Media Matters

 Board book by Kathi Appelt. The illustrator’s style is not my favorite, but the words have a perfect rhythm and rhyme that begs to be sung. I made up a tune, and my granddaughter loves to listen. It’s a charming and soothing bedtime book.

 Picture book by Janet Stevens. A fun trickster type story with a great ending! 

 Picture book by Timothy Robinson. This is a quality retelling of a Book of Mormon story. It would be a particularly good read in preparation for a baptism.

 Picture book by Brad Wilcox. This is a lovely picture book that teaches about the atonement of Jesus Christ by using a parable children will be able to relate to and understand. It is quite well done, and would be a great addition to an Easter bookshelf.

 Picture book by John Hendrix. Beautifully and faithfully written, while also remarkably accessible to modern children.  Includes retellings of The Good Samaritan, The Sermon on the Mount, The Wise Man and the Foolish Man, The Pearl of Great Price, The City on a Hill, The Lost Sheep, and The Prodigal Son.

 Picture book by Robert Munsch. Funny tale that shows the danger of following fads.

 Picture book by Daniel Kirk. Cute story that will get kids excited to write their own mini storybooks!

 Book by Hadley Vlahos. This was a fascinating, heartbreaking, inspiring book. I loved the way the author interspersed what she learned from her patient interactions with the way those things affected her personal life and growth. It was an eye-opening peek into the realities of end of life care. And it was fascinating how universal the experience of seeing deceased loved ones is right before a person passes into the next life. Note: I listened to the audiobook and it was ok but not great. The author reads it herself and is clearly not a trained voice actress.

 Picture book by Timothy Robinson. This is a factionalized account of a boy and his family who experience the three days of darkness and Christ’s visit to the Nephites. It is quite well written and illustrated. It is fairly lengthy, so better suited to older kids.

 Picture book by John Hendrix. This is one of my favorite Easter books so far. The writing is unbelievably good, the story is paced well, and the illustration style enhances the experience a great deal. Most importantly, it is written with a reverent sincerity I appreciated. My one complaint is that in telling the story of Jesus, the author chose to skip Gethsemane, jumping straight from the Last Supper to the Betrayal and Arrest. But it is still absolutely worth your time. This book would appeal to ages 7-adult.

 Picture book by Karma Wilson. Simple rhymes and gentle illustrations show various ways a child can rejoice throughout the day. Psalm 118:24 is used as a repeated refrain.

 Picture book by Anita Wells. I really liked this book’s simple format, predictable rhythm, intriguing illustrations, and faithful message! Great for ages 3-10 to enhance your family’s Book of Mormon studies.

 Picture book of the hymn by Folliot Pierpoint, illustrated by Lucy Fleming. I love this song, although I was unfamiliar with several of the six verses included here. The illustrations are stunning!!!

 Picture book by Amy-Jill Levine. This picture book portrays three parables: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. I really enjoyed the prose, illustrations, and message of rejoicing over what was once lost.

 Picture book by Carol McCloud. This book is surprisingly well done and a great way to introduce kids to the idea of filling someone’s bucket through kind words and actions.

 Picture book by Matthew Paul Turner. Jubilant illustrations paired with jaunty Seuss-like rhymes celebrate God’s love for you. Creativity and kindness are particularly highlighted. Note: it does not teach the full Christian gospel, as repentance, obedience, sacrifice, and Christ are not mentioned. But what it does, it does well, and I’m fine with it not doing everything.

 Picture book by Helen Haidle, illustrated by Cheri Bladholm. The prose is doctrinally fine, but not particularly poetic. However, the illustrations are stunningly beautiful showing a diverse group of children joyfully loving God and loving their neighbors. Each page spread could be its own mini lesson or devotional for little ones.

 Picture book by Todd Sturgell. I could see kids giggling over the premise of this book that is both a fictional story and contains nonfiction information about animals. You could also start a conversation about when it makes sense to say “Oh yeah?” and defy expectations, and when it makes sense to listen to the advice of someone with more knowledge than you.