From Easter and the Savior's life to learning about temples, prophets and Primary, these books can help children learn about the gospel.
“A BRIGHT EASTER: A Choose-the-Light Book,” by Catherine Christensen, illustrated by Alyssa Tallent, Cedar Fort, $15.99, 32 pages
“A Bright Easter” is by by Catherine Christensen and illustrated by Alyssa Tallent.
Cedar Fort
Starting with Palm Sunday, “A Bright Easter” looks at Holy Week and how those events relate to the life of a child.
It includes themes of reverence, service, the sacrament, eternal families, temples, scriptures and holiday traditions as Palm Sunday, the Last Supper, events in Gethsemane, the Resurrection and Christ’s visit to the Nephites are shared.
This picture book is formatted to show a light behind the pages and other images will appear, complementing the original image. There is a question or activity on the pages, which keeps young readers engaged and helps them see how they can implement Jesus’ teachings.
— Christine Rappleye
“Miracles of Jesus” is by Brooke Malia Mann.
Deseret Book
“MIRACLES OF JESUS” by Brooke Malia Mann, Deseret Book, $16.99, 48 pages
Jesus Christ performed many miracles during his ministry. “Miracles of Jesus” starts with the miracle of his birth and the new star in the sky and includes how he healed people, fed thousands, walked on water, turned water into wine and raised a young girl from the dead. It ends with the events of Holy Week, pointing to the miracle of the Resurrection.
There are unique cutouts strategically placed throughout the book. A guide in the back shares the scripture references for each miracle and event.
— Christine Rappleye
“The Resurrection is for Me” is by Jessica B. Ellingson, illustrated by Aubrey Blackham
Cedar Fort
“THE RESURRECTION IS FOR ME,” by Jessica B. Ellingson, illustrated by Aubrey Blackham, Cedar Fort, $15.99, 32 pages
With rhyming and rhythmic verses, “The Resurrection Is for Me” shares about the life of Jesus Christ, from his birth to his visit to his apostles after the Resurrection.
With a focus on the events of Easter week, it shows in an age-appropriate way about the betrayal, Atonement, crucifixion and Resurrection.
The illustrations by Aubrey Blackham beautifully and realistically share the events of the Savior’s life.
— Christine Rappleye
“Finding Temple Symbols” is by Cami Evans and illustrated by Jennifer Tolman.
Cedar Fort
"FINDING TEMPLE SYMBOLS: Learn of Me," by Cami Evans, illustrated by Jennifer Tolman, Cedar Fort**, $15.99**
Children are never too young to begin learning about simple concepts and symbols surrounding the holy temples. "Finding Temple Symbols" is a children's picture book that explores everything from the symbolism of the flowers on the temple grounds, to the meaning of the circle and square shapes found carved into the temple itself.
The book asks children simple questions about what they see surrounding the temple, and what they find when they look in certain locations, making it a great book to take along on a visit to the temple grounds, as well as a great read in the home.
— Megan Jensen
“Guess Who’s the Latter-day Prophet” is by Molly Carter and illustrated by Katie Payne.
Cedar Fort
"GUESS WHO’S THE LATTER-DAY PROPHET," by Molly Carter, illustrated by Katie Payne, Cedar Fort**, $15.99**
In "Guess Who's the Latter-day Prophet," kids read rhyming riddles about each of seven prophets and then guess who is being described. Each riddle includes individual pictures that relate to the prophet to help children guess, and beautiful, two-page illustrations when the answer is revealed.
The prophets are portrayed as young people, reminding kids that prophets were once just like them. This book is a great way for children to learn a little bit more about beloved latter-day prophets.
— Megan Jensen
“Primary Zoo” is by Candas M. Elder and illustrationed by Rocky Davies.
Covenant Communications
“PRIMARY ZOO,” by Candas M. Elder, illustrated by Rocky Davies, Covenant Communications, $14.99, 32 pages
From the herd of different animals headed to Primary, “Primary Zoo” shares the barely contained energy and excitement along with the different personalities that can show up in any Primary.
From an excited kangaroo, to a nervous ostrich, to an otter who needs to get a drink of water (again), this rhyming book shares the antics of personalities of several attendees in a Primary class. Children who like animals can take the time to identifiy animals and a nephew likes to point out who is being reverent and who is not.
Rocky Davies’ delightful illustrations helps bring out the fun — and challenge — that can be in Primary on any given Sunday.
— Christine Rappleye
“The Littlest Angel” is by Brooklyn Parks and illustrated by Hailey Bischoff.
Cedar Fort
"THE LITTLEST ANGEL," by Brooklyn Parks, illustrated by Hailey Bischoff, Cedar Fort**, $15.99**
Do guardian angels exist, and does everyone have them? "The Littlest Angel" is written from the point of view of a spirit child sent to watch over and be a friend to Christ during his time on the Earth. When the angel's work is complete and she gets to come to earth with a body of her own, she's certain she'll recognize and follow Christ because of the time she was able to spend with him.
The rhyming text in the book is accompanied by beautiful illustrations of familiar scenes from Christ's life, sure to bring warm feelings to children and adults alike.
— Megan Jensen
“A Book of Bible Opposites” is by Rebekah Lund Hiatt and illustrated by Maggie Coburn.
Cedar Fort
"A BOOK OF BIBLE OPPOSITES," by Rebekah Lund Hiatt, illustrated by Maggie Coburn, Cedar Fort**, $12.99**
"A Book of Bible Opposites" is a board book that has colorful, fun pictures based on Bible stories that teach children the concept of opposites. From "God created day" and "God created night," to "The Egyptians are wet" and "The Israelites are dry," kids will be delighted as they make connections between the words they hear and the pictures they see.
Each set of opposites also includes a reference to where the whole story may be found in the Bible.
— Megan Jensen
“I am Grateful for Colors” is by Heidi Doxey and illustrated by Jeff Harvey.
Cedar For
"I AM GRATEFUL FOR COLORS," by Heidi Doxey, illustrated by Jeff Harvey, Cedar Fort**, $12.99**
"I Am Grateful for Colors" is a board book for young children that expresses the concept of gratitude for all the beautiful, bright colors that can be found on the earth. Each page lists various items of a certain color, including certain gospel-related things, like white temples, black missionary tags and green hymn books. It's a great addition to the collections of toddlers who are learning to identify colors in the world around them.
— Megan Jensen