The Next Place [Hardcover]

Warren Hanson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1997 | Age Range: 5 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, PAW PRINTS IN THE STARS, TODAY'S SPECIAL, DEAR ME,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, THE SEA OF SLEEP, BUGTOWN BOOGIE, and IT'S MONDAY, MRS. JOLLY BONES!

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.

Learn more at WarrenHanson.com .

Product Details

• Age Range: 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 (268 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,010 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #13 in Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry
  • #14 in Books > Self-Help > Death & Grief > Grief & Bereavement

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, WHAT REALLY MATTERS. "Life is complicated. It grows more so every day. But if we know what really matters, we will never lose our way."

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, DEAR ME, and many more books that have delighted and touched both adults and children for many years.

For Kindle, Warren has published DAWN OF THE DORK, a funny mid-grade novel of getting even and growing up. 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. 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 a universal meditation of help and hope. And THERE'S SOMETHING FUNNY ABOUT THE NEIGHBORS is a collection of funny, touching stories about life in a small community.

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, with his wife Becky and their dog Scout. Find out more at www.WarrenHanson.com.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

93 of 96 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

Format: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. Read more ›

117 of 123 people found the following review helpful

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

By A Customer

Format: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.

55 of 56 people found the following review helpful

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

By Jan Roelofs

Format: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.

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful April 27, 2000

By Erica

Format:Hardcover

Three months ago, my cousin, Josh, died very suddenly. I am 17 years old and he was only 18, we were very close. Since that time, I have had a lot of trouble dealing with his death and trying to understand it. My aunt sent me a copy of this book for Easter and it made the realization of his death more peaceful for me. It helped me to see this experience as not only a very painful and terrible one, but one that will make me stronger and will teach me a lot. This book helped to ease the pain of no longer being able to see Josh and know how he's doing. It made me accept that he's in a better place now and that he's being taken care of. Most of all, it reminded me that although I won't see his face or hear his voice anymore, he'll always be with me and I will always be with him. I hope every person, young and old, who has experienced a death, whether through family or friends, will get a chance to read this book. While the pain they're dealing with can never fully be resolved, this book will definitely help to ease it,

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars very touching - truly a good book January 5, 2002

By Alan Jay Weiner

Format:Hardcover

...
Well, as a devout atheist, I too have no hesitation in recommending "The Next Place."
My wife got it for our 8-year-old daughter, who's still struggling with the death of my father several years ago. Ironically, my daughter's pet hamster died a week before Christmas, and then my wife's grandmother died on New Year's Day. (some might say "God works in mysterious ways" while others would say "hamsters live about a year and a half, and 89-year-old women often die after a fall and a heart attack...")
My daughter read The Next Place tonight, came downstairs with tears and we sat and talked.
The book is comforting without the religious -uh- slant that many other books have. I'm pleased that the devout also recommend it. It's rare to find a book that reaches us both so well.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a beautiful and peaceful presentation of death. November 7, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

The comforting words in this book presents a kind and wonderfulimage of death; reinforcing that our relationship with the person hasnot ended. As a first grade teacher I read it to my class to ease the consuming concern one of my little girls has had about a young uncle who died suddenly from a heart attack. She told me twice that day that she feels better now. This book integrates comforting script with such beautiful illustrations and use of color and design that all I've shown it to are moved.