Once a month the order of the Service is changed so that the readings and the offering occur before the children's story. Children volunteer ahead of time for what they would like to do that week. Attendance is definitely higher these Sundays. Another successful way to raise attendance is to work on a short skit or songs to sing for the congregation. I find that the kids come more regularly when we have something to practice and the parents are more diligent in bringing their kids.
All parents enjoy seeing their kids perform.
I find that the Beginner's Bible is really just about right for this story. Perhaps you can get it through Christian Crafters. It doesn't eliminate the cross, but it does eliminate the blood, nails, etc., that could scare a small child and actually keep them from getting the part of the story you want them to get. They also have a Beginner's Bible video The Story of Easter that is about 30 minutes long. It works well with this age group.