story for kids and I recommend it to everyone who has children who want to learn more about the meaning of Easter.

[Becky]

read this with my 4yo and LOVED it!!

Such a fun and rich, and colorful way to share the gospel of Jesus’ saving grace. I read this with my 4-year old and she especially loved all the COLOR! The pages are filled with beautiful illustrations. We loved that there is finally a book that gives the Easter Bunny purpose and salvation :)