LDS Spring Conference brings anticipation, renewal, direction and inspiration. It’s always even more special when Easter occurs during these talks from our great leaders. I’ve gathered some great books for kids that are all by LDS authors.

The first two are picture books that are geared for ages 4 through 8 and perfect for this time of year. Easter Walk: A Treasure Hunt for the Real Meaning of Easter, by Deborah Pace Rowley, and illustrated by Dan Burr, begins with grandpa’s annual Easter walk with his grandson, Tyler, only this year 6-year-old Amy gets to come along as well. The hunt begins when grandpa quotes the first scripture clue found in Mark 15:17, describing what they placed on Christ’s head as he was paraded down the street toward the cross. Both of the siblings then run off until Amy locates a thorny branch to bring back to grandpa. The story progresses in this fashion with scriptures quoted throughout as the life, death and resurrection of Christ is read through scripture clues and grandpa asking questions relating to the meaning of Easter. The paintings are beautiful, bold and seem to spring to life off the pages as they progress the story along. What a unique and great idea to take your family on an Easter walk. There are scripture references found at the back to help you with your Easter walk.

How Does the Holy Ghost Make Me Feel?, by Michele Leigh Carnesecca, and illustrated by Carol Shelley Xanthos, is a wonderful way to show youngsters how to understand and decipher the Spirit. Each page states one example of how you feel, whether it’s when choosing correctly, when you’re alone or magnifying to do well. These statements of truth are followed by a scripture reference allowing children to understand and feel of His great love through reading the scriptures which will help them understand the Spirit. The painted drawings fill each page opposite the statements and are colorful and accentuate the spiritual lesson was learned.

Missing in Action, by Dean Hughes, is an historical fiction based at the time of World War II. Thirteen-year-old Jay has just moved to Delta, Utah from Salt Lake City and is trying to fit in with the boys in this small town. His father is missing in action while serving on a battleship in the Pacific and his mom moved both of them back to her parents’ home as she struggles and waits to hear from her husband. There is an internment camp nearby with American Japanese and Jay befriends one of them. His new friends have a low opinion of these Japanese and he struggles with that prejudice. He is part Navajo and is attempting to fit in as well, and throughout the book he is striving to learn to play better baseball. Jay learns much more than how to play baseball. He learns acceptance and the evils of prejudice as well as the great attributes his father and grandfather taught. This book is good for ages 9 and up.

The next four books are all fantasy books but are filled with engaging and mystifying mysteries that are geared for ages 9 and older. Far World: Water Keep book1 and Far World: Land Keep book 2, both by J. Scott Savage, are books I recently began reading and found myself swept away. Both of these are the kind of books you open and completely lose yourself inside the story. The stories, which help to be read in order, are filled with adventure, anticipation and mystery – all of the components that make for exciting reading. The young protagonist is wheel-chair bound and living in foster homes, but is soon to discover a magical world which he finds he’s related to somehow. One of the elements I like best about these books is the author’s amazing imagination and eloquent descriptions that draw the pictures vividly in your mind! You’ll find some great discussion questions at the back making these books perfect for class readings.

If you’ve not discovered Brandon Mull, you’re missing out on one the best authors for kids. His award-winning, The Candy Shop War, has recently been issued in paperback and is filled with an enticing mystery with a magnitude that might make you think twice before eating a sweet confection. He originally became famous with his “Fablehaven” series and book 4, Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary, is every bit as good as the other three. The two siblings, Kendra and Seth, continue to be the main protagonists as they must find their way to the dragon sanctuary where they hope to unlock the secrets before they are caught in the lire of griffons, giants and frightening dragons. This page-turner will keep you up all night as you become embroiled with all the dangers that continually affront Kendra and Seth. Book 3, Grip of the Shadow Plague, is now available in paperback.

This last book is geared for teens and older. My Ridiculous Romantic Obsessions, by Becca Wilhite, is funny, well written and a great romantic read. The protagonist, Sarah, has recently started college and is attempting to deal with dorm life, college classes and an amazingly handsome fellow-student who actually seems to be attracted to her. This engaging story is told through her eyes which make the book so enjoyable due to her self-deprecating sense of humor. She can’t believe that she is worthy of such a suitor of good standing in looks and intelligence. I found myself chuckling throughout the book because of her humorous outlook on life. But the real question is – will she get her man? You’ll have to read this fun book to find out.