4.32

2

May 11, 2012

I read this book today. I'd never have picked it up, but a friend with a young child shared it with me. She was so excited about it. She knows I love to read, that I believe in God, and she was positively thrilled to share it with me. Heck, she sat there while I read it.

Alrighty then.... I don't even begin to know how to categorize this book. Certainly it's non-fiction as it recounts what society categorizes as a "near death" experience. Certainly it's a kid's book as it's the version of this I read this book today. I'd never have picked it up, but a friend with a young child shared it with me. She was so excited about it. She knows I love to read, that I believe in God, and she was positively thrilled to share it with me. Heck, she sat there while I read it.

Alrighty then.... I don't even begin to know how to categorize this book. Certainly it's non-fiction as it recounts what society categorizes as a "near death" experience. Certainly it's a kid's book as it's the version of this story written and illustrated for kids (vs. the edition that's geared toward adults, as apparently there are different castings of this account). Surely, there can be hardly any more important topics than Heaven, immortality, and humanity's ongoing search for the meaning of life.

This remarkable little toddler--who is not the author of the book, I might note--apparently died while undergoing an unspecified surgery, had these remarkable experiences, and was returned to earth (that's not a spoiler folks, it's all implied right there in the title) in answer to his father's prayers. Interesting. The same father who is the "author" of this book. The same father who is a pastor. "Not his mother's prayers?," I wonder.

What a potentially marvelous, powerful and ultimately faith-affirming message. The child relays, presumably over the course of years, his memories and the details of his brief experience of Heaven. They are accompanied by illustrations that are not his own, and with assorted scriptural citations with which--at the age of three--he was doubtless not fully conversant. The final product however, this book, leaves me with far more questions than it does answers and certainty. My questions are not about the veracity of Heaven, or God, or the power of faith. They are, instead, all about the context--which is sorely lacking here--about how parents (I presume both parents approved of this effort) decide that this is a message that is unique and needs to be carried to the rest of the world--in formats targeted for specific demographics. This is the part where I'm caught short. This is the part where if I cared more (which quite honestly I don't), I'd do some research on the backstory. Why don't I care? Not because I don't care about the message, but because I care a whole lot less about Colton's parents' decision to publish these books and don't want to give them any more of my time. There's a vast and interesting literature on out-of-body and near-death experiences. If this were Colton's account, told in his own words and through his own filters, it could readily complement that rich body of work. As it's not, I'm simply left wondering what it's like to have this momentous occasion capitalized upon by one's parent(s).

One final point. The book contained a section addressing kids' questions after reading the book. One of the questions was something to the effect of "How do animals get to Heaven?" I was a kid once, admittedly a long time ago. My inner child doesn't want to know the specific mechanism by which animals get to heaven, esp. as the book depicts assorted animals including the range of Peaceable Kingdom lion and lamb imagery in Heaven. Nope. What I want to know is, "Do my pets go to Heaven, will I see them, and will they get along?" That's a very different series of pet-related questions than the one presented, and pretty succinctly dismissed in my estimation, at book's close.

So I'm left more than a little ambivalent here due to (1) the lack of context and (2) the inescapable fact that the child who actually underwent this powerful experience, Colton Burpo, was not afforded the opportunity to tell his own story. What has been lost or, more likely embellished and buffed to a glossy sheen, in the retelling by his pastor father? I'd be interested in Colton's story, but I'd like a good deal less of Dad in here. ...more

1

Nov 24, 2012

I have absolutely no respect for any man who will pimp his own innocent child for money nor any mother who will tolerate it. This is as much child exploitation as child porn or renting one's little boy out to perverts by the hour.

A little 4 year old child had a near death experience. Notice that I said NEAR death experience. There is a huge difference in being nearly dead and in being dead. Flash forward several years and his exploitative father, a Christian minister who sees other ministers I have absolutely no respect for any man who will pimp his own innocent child for money nor any mother who will tolerate it. This is as much child exploitation as child porn or renting one's little boy out to perverts by the hour.

A little 4 year old child had a near death experience. Notice that I said NEAR death experience. There is a huge difference in being nearly dead and in being dead. Flash forward several years and his exploitative father, a Christian minister who sees other ministers writing books and making big bucks decides that he will write one too. What to write about? Christians are gullible and will believe any myth they see in the bible or told to them by those with credentials from the church but it needs to be something pretty spectacular to get attention in a sea of other books for gullible Christians. Aha! He will make up a tale about his little boy who was so sick years earlier.

That book was called "Heaven is For Real". Burpo (an apt name as he makes me want to burp, belch then vomit) and the little wifey conspire to declare that there is proof of a heaven and that their son said and did this and that at age 4 after being in a coma (but NOT dead). Now, one cannot prove that there is life after death (an absurd notion in the first place) or that there is a heaven when one has NOT died. This poor child has the misfortune to be a minister's son which means he has been brainwashed into believing christian myths since birth. Burpo and his wife decide to turn their son into a cash cow.

Heaven is not for real but gullible christians with checkbooks and credit cards are. The child was 4 when he was sick. It has been years and Burpo has just recently come out writing books about it. As psychologists, teachers, and parents know, preschool children have fantastic imaginations and they are also highly suggestible. The child likely (after being brainwashed into believing myths) was easy prey to his parents in establishing a story and convincing him he said things years ago.

There is no evidence that the child ever dreamed any of this or that it is anything other than a figment of the father's devious mind. He apparently has no shame for he has now written this piece of trash "for" his son pretending the child is telling a story about something that never happened to corner the kiddie market. This is simply disgraceful. This is why religious mythology is so hard to get rid of. Ignorant parents brainwash yet another generation of kids with garbage like this. There is no heaven and this kid has never been dead or gone anywhere. This is just a greedy father selling his kid for personal profit. ...more

5

July 25, 2013

My 8 year old read this and is not afraid of going to heaven on her own. God is good.

5

Oct 19, 2017

Heaven is for Real for Kids: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd and Sonja Burpo, as told by Colton Burpo to his parents. Illustrated by Wilson Ong. 2011. Tommy Nelson Publishing. 5 Stars. This is a great book for kids that contains appropriate Bible passages. Thanks to a local library for the availability of this title. Heaven is for Real for Kids: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd and Sonja Burpo, as told by Colton Burpo to his parents. Illustrated by Wilson Ong. ©2011. Tommy Nelson Publishing. 5 Stars. This is a great book for kids that contains appropriate Bible passages. Thanks to a local library for the availability of this title. ...more

0

Jan 21, 2018

Now with ridiculous pictures to accompany the ridiculous story!

5

Feb 07, 2012

I loved it and give it 5 out of 5 stars! I had already read Heaven is for Real in just one day and thought it was an amazing book. My 11 year old daughter had read it also and loved it and I really wanted my 10 year old to read it but he's very sensitive and has some special needs so I didn't think that one would be ideal book for him but this Kids version is PERFECT! He was amazed and awed by what happened to Colton on his journey to heaven and back. Kylan had a lot of questions about heaven, I loved it and give it 5 out of 5 stars! I had already read Heaven is for Real in just one day and thought it was an amazing book. My 11 year old daughter had read it also and loved it and I really wanted my 10 year old to read it but he's very sensitive and has some special needs so I didn't think that one would be ideal book for him but this Kids version is PERFECT! He was amazed and awed by what happened to Colton on his journey to heaven and back. Kylan had a lot of questions about heaven, some were answered in this book and some were not.

This is the perfect book for children, it's thoughtfully written with a child in mind and has beautiful illustrations that children love and even has a guide in the back to help stimulate conversation between you and your child. The main message behind this book is that Jesus really, really LOVES children. I feel it would be great for very young children up to 10 or 11 year olds and when they are old enough they will probably want to move on and read Heaven is for Real. This would even make a wonderful gift for expecting parents and will be cherished and loved by all that read about Colton Burpo and his AMAZING experience with life and death and HEAVEN! ...more

1

Feb 27, 2015

Wow - this may be worse than the book it is based on, since it has pictures and it's designed for kids.

The book states that Colton Burpo went to heaven and saw a heaven that was exactly like the Bible described. Which, to this father, means people walk around with literal halos, and Jesus has a rainbow-colored horse. Where is that in the Bible again?

It's one thing to believe heaven is real, and quite another to suggest that it conforms specifically to one narrow view.

I get that heaven may be Wow - this may be worse than the book it is based on, since it has pictures and it's designed for kids.

The book states that Colton Burpo went to heaven and saw a heaven that was exactly like the Bible described. Which, to this father, means people walk around with literal halos, and Jesus has a rainbow-colored horse. Where is that in the Bible again?

It's one thing to believe heaven is real, and quite another to suggest that it conforms specifically to one narrow view.

I get that heaven may be different to different people - but the intent of this book is to make sure that kids believe this view of heaven is the right one; the intent of the original book is to prove that the fundamentalist Christian version of heaven is real, and that it's the correct version of heaven. And the arguments that are used to prove this make no sense. The basic argument is that everything Colton saw is how the Bible describes heaven. But, really, what Colton saw is how many fundamentalist Christians see heaven. Quite a bit different.

The original book reads like propaganda. By extension, this one reads like indoctrination. ...more

4

Nov 19, 2012

I received this book as a Goodreads giveway. Before I review this book, I should tell you that I feel indebted to this author. When my Grandma was dying we read the original book to her over and over again. She received a great deal of comfort from the descriptions of heaven in the book and I believe that it contributed greatly to her peaceful passing. However, I do not believe that this indebtedness is reflected in my review.

When I saw this book was available in a children's format, I was I received this book as a Goodreads giveway. Before I review this book, I should tell you that I feel indebted to this author. When my Grandma was dying we read the original book to her over and over again. She received a great deal of comfort from the descriptions of heaven in the book and I believe that it contributed greatly to her peaceful passing. However, I do not believe that this indebtedness is reflected in my review.

When I saw this book was available in a children's format, I was excited to enter and win the giveaway. The book is written and illustrated beautifully. All three of my children sat and listened while I read the book and, afterward, they had very appropriate questions regarding heaven and Jesus. I think that this would be a great book to read with children that had just lost a loved one and had questions regarding the after life. ...more

5

Feb 20, 2014

I read the original book quite a bit before I read this book with my daughter. I read the original book to help me with some things that my daughter had said to me at a very young age. Mind you like the child in book, she had several near death experiences as a newborn.

When she lost a dear friend in the first grade, I found the child version and bought it for her. We sat down and read the book. It helped her a lot in dealing with her grief for him.

I think that this is a great book for helping I read the original book quite a bit before I read this book with my daughter. I read the original book to help me with some things that my daughter had said to me at a very young age. Mind you like the child in book, she had several near death experiences as a newborn.

When she lost a dear friend in the first grade, I found the child version and bought it for her. We sat down and read the book. It helped her a lot in dealing with her grief for him.

I think that this is a great book for helping children dealing with grief for those who have passed. ...more

5

Jun 09, 2013

i loved this book i opened this present on christmas day and i read it right away and i brought it to school with me and showed my class and they loved it to

5

Jun 21, 2013

This really helped me prepare my children for the fact that their grandfather had passed away. After reading it and then explaining to them that he was in Heaven, they were excited (and a little jealous) for him.

4

May 05, 2014

This book gives me a glimpse of what Heaven looks like.It's nice to know testimonies from little children and be inspired of their pure faith. Still, I anchor my faith in Truth that is in Christ, Jesus. I'm not saying I don't like this book,in fact this encourages me more to read the Scripture and to personally discover and confirm Colton's view (based on his 3-minute experience in Heaven)of Heaven.I'm soooo amazed on how this kid addressed the message of Salvation which is through Jesus Christ This book gives me a glimpse of what Heaven looks like.It's nice to know testimonies from little children and be inspired of their pure faith. Still, I anchor my faith in Truth that is in Christ, Jesus. I'm not saying I don't like this book,in fact this encourages me more to read the Scripture and to personally discover and confirm Colton's view (based on his 3-minute experience in Heaven)of Heaven.I'm soooo amazed on how this kid addressed the message of Salvation which is through Jesus Christ alone. Praises to God! ...more

3

Dec 02, 2019

o Grades: 2-5
o Realistic fiction
o A shortened easier to understand version of the novel Heaven is Real. This is a great way to introduce the story, not from a Christian standpoint but from a teacher standpoint. The novel version of this book was big news and for children to be able to understand the story, it is important.

1

Aug 09, 2018

Child remembers cartoons about heaven while brain is oxygen deprived. Worth it for one illustration of kid being weirded out by Jesus showing him the sick nail holes in his palms, bro.

5

Jul 17, 2019

#cbad 2018-2019 (guest reader) - 5th grade SCA - 9/19/18 - average rating 4.8

4

Feb 03, 2018

Genre: This book is a biography because it’s written about Colton Burpo’s trip to heaven. The story is written by Colton’s parents.

Audience: This book is written more for the intermediate readers. There is more words on the pages, more like paragraphs rather than a sentence a two. There is also bible verses which can be challenging for younger readers to read and understand.

Twin Text: A Traveler’s Guide to Heaven by Anthony DeStefano - I picked this book because they both tell a story about a Genre: This book is a biography because it’s written about Colton Burpo’s trip to heaven. The story is written by Colton’s parents.

Audience: This book is written more for the intermediate readers. There is more words on the pages, more like paragraphs rather than a sentence a two. There is also bible verses which can be challenging for younger readers to read and understand.

Twin Text: A Traveler’s Guide to Heaven by Anthony DeStefano - I picked this book because they both tell a story about a trip to heaven. ...more

5

Jan 25, 2013

Saw this book listed as an option on BookSneeze and knew that I had to get it. The initial Heaven is for Real was brought up at Women of Faith this year and I added it to my "need to read" list. When I saw the children's version, I grabbed it right away to share with my reader. She loves reading about God and learning about how Jesus protects her.

Book description provided: Heaven is for real, and you are going to like it!
Colton Burpo came back from his trip to heaven with a very important Saw this book listed as an option on BookSneeze and knew that I had to get it. The initial Heaven is for Real was brought up at Women of Faith this year and I added it to my "need to read" list. When I saw the children's version, I grabbed it right away to share with my reader. She loves reading about God and learning about how Jesus protects her.

Book description provided: Heaven is for real, and you are going to like it!
Colton Burpo came back from his trip to heaven with a very important message: Jesus really, really loves children. In effort to reach even more families with this eternally significant story, this runaway bestseller is now told from Colton—kid to kids! Children will receive the same comfort and assurance that so many adults have received from the trade book.
Beautifully illustrated, under Colton's direction, this book is uniquely written from a child for a child. Colton tells of his experiences in first person and comments on things that will be important to kids. A letter to parents is included to guide them in talking to their children about heaven. Scripture along with Q&A section with answers from the Bible are also included in the book.
I read through the book first and fell in love with it. The words are simple and powerful all at the same time. I really enjoyed the descriptions of heaven given; I could see it in my own head, all bright and glowing and happy. The art work in the book really put some of the ideas into perspective. Like when he's sitting at the foot of God talking to the Holy Spirit. The picture included shows God's knees being higher than Jesus's head. The other one was the description of the angel Michael's sword. "...is about as big as my dad. His sword is covered in flames and is really powerful."
My reader and I sat snuggled in the backseat of the car reading books for our date night. I know this may sound funny. If the girls go above and beyond what is expected of them, they earn bonus points. For every twenty bonus points they get to go on a date with either mom or dad. My reader decided that there were too many rowdy kids at McDonald's to stay longer than our sundaes took. We drove around town looking at the holiday lights until the car got warm. Then we parked in the driveway and read books on my Kindle until Daddy came out with the dog for the last walk of the night.
My reader loved the story. She can't wait to play with an elephant. She really enjoyed the story and the pictures. Now that I'm writing the review, she wants to read it again. Actually, she wants it read to her. I think she may be tired after her long day at school.
It's a wonderful book. I would recommend it to anyone who is dealing with loss and children. I wish I would have had this book last year or even three years ago when my grandma passed and my hubby's grandma passed. I remember searching for books at the library because we didn't want to hide it from them. The people closest to them were very sad and we agreed that they needed to know why. The only books I found were way out there or extremely wordy. This is perfect for that situation.
Now I can't wait to read the original book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ...more

5

May 30, 2014

My sister suggested I read this book while I am visiting family here in Colorado. I said okay but really didn't want to read this as it is normally not the kind of book I read.

Well, I have read some of the reviews here and I am quite frankly stunned by all the one stars, negative comments, and of course the people who can only express themselves with the use of profanity.

This book literally has opened my eyes and heart and makes me believe that there is hope - even if you not a practicing My sister suggested I read this book while I am visiting family here in Colorado. I said okay but really didn't want to read this as it is normally not the kind of book I read.

Well, I have read some of the reviews here and I am quite frankly stunned by all the one stars, negative comments, and of course the people who can only express themselves with the use of profanity.

This book literally has opened my eyes and heart and makes me believe that there is hope - even if you not a practicing Christian, that God will still accept you into heaven if you accept him into your heart.

Well, I have done that with this book. I grew up Catholic but have lost my way over the years. I have suffered through an abusive relationship and am basically all alone. But this story has lifted my spirits.

No I will not be seen at every Sunday church service, but now at least I can believe that this life on earth is just the beginning! I am a nanny and I know that little ones do not purposefully lie or try to deceive.

Even if it turns out that this is false, I am still happy to have read the book and I choose to believe the following.

#1. My Mother, who died when I was 21, is waiting for me in heaven and is still watching and guiding me on Earth.

#2. My dogs and cats that have passed by are waiting for me up in heaven. That fact makes me feel so much better because I recently lost my Buddy dog. Now I believe that he is playing and having lots of fun with all my other special furry friends over the years.

#3. The baby, that I miscarried, is waiting for me and will know me immediately. I miscarried very early in my pregnancy and never told anyone. Then, when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, I felt my chance for children had past. Now I know they did not.

But God answered my prayers 10 years later when I was available to adopt Katherine when she was only 10 days old. She is now 20 and the light of my life. Imagine how happy we will all be in heaven.

My Mother always used to tell me to believe even when you cannot see.

Well, Mother, Colton has helped me see and I do now believe. I look forward to seeing you again! I love you, Mommy! ...more

1

Apr 18, 2014

I just read this book the other day because one of my coworkers read a page from it during our morning faculty devotions. I am aware that the movie is coming out during this Easter season. I also am aware that there are many believers....

However, I am a skeptic. I was interested in reading this, though, and having a conversation with my fellow teacher. I want to know what others believe about this "experience". So take my skepticism or leave it...

My two thoughts about the book are:

1. This little I just read this book the other day because one of my coworkers read a page from it during our morning faculty devotions. I am aware that the movie is coming out during this Easter season. I also am aware that there are many believers....

However, I am a skeptic. I was interested in reading this, though, and having a conversation with my fellow teacher. I want to know what others believe about this "experience". So take my skepticism or leave it...

My two thoughts about the book are:

1. This little boy seems to have gone to heaven and understood SO MANY things all of a sudden about what was going on in heaven: what the angels were doing, who people were from his family, what God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit were all doing. All of these things are amazing for a little boy to understand and explain, however, he couldn't explain the animals in heaven. So my immediate reaction is: the things he could explain are things we are able to understand from the Bible, but the animals being in heaven we don't know much about. So rather than his family explain things that we really can't know until we're in heaven, they just left it that he wasn't sure about it. I would think that if Colton could explain all those other things and immediately know what was going on with them, he would have been able to explain some of those other questions, including the animals one.

2. When we will have reached the goal that we are told to press on toward. Why would God remove him from a place of glory and perfection and send him back to earth? It just doesn't connect for me.

All this being said, I KNOW that God can use anything for His good, and I hope that in spite of my hesitations about this book and movie, that many will be reached with the GOSPEL message and come to believe in the God that created them, loves them and died and rose again for their eternal souls.

Hey - it's what I believe.



*This man says it better:
http://www.challies.com/book-reviews/... ...more

5

Nov 07, 2011

I received this beautiful little treasure from Book Sneeze this week. It is an illustrated children's version of the bestseller Heaven Is For Real. In this book, Colton Burpo acts as narrator of his own afterlife experience, explaining in a very childlike and simple way how wonderful and beautiful heaven is. The story is told strictly from his own 4 year old point of view.

When reviewing a children's book, my rule is to read it to the target audience - children! In this case, I read this book to I received this beautiful little treasure from Book Sneeze this week. It is an illustrated children's version of the bestseller Heaven Is For Real. In this book, Colton Burpo acts as narrator of his own afterlife experience, explaining in a very childlike and simple way how wonderful and beautiful heaven is. The story is told strictly from his own 4 year old point of view.

When reviewing a children's book, my rule is to read it to the target audience - children! In this case, I read this book to my own children (ages 11, 7, 6, and 3) for bedtme. As we read, my kids got more and more excited about the things Colton described in his story. They loved it so much that When my kids eventually shuffled off to bed, I heard my 7 year old saying, "I wish I could go to heaven right now." My 11 year old said, "Heaven is just like earth, but happier!"

A couple of my kids favorite parts:

Colton's description of playing with any animals you want-- all of my kids LOVED this part!! My 3 year old especially liked the pictures of the white horse with rainbow hair. He said, "I would want to feed him his carrots!"

At the end of the book is a short Q&A list, and the question of angels having wings is discussed. Colton's answer is "You get to choose if you want to walk or fly." My oldest thought this was very very cool!

The illustrations are beautiful - full of rich color and vibrancy. They help convey the feelings of love, peace and happiness Colton describes in the story. The language is simplistic, which makes potentially confusing points of doctrine quite easy for children to understand. I feel this book would be a blessing to any child's library, but will be especially beneficial for children who are dealing with terminal illness, or who have lost a loved one. It completely takes away any confusion or fear about what heaven is like, and helps children become very comfortable with the idea of going there. ...more

4

Jan 30, 2012

Colton Burpo was almost four-years-old when he became ill and was taken to the hospital. During his stay in the hospital, he closed his eyes and found himself being carried to Heaven by an angel.

Colton describes all the things he saw and all the things he experienced while in Heaven. The text is very simple and is written in a way that children can understand. Each page is illustrated with a beautiful color illustration that complements the text. There is also a Bible verse on each page that Colton Burpo was almost four-years-old when he became ill and was taken to the hospital. During his stay in the hospital, he closed his eyes and found himself being carried to Heaven by an angel.

Colton describes all the things he saw and all the things he experienced while in Heaven. The text is very simple and is written in a way that children can understand. Each page is illustrated with a beautiful color illustration that complements the text. There is also a Bible verse on each page that supports the experiences that Colton described while he was in Heaven.

This book is a child's version of the best-selling adult book "Heaven is for Real; A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back." I have not read this original version of the book but plan to read it in the future.

I read this book on my Kindle 3 (black and white illustrations) and on the Kindle for PC Application (color illustrations). The illustrations and text are a good fit for the Kindle. Children will find this book easy and enjoyable to read on the small screen of the Kindle.

I think the child's version of "Heaven is for Real" is a book that is well-suited to share with children of all ages. This book will help parents explain what happens after a person dies. Colton remembers seeing all kinds of animals in heaven so this book would also be appropriate to answer questions about what happens to pets when they die.

Christian parents will find this book poignant and astounding. It is truly amazing that this young child could have an experience like this and be able to describe it in such vivid detail. There will always be skeptics, but I found Colton's story very believable and inspiring.

The theme of this book is "Jesus really, really loves children and Jesus really, really loves you." There is a FAQ section at the end of the book that provides more information about the Burpo family and Colton's experience. Highly recommended. ...more

0

Jan 13, 2014

In the blink of an eye your life can change; one minute you’re spending quality time with your loved ones and the next you’re in the hospital waiting for them to get out of a crucial surgery. Seeming to be a lifetime for the family outside, actually was for little Colton. Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent worked together to write the non-fiction book, Heaven Is For Real. Based on a little boy’s afterlife adventure while in surgery. Looking down to see the doctor operating on him or being able to see In the blink of an eye your life can change; one minute you’re spending quality time with your loved ones and the next you’re in the hospital waiting for them to get out of a crucial surgery. Seeming to be a lifetime for the family outside, actually was for little Colton. Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent worked together to write the non-fiction book, Heaven Is For Real. Based on a little boy’s afterlife adventure while in surgery. Looking down to see the doctor operating on him or being able to see his dad praying in the waiting room, seemed a little unclear for the Burpo family. Not exactly sure what to believe but soon the evidence was clear as he shared impossible-to-know details about each event we experienced. By the countless stories about his lifetime spent on Cloud 9 was put into words and written all on paper for everyone to understand the astonishing truth about Heaven.

While reading, I found this book to be very addicting; once I started it, I could not set it down. It was a very quick and easy read, yet never predictable. As it was always keeping me on the edge of my seat with many different unexpected events. Throughout the different chapters, there were many different emotions that came along with the type of story Colton would be telling or describing. I do not think I would recommend this book to many guys in comparison to girls; however it did mention a possible upcoming war between the two after-worlds. I personally loved this book; so much in fact, I already recommended it to many family members and friends. I then moved onto similar books like, 90 minutes in Heaven or 23 minutes in Hell, which would be right up anyone’s ally if you enjoyed Heaven Is For Real. Both stories being non-fiction excitements about what “life after death” may actually mean.
...more

5

Oct 21, 2012

"Heaven is for Real For Kids" was actually written by a 12 year old named Colton Burpo. "Heaven is for Real For Kids" was written about Colton's life, how he died, and his trip to heaven. Colton actually got to hang out and walk around with Jesus. Even though this is a serious story, it was told in a kid-friendly way. Even through we are all scared of the "unknown" about Heaven, this book helps teach kids and adults not to be scared of heaven anymore. Through out the book, there were bible verse "Heaven is for Real For Kids" was actually written by a 12 year old named Colton Burpo. "Heaven is for Real For Kids" was written about Colton's life, how he died, and his trip to heaven. Colton actually got to hang out and walk around with Jesus. Even though this is a serious story, it was told in a kid-friendly way. Even through we are all scared of the "unknown" about Heaven, this book helps teach kids and adults not to be scared of heaven anymore. Through out the book, there were bible verse that went with each thing Colton talked about on his trip to Heaven. In the end of the book, Colton wakes up back in the hospital bed with his family by his side and told them about his trip to heaven. After the story ends, there are answers/questions about how Colton is now and what he is doing with his life. Some of the questions he was asked were "Do we really get wings in heaven?" and "How will we know each other in heaven?".

The book was Illustrated by Wilson Ong. The drawings were very bright and colorful. The pictures really pop off the pages for me. The drawing of Colton and Jesus and everybody else in the book were very life like. I really enjoyed these illustration.

I think this book would be good for 3rd through 5th graders. I believe this because I think this is a good age to transition children's talk about heaven. I think students at this age should learn about religion and to not be scared of the unknown. ...more

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May 02, 2014

How did you pick this book
I picked this book because I want to see the movie, but I thought I would read the book first, and it is something I wouldn't have seen myself reading.

The setting of this book
The setting of this book is in Greeley Colorado, Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte, and Colorado Springs.

The conflict of this book
Is when Colton Burpo get Appendicitis and has to have Immediate surgery because they harmful acids coming out of his appendix.

Is the character Dynamic How did you pick this book
I picked this book because I want to see the movie, but I thought I would read the book first, and it is something I wouldn't have seen myself reading.

The setting of this book
The setting of this book is in Greeley Colorado, Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte, and Colorado Springs.

The conflict of this book
Is when Colton Burpo get Appendicitis and has to have Immediate surgery because they harmful acids coming out of his appendix.

Is the character Dynamic or static
Colton Burpo is a Dynamic character because he has to go through being sick and has to deal with pain and fact that he might die during the surgery they have to do.

3 character traits
Colton Burpo is very open minded, and has a lot of courage and just a very kind hearted four year old boy.

Quote
“It’s going to be okay, the first person your going to see is Jesus” - Colton Burpo

Theme of this book
The theme is when Colton tells everybody that he went to heaven and saw things no one else thought you could see. He sees relatives he didnt even know existed. And he could tell you what jesus said to him about his dad.

Reading Strategies
Predict- I predicted what was going to happen next the whole time after Colton had his surgery
Visualize- There was a lot of visualizing in this book
Moniter- This book was a little hard to follow, so i had to re- read the statements again

What did you think of the book
I loved this book so much I cant wait to see the movie.
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Mar 25, 2014

This review of Heaven is For Real for Kids by Todd & Sonja Burpo is LONG overdue but I still wanted to share it because of the impact the story has had on my life. So here we go!

Have you ever wondered what Heaven is like? Will you really see those you have lost? Colton Burpo had the trip of a lifetime when he was just a boy. His parents share Colton’s experiences in this kid-friendly book about going up to Heaven. With beautiful illustrations and real questions about Heaven, Colton shares This review of Heaven is For Real for Kids by Todd & Sonja Burpo is LONG overdue but I still wanted to share it because of the impact the story has had on my life. So here we go!

Have you ever wondered what Heaven is like? Will you really see those you have lost? Colton Burpo had the trip of a lifetime when he was just a boy. His parents share Colton’s experiences in this kid-friendly book about going up to Heaven. With beautiful illustrations and real questions about Heaven, Colton shares all he encounters and more in this powerful book.

I love that there is a kids’ version of this powerful and hopeful story. I can only imagine what it must have been like for Colton to go up into Heaven and have the most interesting conversations with God and those in Heaven. As someone who volunteers with Kids’ ministries, I love books that are broken down for kids to understand. The pictures are so helpful and the story is one that everyone should hear. There are so many people that have questions about Heaven and the after life. The Bible is not always clear about specifics but getting a first hand account is so precious.

I definitely recommend this book for families. Every one should read this story and experience hope. Rating: 4/5.

I received this book for free from BookLook Bloggers but was not required to write a positive review. ...more