Bad Guys of the Book of Mormon by Dennis Gaunt – Combined Review

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Combined Reviews
Sep 012011
 

Bad Guys of the Book of Mormon

Author: Dennis Gaunt

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published Date: August 2011

Softcover; 251 pages

ISBN# 978-1-60908-058-7

Genre: Religious Non-Fiction

FTC FYI: LDSWBR received a free review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Shanda’s Review

Bad Guys of the Book of Mormon swept me off my feet. It is entertaining, funny, honest, understandable, applicable and inspiring.

I passed our review copy on for Mindy and Sheila to read and then purchased my own copy of Bad Guys of the Book of Mormon so I could go back and highlight the sections that inspired me the most.

Bad Guys of the Book of Mormon is clearly written for the youth but in a direct and intelligent voice that both teens and adults will appreciate. The author presents this study of Book of Mormon bad guys with a secret agent “gathering intelligence” approach–we can learn about Satan’s tricks and deceptions in the latter days, and thus outsmart him, by studying how he tricked and deceived people in the past.

…we have many advantages over Satan. One of the greatest of these is the Book of Mormon. In its pages we have access, in a sense, to some of the greatest spy work ever done. (page 5)

The summaries at the end of each chapter include “Lessons Not Learned” and “Lessons to Learn,” asking questions that would be great discussion starters and lesson material for Family Home Evenings.

A continuing theme, mentioned several times by the author through scripture references and examples, is the message of repentance. These bad guys could have received blessings on earth as well as eternal life, if only they had learned the lessons Heavenly Father was trying to teach them. Some of the bad guys did repent and there is an entire chapter discussing those who turned back to the Savior.

I give Bad Guys of the Book of Mormon an enthusiastic 5 stars. I recommend it to all Latter-Day Saints. Bad Guys of the Book of Mormon has added new depth to my understanding of the scriptures. I plan to purchase another copy for my teenage daughter so she can read and mark the sections that are meaningful to her as she studies the Book of Mormon.

Sheila’s Review

Bad Guys of the Book of Mormon turned out to be something I wasn’t expecting. This book is full of humor and teaches young adults, as well as adults, gospel lessons in a way that you will not forget. I also truly loved the way that Dennis Gaunt presented each “bad guy” found in The Book of Mormon.

It is so easy to dismiss all of these bad guys as just that, they were bad and didn’t live the gospel. Though that statement could be proven true, he also reminds the reader that all of the bad guys were also human. These people were more than the one dimensional wicked bad guy, there was so much more to them. Many had trials in their lives where they also had to make a choice of good or evil.

In this book Dennis brings forward to the readers that there are lessons to be learned from the mistakes that these sinners made. Every chapter is ended with 1) Lessons NOT Learned and 2) Lessons to Learn.

This book is a must read for youth. You can tell he wrote it with them in mind. This doesn’t detract at all from adults enjoying the way the messages are presented. Dennis relates so much of the gospel in language that teens of today can understand. There is a chapter about Nehor and Amlici called “Popular Like Me.” The chapter starts with what the being popular is like for teens today; sitting at the cool table, sitting with the football players and cheerleaders etc. Gaunt then goes on to tell how Nehor was very much like the “popular” person and became a celebrity with the Nephite people. With his humor he adds, “I wonder if he was on the cover of Nephite People magazine, topping their 25 Most Beautiful Nephites list”

My favorite chapter has to be chapter 11 about Alma and the Sons of Mosiah. It is the best story to show us how people can go from bad to good. The overall message is that there are many miraculous stories of repentance and change in the Book of Mormon. What a great message to share with the youth of our church. I look forward to reading more books by Dennis Gaunt.

Mindy’s Review

My LDSWBR gals and I ran into Lisa Mangum at the Book Bloggers Social and she told us about her brilliant brother who sat down to write a book about the bad guys of the Book of Mormon and it only took him a month. I was impressed that someone, first of all could do that, but also I was so intrigued by the title. How cool to write a book about Book of Mormon bad guys.

When I sat down to read it, I was already excited. Right at the beginning there was a reference to one of my favorite bad guys of all time, Darth Vader. I knew right away I was going to love this book, and anything Dennis was going to tell me. What the author did with the bad guys was explain their side of the story. He didn’t justify their actions, but related their lives in a different way. And explained some scriptures that I have just skipped over in my past readings of the Book of Mormon.

There were so many great quotes from prophets, members of the twelve, present and past, and from other officers of the church. Most of my favorite quotes were from the author himself. I can tell that Dennis is a very smart and clever guy. He shared many of his own personal experiences throughout the book, telling the reader that he too has had a life of ups and downs. Some of the downs were from his own making. He turned his life to the direction it needed and served a mission in New Zealand. (My dad also served there on the north island.)

I also loved the other movie references: Star Wars and even Mary Poppins. At the end of each chapter there is a lesson learned and lesson to be learned section, giving a brief and sometimes funny summary of what the bad guys needed to know then.

The “yearbook” chapter was one of my favorites. The biggest lesson was, how do others see you and how do you want to be seen by others. Around page 160, the author talks about CPR–church activity, daily prayer, and reading scriptures. The basics of our beliefs and religion. If we fail to do those small and simple things, we could be at the mercy of the baddest bad guy of all, Satan.

July was a really hard month for me personally and my family as well. I went through many health struggles and trials that seemed never ending. My dear husband kept reminding me to pray and read my scriptures. At times I was praying about 20 times a day, needing the Lord with me at all times. Now that I am better, I still need that spirit with me, and I remember that I need CPR everyday to keep me and my family strong.

During my reading of Bad Guys of the Book of Mormon I was blown away. This is one of the best books I’ve read all year. I couldn’t put it down. I kept quoting phrases to my husband and teenage daughter. They are reading too! I wrote down so many awesome references that touched me. However, the last five pages were mind-blowingly awesome. The author made me excited about the scriptures.

Dennis talked about Christ being the master artist:

The Lord does things a little differently. He views us as eminently designable. Changeable. Moldable. His vew of us is as one looking at something with limitless potential for greatness. There is no end to the beauty and perfection that He can make us into. And yet, the greatest of all artists, the Master Artist, begins His work on us by signing His name first, before He ever lays a single drop of paint on our canvas, before he ever picks up a tool.” (page 231)

Christ is my Savior and Redeemer, without His influence and love I would be lost.

5 stars out of 5.

(dis) Abilities and the Gospel: How to Bring People with Special Needs Closer to Christ By Danyelle Ferguson and Lynn Parsons, M.S.

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Contests, Sheila's Reviews, Special Features
Jun 062011
 

(dis) Abilities and the Gospel: How to Bring People with Special Needs Closer to Christ

Authors: Danyelle Ferguson and Lynn Parsons, M.S.

Published Date: May 2011

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Softcover: 255 pages

Genre: non-fiction

FTC FYI: I received a free review copy that in no way influenced the review that was given.

Book Blurb & Endorsements:

Each day, parents and church leaders struggle to teach individuals with special needs. Using helpful

information, real-life stories, and a touch of humor, (dis)Abilities and the Gospel provides ways for you to effectively teach people of all ages with Autism, Down syndrome,

bipolar disorder, memory loss, and other disabilities.


Inside this useful guide, you’ll find


• Guidance for building strong family relationships• Steps to teaching prayer and scripture study
• Practical and creative teaching tips• Programs to help with transitions, communication barriers, and behaviors
• Techniques to help others feel welcome and valued


Find the answers you need and overcome the challenges of teaching the gospel. (dis)Abilities and the Gospel will help you develop each person’s ability to learn and grow

as you build peace in your home or classroom.


(dis)Abilities and the Gospel is a resource that may be read, re

read, and used many times. . . . The authors have beautifully woven the frustrations

that so many people have experienced into an action-

living plan to help children with special needs.
—Lloyd Kinnison, PhD. Texas Woman’s University, Special Education

Department


This book is an unexpected and very welcome gift to the community of churches and their leaders. It addresses so many of the problems that children, young adults,

and adults with disabilities face in church activities.

—Brenda Winegar, Early Interventionist/Cofounder, Kids on the Move




I was Primary President for four years. During those years I had the opportunity to work with many children, many of those with special needs. There were children in our primary that were autistic and many with ADHD, including my own children. Being a teacher, I felt like I had a little bit of knowledge of how to help these children enjoy their experience at church. There wasn’t a lot of information available to help me and my counselors to know how to help these children at the time. So when I read the book, (dis) Abilities and the Gospel: How to Bring People with Special Needs Closer to Christ, I knew that this book was inspired. As I read the book, I was so excited to see how Danyelle and Lynn have provided so much information for those working with people that have special needs. The wonderful thing about this book is that even though it is written for people in the LDS church, the ideas will work for anyone of any religion.


Listed here are the section titles and a few of the chapter titles that go
with the sections:

GENERAL INFORMATION
-Gospel Views on Children with Special Needs
-Demystifying the Diagnosis

TEACHING STRATEGIES
-A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
-Power Card Strategies

PRIMARY
-Every Star is Different
-The Baptism Dilemma
-We’ll Be Loyal Scouts

YOUNG MEN & YOUNG WOMEN
-Teaching Youth with a Broader Gap in Needs
-The Young Women Connection
-Deacons, Teachers, and More-Oh My!

ADULTS
-Church Callings
-Love One Another

FAMILIES
-Sacrament Meeting Survival
-Scripture Power
-Can I Make It Through Another Day?
-Building Parent-Child Relationships

I AM A CHILD OF GOD
-Expressions of Faith and Love

One other thing that I feel needs to be pointed out. Many of the things talked about in the wonderful book can be applied to all children, not just those with special needs. I was so impressed with the information and ideas that Lynn and Danyelle shared in this book. My hope is that all wards/branches/homes will purchase this book and then use the ideas found in the book. I think that this would be a worthwhile way of using ward budget money, so the books can be given to Primary and Young Men and Young
Women leaders. Just my humble opinion people. I give this book 5 stars!!

Now the exciting thing about this blog tour is a giveaway…

Blog Tour Giveaways:

Enter to win one of two $25 Amazon gift cards! One name will be drawn for a $25 Amazon gift card on June 30th. Another name will be drawn for a $25 Amazon gift card on July 22nd. Winners will be announced onwww.QueenOfTheClan.com There are many ways to enter. You must leave a comment on the reviewer’s blog letting us know what you’ve done. Please include your email address.

1 Point Each:

– Leave a thoughtful comment about the blogger’s review.

– Add the book to your “to-read” list on GoodReads

– Follow the reviewer’s blog

– Follow Danyelle’s blog

– Follow Lynn’s blog

– Follow Danyelle on FB

– Follow Lynn on FB

– Follow Danyelle on Twitter @DanyelleTweets

– Follow Lynn on Twitter @ParsonsLynn

2 Points Each:

– Tell your friends about (dis)Abilities and the Gospel on Facebook with a person links to Danyelle Ferguson & Lynn Parsons

– Tell your friends about (dis)Abilities and the Gospel on Twitter with links to @DanyelleTweets

5 Points:

– Interview Danyelle or Lynn for your blog or write a blog post about why you’re excited about (dis)Abilities and the Gospel. Be sure to leave a direct link to your post in your comment so we can visit and say hello!

Blog Tour Schedule

June 2nd – Christine Bryant @ Day Dreamer

June 7th – Tristi Pinkston

June 9th – Tamera @ 3 Boys & a Dog

June 14th – Ashlee @ Topsy Turvy Cakes

June 17th – Heather Justesen

June 23rd – Rebecca Talley

June 27th – Don Carey

July 6th – Danette @ Everyday Adventures

July 8th – Sheila Staley @ LDS Women’s Book Review and Why Not? Because I Said So!

July 11th – Kathy @ I Am a Reader, Not a Writer

July 13th – Jessica @ Fringies

July 15th – Heather @ Fire and Ice by Little Red Reads

July 18th – Nichole Giles @ Star Crossed Book Reviews

Purchase & Review Links:

Amazon.com

Barnes & Noble

Deseret Book

GoodReads




Danyelle’s Info:

Website: http://www.DanyelleFerguson.com

Blog: http://www.QueenOfTheClan.com




Danyelle Ferguson is a wife, mom, book editor, reviewer, and writer. She keeps busy

raising four angels-in-training, the oldest of which has Autism. She and her husband,

John, co-founded a non-profit organization, called Friends of GIANT Steps, which raises

money to supplement an Autism preschool in Orem, UT. Danyelle has been active in the

Autism community for over eight years, during which time she

learned that prayer and a sense of humor are the keys to not only enduring but

enjoying the special needs journey.

Danyelle discovered her love for the written word in elementary school. Her first article

she placed runner up in the Pennsylvania School of Excellence for Arts program, specializing

in creative writing. Since then, she’s won several awards for her poetry, short stories,

articles, and other writings. Her work has been published in newspapers, school journals,

and online. Some of her short stories appear in the book ofMormon Mishaps

and Mischief: Hilarious Stories for Saints by Cindy Beck and Nichole Giles. Her book,

(dis)Abilities and the Gospel, will be published in May 2011 through Cedar Fort Publishing.

Danyelle served as Treasurer for the League of Utah Writers – Utah Valley Chapter.

She’s a member of Authors Incognito, Super Edits critique group,

and meets weekly with her local writers group. She was also a member of the

Whitney Awards Committee.

Danyelle grew up surrounded by the beautiful Allegheny Mountains in Pennsylvania.

Then she lived for ten years among the majestic Wasatch Mountains. She is currently

experiencing mountain-withdrawal while living in Kansas with her husband and family.

She enjoys reading, writing, dancing and singing in the kitchen, and the occasional

long bubble bath to relax from the everyday stress of being “Mommy.”







Lynn’s Info:

Website: http://www.lynndparsons.com/

Blog: http://lynndeniseparsons.blogspot.com/


I am a wife, mother, grandmother, educational diagnostician, and writer. I entered the field of special education because two of my four children had special needs.

My thesis for BYU was titled, “Non-Drug Treatments for Attention Deficit Disorder.” After receiving my Bachelor of Independent Studies degree from BYU, I became certified as a special education teacher, primarily working with students with Autism.

My classes and teaching methods were featured in “District Administration Magazine”, the online magazine “Edutopia”, and several web sites on disabilities including “Positively Autism” and “The Family Center on Technology and Disability“.

My thesis for my master’s degree through Walden University was published by the Council for Exceptional Children. I have also been a community columnist for the “Fort Worth Star-Telegram” and I continue to work on my writing skills. I’m also working on a PhD in Special Education through Northcentral University.

I am an experienced speaker and presenter. I have taught many teacher in-services, given presentations on using technology for learners with special needs, and done presentations about disabilities for the community.

I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, but now call Texas home. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and needlework. I am currently works as an Educational Diagnostician. I continue to seek out and develop innovative teaching methods for children with special needs.

Following the Light of Christ Into His Presence by John M. Pontius

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Apr 302010
 

Surprise, surprise…today I am sharing with you about a non-fiction book. I know our “favorite Hillary” is usually the one that is well known in LDSWBR for covering these, but I do read a non-fiction book occasionally.

A few weeks ago I had a friend that let me borrow a book called Following The Light Of Christ Into His Presence by John M. Pontius. She has been aware of the many trials and struggles that I have been facing the past two years. The main reason that she wanted me to read this book, besides the obvious reasons of living in God’s presence again someday, was the chapter on “Voices”. In today’s world there are so many voices that are speaking to us and wanting us to follow them. In the book it tells of how there are three main voices in a healthy mind.

-You hear yourself think. You talk, discuss and argue with yourself. You berate, praise and jabber with yourself all day long.

-The second voice comes from Satan’s realm. When we hear a voice from this source it will be cleverly disguised and enticing. This realm plans and plots against us. These promptings will always lead us away from the truth.

-The third source of information in our minds is the voice of the Lord through the Holy Spirit. This voice always entices to do good, to believe, serve, pray and repent.

As we are going through trials in our lives, I feel that we are more vulnerable to hearing that second voice coming from Satan’s minions. We also are harder on ourselves and our own thoughts can be very destructive. It is at this time, that we should be the most open to promptings from the Holy Spirit. This dear friend of mine, knew I had been struggling with self doubt and voices from the world beating me down. This book has helped me so much in remembering what is most important. I can feel the peace and comfort that only the Savior can give to me.

Let me share with you the other chapter titles:

Chapter One: Personal Revelation

Chapter Two: The Light of Christ

Chapter Three: Preparing for the Rebirth: Faith in Christ

Chapter Four: Rebirth of the Spirit

Chapter Five: Beyond the Rebirth-Making Your Calling and Election Sure

This book was originally published in hardback in 1997 and republished in paperback in 2002 by Cedar Fort Publishing. You can still purchase this book here at Amazon.com

If you would like to read an except from the book you can go here.

John M. Pontius has a wonderful website called “Follow the Light”. You could spend a lot time there reading about him and what he has devoted his life to. At this site you can also see the other four books that he has written, go to his blog from there and contact information is available there. You can also connect with him on facebook.

Will I read this again? I am still reading this and I will be buying my own copy.

Would I recommend this book? Yes!

Would I read other books by John? Yes

Following the Light of Christ Into His Presence Book Description:

This book is the owner’s manual we were sent to earth without. Have you ever longed for a clear, precise, unamiguous description of the way to powerful righteousness? Revealed within this book is the grand key. It is the key to receiving answers to your prayers, daily guidance, personal revelation, prophetic understanding, power in the priesthood, rebirth of the spirit, calling and election, unspeakable joy, and much more.

Publisher: Cedar Fort
Author: John M Pontius
Edition Number: 3
Language: English
ISBN:

1555176437

EAN:

9781555176433

No. of Pages: 254
Publish Date: 1997-01-31
Binding: Paperback





Women of the Book of Mormon: Insights and Inspirations by Heather B. Moore

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Apr 152010
 

Title- Women of the Book of Mormon: Insights and Inspirations

Author- Heather B. Moore
Publisher- Covenant Communications
Published Date- March 2010
ISBN# 978-1-60861-007-5
Hardcover; 102 pages
If I could have chosen anyone to write this absolutely wonderful book, it would have been Heather. Having read her Out of Jerusalem series as well as Abinadi and Alma I’ve really enjoyed the way Heather writes the women in her books. Okay, I like the way she writes her books period. Yet the way she captures what life might have been like for those women in her fictional retellings of Book of Mormon events have been particularly interesting to me.
I can honestly say that reading Women of the Book of Mormon has changed me. I’ve wondered about the women of that time period, most of whom go unacknowledged and unmentioned, as I’ve read the Book of Mormon. The women we do read about are usually unnamed and their accounts are brief.
With her first nonfiction book, Heather has opened my eyes to these women and brought me to a new level of understanding of how they spent the days of their lives: their challenges, responsibilities, feelings, and faith – or lack of faith. I’ve never really thought about these women as my sisters before, and now I feel a strong connection to them.
I was unaware of how young these women were when they became betrothed, usually at age 12 or 13. While the betrothal usually lasted a year, the thought that my 12-year-old daughter would have been engaged and awaiting her marriage if we lived during that time is simply unfathomable to me.
I also didn’t understand just how much Sariah sacrificed when she followed her husband, Lehi, into the wilderness. I see why Laman and Lemuel were loathe to leave everything they possessed behind in Jerusalem. With Sariah it meant more than leaving behind a very comfortable life. It meant doing work that you previously had servants to do for you, bearing your children in the sandy wilderness, and wondering how you were going to manage your growing household when food was scarce and unvarying. It meant walking while men and children rode the camels since as a woman you were just a step above a slave. Sariah accepted and bore it all; she is a great example to me.
I’ve often thought Nephi must have held his mother in high regard and loved her immensely to have included her as often has he did while recounting his experiences. Heather shares examples that prove that though women weren’t too high up in social standing, when a woman begged or pleaded on behalf of another it held a lot of power and influence.
Mormon’s wife is another account I found fascinating. I’m pretty sure I’ve never given her a second thought until reading about her in Women of the Book of Mormon. Read the book to learn more about her life as a military wife in dark times.
I’ve barely scratched the surface of what Heather shares in Women of the Book of Mormon. This book would be a perfect Mother’s Day gift, of course. While I was thinking of a couple of women I would point toward this book, it occurred to me that men would really benefit as well from reading Women of the Book of Mormon. If you purchase this book for yourself or as a gift, make a point to share it with the men of your life so they can better appreciate these women and everything they experienced.
Well done, Heather!
Heather has book signings this weekend. Click here to find out when and where.
Visit Heather’s website and blog.
Women of the Book of Mormon: Insights and Inspirations is available at Deseret Book and Seagull Book.
My Rating: 5 stars (excellent!)
Would I-
  • read it again? absolutely
  • recommend it? most definitely
  • read more of Heather’s books? I can’t wait to read Alma the Younger (see the cover HERE)
FTC FYI: I received a review PDF from the author; it had no effect on my review.

One Bright Shining Hope by Gordon B. Hinckley

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Apr 092010
 


I love watching General Conference and hearing from our prophet. I love President Monson and his loving manner. I can’t help but still miss President Gordon B. Hinckley. He had been a part of our lives so long, it was hard to let him go. So, I decided to read a quote every night from his book, “One Bright Shining Hope: Messages for Women from Gordon B. Hinckley”. This book came out in 2006. I received this book soon after I had miscarried a baby at 11 weeks. Little did I know, that I would need this book even more now in my life.



Product Description

“When you save a girl, you save generations. I see this as the one bright shinning hope in a world that is marching toward moral self-destruction,” said President Gordon B. Hinckley. Heavenly Father treasures His daughters, and through His prophet has encouraged them to be a force for good in the world. President Hinckley’s words of encouragement and counsel to women are paired with beautiful visual images in this lovely gift book. A perfect companion volume to Sister Hinckley’s Small and Simple Things, the book is a thoughtful reminder to women everywhere of how much God loves and needs them.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:

“You did not come into this world to fail. You came into this world to succeed. You have accomplished much so far. It is only the beginning. As you move forward on the trail of life, keep the banner of faith in self ever before you…And you will be amazed at what might happen when in faith you take a step forward.”


“Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism. Walk with faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature, in the goodness of those you love, in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine.”

This quote is my favorite:

“We know not what lies ahead of us. We know not what the coming days will bring. We live in a world of uncertainty For some, there will be great accomplishment. For others, disappointment. For some, much rejoicing and gladness, good health and gracious living. For others, perhaps sickness and a measure of sorrow, We do not know. But one thing we do know. Like the polar star in the heavens, regardless of what the future holds, there stands the redeemer of the world, the Son of God, certain and sure as the anchor of our immortal lives. He is the rock of our salvation, our strength, our comfort, the very focus of our faith.”

If you have never read this book you should. If you already have this book, get it out and read it again. Whenever we hear the words of any prophet we know their words are true and come from our Father in Heaven. These messages encourage us, lift us up and remind us of our divine nature.

You can order this book here. This would be a perfect gift for someone on Mother’s Day or just a gift for yourself.

Easter Books for You and Your Family

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Mar 262010
 

With Easter rapidly approaching, I wanted to show you some books I recently found and that I am thinking about purchasing. As we try to share with our family about why we celebrate Easter, these books will help facilitate your endeavors. I hope that you will enjoy looking through them.

“Behold the Lamb of God”: An Easter Celebration (Hard Cover Book) Edited by Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, Frank F. Judd Jr., and Thomas A. Wayment

Followers of Jesus Christ since the beginning have referred to their Savior as the Lamb of God. While down by the river Jordan, John the Baptist was baptizing those who desired to follow the Savior.

When the Savior approached the Baptist, John declared, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). After John baptized Jesus, he bore record “that he had baptized the Lamb of God” (1 Nephi 10:10). The next day, when John and two of his disciples saw Jesus, the Baptist again proclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36). Featuring beautiful artwork, this volume celebrates the life and sacrifice of the Lamb of God.

My First Story of the First Easter (Board Book) retold by Deanna Draper Buck, illustrated by Jerry Harston

Here is a wonderful way to introduce your little ones to the real meaning of Easter.

Written in language that can be understood by young readers or read aloud to preschoolers, My First Story of the First Easter tells the stories of the Last Supper, the Garden of Gethsemane, and Christ’s appearance to the Nephites, explaining the Atonement and Resurrection in simple, understandable terms.

Parents, grandparents, and teachers will welcome this newest addition to their child’s gospel library.

Easter Walk: A Treasure Hunt for the Real Meaning of Easter (Hard Cover Book) Written by Deborah Race Rowley, illustrated by Dan Burr

Follow Tyler and Amy as they take a much-anticipated Easter walk with their grandpa. Using clues from the scriptures, they find six objects that symbolize specific moments in the Easter story.

For example, they find something sharp to remind them of the Savior’s crown of thorns and something made of wood to remind them of the cross. As they walk, they learn important lessons about Easter and its particular message for their family, and yours.

This touching story beautifully illustrates the importance of the Savior’s Atonement and Resurrection as it helps us remember the true meaning of Easter. It teaches the eternal truth that families can be together forever.

The Gift of the Atonement: Favorite Writings on the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ by Various Authors

In this unique collection, some of the most important and inspirational writings from Church leaders and other beloved writer’s about Christ’s great atoning sacrifice have been assembled. Each chapter increases our understanding of this extraordinary and marvelous event, offering insights on the plan of salvation, grace and repentance, and resonates with gospel truth.

Presented as a beautiful gift book to share with family and friends, the pages of this small treasure are filled with hope and reassurance. The Gift of the Atonement will urge readers to embrace the Savior’s invitation to follow Him and claim the wondrous blessings of exaltation.
“In the gift of his Son hath God prepared a more excellent way.” -Ether 12:11

The Gift of the Atonement includes favorite writings from:
Melvin J. Ballard, Ezra Taft Benson, Tad R. Callister, J. Reuben Clark Jr., Sheri Dew, Marie Hafen, Patricia T. Holland, Howard W. Hunter, Ardeth G. Kapp, Spencer W. Kimball, Janet Lee, Gerald N. Lund, Truman G. Madsen, W. Jeffrey Marsh, Bruce R. McConkie, Joseph Fielding McConkie, David O. McKay, Robert L. Millet, Hugh Nibley, Chieko N. Okazaki, Stephen E. Robinson, Marion G. Romney, James E. Talmage, John Taylor, Brent L. Top, Wendy L. Watson, Orson F. Whitney, . . . and others.

In the Garden (Hard Cover Book) by Caralyn Buhner, Illustrated by Brandon Dorman

What happened in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross are difficult things for anyone to grasp, especially children.

Did Jesus fell a lot of pain? Was he all alone? Why did he have to go through that experience? How did he die? When was he resurrected? And why is all of this important to me?

 True to the sciptural accounts, this tender and inspiring book follows Jesus in his journey from the Passover to the Garden of Gethsemane and from Golgotha to the Resurrection. Beautifully written and illustrated, it will help children better comprehend the most significant events in the history of the world – the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ and his becoming the Savior of the World.

Though this is a very short list of Easter books that are available, these are the ones that caught my eye. If you are interested in any of them or other books about Easter, you can find them at these websites or at the actual bookstores. The most important thing is to make The Savior the center of our Easter celebration. These books are one way to help us in doing so.


–Deseret Book


–BYU Bookstore


–Seagull Book

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