A comforting and beautiful book: My review of Heaven is for Real for kids by Todd & Sonja Burpo

Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: November 8, 2011

At the age of 4, Colton had an amazing experience – he visited Heaven. His story has been chronicled in the book Heaven is for Real, and a children’s version of that book has now been created, filled with beautiful illustrations. In the pages of this book, Colton shares about his journey to heaven and what he saw and experienced, such as seeing angels and Jesus and playing with animals.

I believe that the children’s version of Heaven is for Real is a book that any child will be able to relate to, from the comforting and well-rendered pictures, to the fascinating details of what Colton saw and experienced, as conveyed in his own words. The book provides a message that is Biblical in nature and therefore is one that can inspire confidence in parents that their children will not be learning something that differs from the Bible’s teachings. Colton’s journey is told in an easy to read manner, one that will leave your children wide-eyed with wonder. I really enjoyed the scripture verses scattered throughout, filled with God’s amazing promises, such as the verse about Jesus preparing a place for us. The book emphasizes the truth that Jesus really loves children, which is such an important message for all children but especially those who feel unloved or ignored. For such children as these, I truly wish I could get a copy of this book into their hands.

I must admit that as I was looking at the pictures, my first question upon seeing the drawings of the children was why do they have wings? This question must have been anticipated as it is answered at the end of the book, and really the Bible does not state either way whether this is the case, so I did not find this to be a detail that detracted from the message.

I highly recommend this book for your children, and even for their parents too! 5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher, Thomas Nelson, via the Booksneeze program and netgalley, for the purposes of this unbiased review.