For Heaven's Sake [Hardcover]

Sandy Eisenberg Sasso (Author), Kathryn Kunz Finney (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

People said "for heaven's sake" to Isaiah a lot. Everyone talked about heaven. "Thank heavens." "Heaven forbid." But no one would say what heaven was or where to find it. After his grandfather died Isaiah was told that Grandpa had gone to heaven. Isaiah wondered exactly where and what heaven was. He became determined to find out, and sought answers from many different people. In this charming story, award-winning author Sandy Eisenberg Sasso teaches that heaven is often found in the places where you least expect it.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Like The Heavenly Village and The Children's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Heaven (both reviewed below), this thoughtful, honest picture book offers answers to the question "What is heaven?" SassoAa rabbi and the author of such picture books as In God's Name (see Notes)Aworks in concert with a young reader's imagination: her approach is firmly grounded yet sensitive, responding to a child's concerns while leaving room for personal interpretation. Her protagonist, Isaiah, hearing phrases like "for heaven's sake," asks about heaven, but none of the answers he receives satisfies him. Finally, remembering that his grandfather was said to have gone to heaven after his death a few months earlier, Isaiah turns to his grandmother. She agrees to help him look for heaven, and takes him first to the soup kitchen where his grandfather had volunteered, then to story hour at the library and finally to a choir rehearsal. Isaiah has a good time, but doesn't understand, until Grandma explains: "I think we can get close to heaven and to God in a place in our hearts. I feel there is a part of Grandpa in all the places and people we visited today, and a little bit of heaven, too." Unfortunately, the delicacy of Sasso's delivery is not matched by debut illustrator Finney's literal-minded, often static compositions. She conveys Isaiah's internal journey by exaggerating everyone's facial expressions, so that what in the text seems organic becomes a series of tableaux. Ages 4-up. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-Isaiah hears the expression,"for heaven's sake" often, and decides he wants to find out what and where heaven is, particularly since he has been told that his grandfather is there. After unsatisfactory answers from his father, uncle, sister, and the mail carrier, he asks his grandmother. Isaiah and his grandmother then spend the day looking for heaven in all the places that his grandfather frequented: the soup kitchen where he volunteered, the library, and choir practice. When the child does not see the intended connections, Grandma answers, "I think, Isaiah, we can get close to heaven and to God in a place in our hearts. I feel there is a part of Grandpa in all the places and people we visited today, and a little bit of heaven, too." Sasso's comforting words and Finney's large, vibrant paintings will draw in young listeners. An excellent, nonsectarian choice for exploring a difficult concept.
Yapha Nussbaum Mason, Brentwood Lower School, Los Angeles
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Jewish Lights Publishing (August 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580230547
• ISBN-13: 978-1580230544
• Product Dimensions: 12.4 x 9.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #524,080 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For Heaven Sake, June 19, 2001

By 

"jill8" (NewJersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: For Heaven's Sake (Hardcover)

The first thing that I loved about this book was it's title. Who has not heard or used the phrase: "for heaven sake". Several weeks ago, my father passed away and I have been searching for the perfect book to read to my child about where her grandfather went. For Heaven Sake, follows a young boy on his journey to learn about heaven (a place where everyone tells him, his grandfather is). This book is written in a gentle and caring way, that helps both the child and adult cope with the very challenging and difficult subject of death. It answers the most common questions that children ask. The illustrations and content of the story kept my child's attention. I enjoy reading it to her and feel my own sense of comfort with knowing that my father is in heaven. It has become one of her favorite books at bedtime. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has children that have suffered a loss of a loved one or who one day might. It is an excellent book to have around.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heaven is in the simplest things..., March 3, 2008

By 

R. A. Yarling (Fishers, Indiana) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: For Heaven's Sake (Hardcover)

Where is heaven?? "In Heaven's Name" is a term we use often in many different circumstances. So, it is with this little boy...why does everyone always refer to "In Heaven's Name..." and just where is this place?? He is especially curious because his beloved Grandpa has recently passed away...where is Grandpa? So, he and his Grandma look for heaven together...and what they find is that Heaven is in the little parts of everyday life...and in your hearts most of all. This is an excellent book because Rabbi Sasso writes in such simple eloquent terms that you can't help but be touched, even if you are an adult!!! If you or your children are looking for where heaven is, this is a great way to start. Enjoy!