Heaven is for Real for Kids: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back [Hardcover]

Todd Burpo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 8, 2011 | Age Range: 4 - 9 years | Lexile Measure: 650L (What's this?)

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 an 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, he shares his experiences in first person and comments on things that will be important to kids. A letter to parents is included to guide them as they talk to their children about heaven. Scripture along with a Q&A section with answers from the Bible are also included in the book.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

If you have a television, you’ve probaly seen Colton Burpo, the boy who died and went to heaven, and then returned to tell about it. The original Heaven Is for Real (2010) spent time on the New York Times best-seller list, so not unexpectedly a spin-off for children is now available. One of the book’s major problems is that nowhere does it mention how Colton got to heaven (i.e., how his appendix burst and he “died”), so young readers may wonder how it is that Colton knows “Jesus really, really loves children!” Told in first person, Colton’s story also describes how he met John the Baptist, Samson, and his great-grandfather, among others. He had extensive conversations with God, and played with animals from dogs to lions. The introduction notes that art was done under Colton’s direction to reflect what heaven looks like, which seems to mirror what you might find on cheap greeting cards. Biblical texts extend the art, and eight “questions kids ask” are appended. For instance, do we get wings in heaven? “Colton clearly remembers wings.” The original book’s popularity may spark demand for this one. Grades K-2. --Ilene Cooper

About the Author

Todd Burpo is pastor of Crossroads Wesleyan, a volunteer fireman, and he works with a garage door company. He and his wife, Sonja, have four children: Colton is an active 13-year-old; he has an older sister, Cassie; a younger brother, Colby; and a very special sister he met in heaven, yet to be named.

Sonja Burpo is a busy mom and pastor's wife, and she works for a local real estate company. A certified elementary teacher, Sonja is passionate about children's ministry and helping women work through the difficulty of miscarriage.

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 9 years
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Gift edition (November 8, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 140031870X
• ISBN-13: 978-1400318704
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 9.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (272 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,584 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #1 in Books > Children's Books > Religions > Inspirational
  • #11 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Children's & Teens
  • #11 in Books > Children's Books > Religions > Christianity

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

72 of 83 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars HEAVEN IS FOR REAL FOR KIDS October 28, 2011

By IntentionalMomma

Format:Hardcover

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL FOR KIDS by Todd and Sonja Burpo, as told by Colton Burpo
Illustrated by Wilson Ong
A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back

I still have chills after reading this book. After hearing so much about the #1 New York Times bestseller Heaven is For Real by Todd Burpo, I was thrilled at the opportunity to review this version for children, as told by Colton Burpo. If you aren't familiar with this story, little Colton visited Heaven during life-threatening emergency surgery and returned with intricate, Biblically-accurate details about his experience.

First of all, the illustrations in this book are absolutely breathtaking. The colors are so vibrant, and artist Wilson Ong made the story come alive in a way that will capture the minds and hearts of young readers.

Admittedly, I was a little skeptical. I would imagine that a lot of people are pretty hesitant to believe this story. But, now that I've read the children's version, I will be reading the grown-up version--immediately.

The part of the story that really struck me was that in Heaven, Colton was greeted by his older sister, who (lost in a miscarriage) he didn't even know existed. I realize that some people are doubtful, but you really must read this book for yourself. The book also comes with a Q&A section and a guide for parents.

Heaven is For Real for Kids is written in Colton's own words about his experience. Young kids will easily be able to grasp Colton's simple phrasing and descriptions, and once again, each page is illustrated beautifully. The message of love will surely bring peace, comfort, and joy to all who read it.

As a parent, I highly, highly recommend this book for all children and expectant parents!

I received a complimentary hardback copy of this book from the publisher through BookSneeze®.com. 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.

25 of 29 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars "Heaven is for Real" for Kids as told by Colton Burpo October 27, 2011

By w2005blca

Format:Hardcover

I was recently given the opportunity to review "Heaven is for REAL" for kids, as told by Colton Burpo to his Parents, Todd and Sonja Burpo.

This is a a children's book and is the story of a 4 year old child's trip to heaven and back. This is a boy named, Colton Burpo's, real life story that he told his mom and dad after he was ill and experienced going to heaven, but came back. This book is written on a level that children understand. I like that this is told by the child because it makes it easier for children to relate to the author.

The book itself is amazing. I sat down with my daughter and fell in love with Colton's book. It is so neat that a child wrote this. I like that Colton gives the reader a clear picture of what happened to him when he went to heaven. I enjoyed the pictures and so did my children. It helped them understand things more too. This is a great book for kids and teaches children all about heaven, but does it on their level. I personally loved that the descriptions of heaven were so detailed and I find it amazing that this was done by a child! I would definitely recommend this book.

22 of 28 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars There's something special about this book ... November 10, 2011

By Amber

Format:Hardcover

and it's because it captures little kids attention and makes them imagine what Heaven is like. It makes them think about what it will be like to see Jesus and it reminds them how much He loves them. What's wrong with that? Nothing. People in other reviews are tearing the book apart because of a rainbow colored mane on a horse and the fact all the people in Heaven have halos and wings, and though I may not think that's the way it's going to be, does it really matter? If this book interests kids in Heaven and raises questions about how to get there, isn't that the purpose? We have no way of knowing if anyone has ever seen Heaven, so we have no way of knowing who's version is correct and who's isn't, but I think any book that makes kids think about Jesus is worth it. My six year old got misty eyed looking at the painting of Jesus in the back of the book! This isn't a book written for debating adults who scrutinize everything. It's for a child's heart and reaches them on their level. And honestly, who truly cares if there are no horses in Heaven with a rainbow mane, but there is in this book? Read it to your kids and open up discussions about Heaven!