MY REVIEW of Heaven is for Real for Kids as told by Colton Burpo to his parents, Todd and Sonja Burpo.

While I find it a tad problematic to accept the literal message of this book – descriptions of Jesus, the animals, the games and the like - the spiritual message, that Heaven is for real, is of immense value. Heaven is for Real for Kids is the children’s edition of the original book, Heaven is for Real. 

This story documents a little boy’s experience of Heaven. Close to death after a medical emergency, Colton Burpo miraculously pulled through and, after his remarkable recovery, gradually disclosed an amazing account of a near-death experience where he encountered Jesus in Heaven. While it would be easy to dismiss this story as mere fantasy, the figment of a child’s imagination, or the product of his parents’ promptings, it is much more helpful to take it at face value and read it with an open mind. Don’t be distracted by details but allow yourself to be comforted and reassured by the truth of the message – Heaven is indeed for real!

This edition has been beautifully illustrated by Wilson Ong, albeit with pictorial portrayals remarkably reminiscent of some vintage Ellen G. White Bible story books.  Nevertheless, the pictures certainly do transform it into an attractive little book to share with children of all ages.

This is a book that should generate much beneficial discussion about very important issues that children (and perhaps their parents) might not otherwise know how to broach. Illness, death and life after death are not easy topics to tackle. Here is the perfect opportunity to allow children to start to talk about those serious, scary – and sacred – subjects.

I recommend this book for family reading. Don’t just give it to your child and walk away. Allow the young reader to express any concerns or reactions that they have to the story. There is a brief question and answer section at the end of the book that may address some of the issues that children raise, but I understand that an associated “Conversation Kit” has also been published, I assume for use with the “adult version” of the book. Undoubtedly, this would be a very useful tool to facilitate the dialogue.

Whether or not the little ones take on the complex message of Heaven and life after death, there is one message that I pray that they will not miss, and that is that “Jesus really, really loves children!”.

A little book direct from the heart and experience of a little person! To be sure, “a little child will lead them”! (Isaiah 11:6).

Well done, Colton! You are God’s miracle and God’s messenger!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”