The Next Place [Hardcover]

Warren Hanson (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

An inspirational journey of light and hope to a place where earthly hurts are left behind.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"It is quite simply, a treasure! It is one of those rare books that will sell & sell & sell..plus, it will enrich the lives of those who give it and receive it." (Bookstore Owner )

"The concept of timelessness, perfection, love...eternity are all brilliantly and literally portrayed." (Hospice Chaplain )

"I love the book and I am very choosy about what I pick out for our resource center. This book is a treasure!" (Director, Fernside, A Center for Grieving Children )

About the Author

Warren Hanson is an author, an illustrator, a musician, and a public speaker. He wrote and illustrated such beloved books as THE NEXT PLACE, OLDER LOVE, BEGINNING, RAISING YOU ALONE, and more. He is the illustrator of Tom Hegg's classic CHRISTMAS TEA and PEEF books, Richard Jorgensen's READING WITH DAD, and Rick Kupchella's TELL ME WHAT WE DID TODAY, and is the author of GRANDPA HAS A GREAT BIG FACE.

Warren is a favorite of both students and teachers for the many school visits he does each year. He is a frequent speaker at churches and banquets, and at conferences on literacy, caregiving, marriage, and life in general.

His business card describes Warren Hanson as "illustrator, author, amateur". As an amateur, he goes back to the word's Latin root, which means "someone who does something purely for the love of doing it". Warren Hanson loves what he does. And it shows.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 36 pages
• Publisher: Waldman House Pr; 1st edition (September 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0931674328
• ISBN-13: 978-0931674327
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 11.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (209 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,642 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #10 in Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry
  • #10 in Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction > Religious Fiction
  • #15 in Books > Children's Books > Religions

More About the Author

Warren Hanson is the author/illustrator of some of the nation's most beloved books. He continues that tradition with the release of his newest book, DEAR ME.

DEAR ME is a collection of letters, written back and forth between the younger you and the older you. In these touching, funny, revealing letters, you will surely see the you that you used to be, and the you that you may become one day.

Warren is well-known as the illustrator of Tom Hegg's classic A CUP OF CHRISTMAS TEA and PEEF books, as well as author and illustrator of THE NEXT PLACE, OLDER LOVE, KIKI'S HATS, PAW PRINTS IN THE STARS, TODAY'S SPECIAL, and many more books that have delighted and touched readers for many years.

For Kindle, Warren has published DAWN OF THE DORK, a funny novel of getting even and growing up, written for 10-year-old boys. Also PIANO LESSONS, a sweet and simple story of the life lessons learned from a piano teacher, including 88 "keys" for a rich and happy life. THE BOOK FARMER (A Fable for Writers) is a brief tale that describes the process of writing and publishing, using the image of a farmer. And THE COURAGE PRAYER has one story for Women, one for Men, one for Teen Boys and one for Teen Girls, each struggling with a tough time of life. Each story ends with "The Courage Prayer", a universal meditation of help and hope.

Warren is an artist, writer, speaker and musician. As a popular speaker for adult groups and elementary schools, Warren has spoken at reading and literacy conferences across the country, presented programs for hundreds of church groups, volunteer banquets and other gatherings, and has enlightened and delighted tens of thousands of school children.
Warren is a native of Yankton, South Dakota. He now lives and works in Houston, Texas. Find out more at www.WarrenHanson.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

98 of 103 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars PEACEFUL AT LAST, January 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Next Place (Hardcover)

I WAS SO ATTRACTED BY THE BOOK'S COVER THAT I OPENED THE BOOK AND BEGAN TO READ IT. (I HAD BEEN AGONIZING OVER MY FATHER'S ILLNESS AND KNEW IT WAS A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE I WOULD BE FACED WITH HIS DEATH.) AS I CONTINUED TO READ "THE NEXT PLACE" WHILE STANDING IN THE BOOKSTORE, I BEGAN TO FEEL PEACE I HAD THOUGHT WOULD NEVER RETURN. EACH PAGE WAS SO BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED AND EACH PHRASE SO COMFORTING. I BOUGHT THE BOOK. I READ IT TO MY FAMILY AS WE WERE GATHERED AROUND MY FATHER'S BED, JUST MINUTES AFTER HIS DEATH. I ALSO READ IT DURING HIS FUNERAL MASS. IT SAID ALL THAT NEEDED SAYING BECAUSE DAD WAS, AT LAST, "PERFECT". I HAVE SENT "THE NEXT PLACE", IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, TO FRIENDS WHO HAVE LOST LOVED ONES. THE REACTION IS ALWAYS HUGS, TEARS AND GRATITUDE.

66 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars IT REFUSED TO LET ME GO & WITH GOOD REASON., January 15, 2002

By 

Chris Duhaime (Saratoga, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Next Place (Hardcover)

On September 10, 2001 Warren Hanson's book, The Next Place chose me. Its' beautiful artwork and compelling words held on and refused to let me go. I realized I must purchase it for the unpredictable future when I would have to explain death to my two children, ages 4 and 2. This was also the exact message I would want my children to hear should anything ever happen to me. On September 11, 2001 our world fell apart. Within a week a handful of strangers from across the country came together and started a grass roots, nonprofit organization, The Next Place Network. Each one of us so moved by the powerful message within The Next Place we came together with the sole purpose: to collect and distribute copies of The Next Place to those directly affected by the tragic turn of events of 9-11. The response has been extraordinarily heartening and encouraging. To date, through donations and gifts, we have presented over 6250 copies of The Next Place to the children, families, loved ones, shell shocked rescue workers and guilt stricken surviving coworkers of those who died on that tragic day. The incredibly effective and universally spiritual message is supported, appreciated and accepted by a myriad of September 11 organizations, religious leaders, death and dying professionals, family crises centers, Hospice, NYFD, NYPD, NYPA, NY National Guard, Salvation Army, NYSEMO, United Airlines, American Airlines, teachers, parents, and children who were directly affected by the terrorist attacks in America. Several copies have also been distributed to the families of the postal workers who lost their lives as a result of bio terrorism. The words and images have given an incalculable amount of emotional comfort and spiritual renewal during this most trying time. Through the expressions of The Next Place we are comforted in the understanding that our love, memories and friendships from this lifetime will carry our loved ones through to the 'other side'-making their light shine brighter in the next place that they go.

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Place, December 1, 2000

By 

Jan Roelofs "bibliophile" (Miami) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Next Place (Hardcover)

I was attracted to the gorgeous cover art of this book in the children's section. As I read it I felt swept away. The text and illustrations are so beautiful, so moving, and so unique. I'd recommend it for children, parents and adults alike. It's a simple but profound way of explaining death to a child, without seeming scary or overtly religious. Keep this in mind as a gift. As a parent and a child therapist, I know this will be put to good use.