What's Heaven?

Rating:
Summary: Sensitive, Helped an 8yr old whose brother had died.
Review: As a nurse that has seen many people deal with death, I found this a good source of material for the family to discuss the loss of a family member. The parent that I gave this book to was very appreciative and read it with her 8yr old daughter.

Rating:
Summary: A Popular But Incorrect View
Review: Maria Shriver does a great job of expressing a common and popularly held view on "heaven." Unfortunately it's one that many of us would like to believe, but it's just not true. At every funeral I've ever been to, everyone is going to heaven. I'd imagine somehow if Hitler were buried here in the United States, somehow he would be going to heaven too. Jesus said this isn't true. Only those innocent (still children) and those truly born from above -- born of water and the spirit -- are going to live with Him forever. That's it. No one else. Not Grandma that "went to church" for 40 years or anyone else. Being a good person has NOTHING to do with it. No Maria, not everyone is going to heaven according to Jesus. If you want to brainwash your kid into believing what BILLIONS of other people believe, this is a great book. If you want to feed your children the truth in the midst of a world that has no gumption to say "the emperor has no clothes!" than this book is not for you at all. Read to them instead from John 3:5-21, Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 7:13 (says FEW) and Matthew 7:21-23 from the Bible for starters.

Rating:
Summary: Needs better theology
Review: Having a godson who just lost his grandfather, I wanted to find a book on death for him. This book immediately came to mind due to the recent press on it. However, having now read it, I can't in good conscience give it to him. Although the book is sweet, well written and beautifully illustrated, it errs on one basic belief of all Christians. The book says if you are a good person on earth then you will go to heaven. The basis of Christianity is that it is not works (good deeds) that will ensure your place in heaven, but a belief that Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose from the dead. Hallelujah!

Rating:
Summary: Vague, waffle about life after death.
Review: I was very disappointed and would not give a child such vague waffle. I suggest the author reads "The Thibetan Book of the Dead" or some of George King's brilliant teachings on life after death. As a child I was fortunate to be surrounded by people who were equally as keen to apply their intelligence to life as they were to death. As it is such a vital subject that affects us all, why do we continue to deal in child-like analogies. There are enough excellent books around that tell us otherwise. Richard Christian Matheson's book is an excellent one for example, based on serious study. We would not be so vague and woolly about our finances, why do we insist on being so about the afterlife, I wonder? Although children should have things simplified they should be told the truth.

Rating:
Summary: Vague, waffle
Review: To me it's vague waffle about life after death. The author should study "The Thibetan Book of the Dead" or some of Dr. George King's teachings on exactly what happens to us when we die. As a kid I was fortunate to be surrounded by metaphysically versed people not people who hadn't a clue about this vitally important subject. After all we all die; why does everyone seem to prefer to remain in cloud cuckoo land about what happens. Most people would not have the same attitude about their finances, which are far less important.

Rating:
Summary: Well done!
Review: A well thought-through story with soft illustrations. My only concern is whether this is the book to introduce a child to old age and dying. An alternative may be "Something to Remember Me By" by Susan Bosak. It's an extremely touching book with illustrations that make the story come alive. It a nice book for sharing, especially with a grandparent that is still alive and may be facing some life changes. A beautiful complement to Maria Shriver's book.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent book for the recommended age group
Review: The author's name drew my attention to the book, but was not why I bought the book. Professionally (school psychology and christian education), I felt the book spoke to children. It takes seriously the questions they ask. It explains things in terms that make sense to them. The author tried to expand the understanding of death and heaven beyond her Roman Catholic background. I think she was mostly successful; at least the book opens room for discussion. This is not a theological text, but a simple book explaining a child's questions about death. I bought the book for my granddaughter two days before her great-grandfather died. Her Mother read it to her as they sat in the Memorial Garden right after the inurnment. They sat and talked and cried. They both liked the book. But the real proof is the fact that later that afternoon when all the family was around, my granddaughter was found sitting quietly in a corner reading the book again to herself.

Rating:
Summary: A very consise way of explaining a difficult topic with chil
Review: Ms. Shriver has a tender way of explaining a difficult situation to children, and adults. I found it to be an easy lead-in to talking to my daughter about the death of her Great-Grandfather, so with the change of a few words she felt as though the story was being read to her about her Grandpa Bill! I really enjoyed the book and so did the other adults in the family.

Rating:
Summary: Very comforting.
Review: When I heard about this book on Oprah I knew it was a must. Not so much for dealing with the death of a grandparent but, my daughter she is dying. I have read it several times but have yet to share it with her, that is until tonight. It was very hard for me and yet it reminded me that when this does occur that she will be whole and no matter what the disease is doing to my angel now she will one day be whole again. And as Maria points out our loved ones may die but they will always remain in our hearts. I wish I could thank Maria personal for this book, it is not only for the children but for the parents who are so afraid of letting go.

Rating:
Summary: My three stars are for the illustrator.
Review: I think its sweet that Maria Shriver thought to write a book about heaven, but I'm saddened that she got the truth mixed up with Catholic doctrine. As a former Catholic, I understand her confusion. We cannot get to heaven by doing good works or by being a nice person. Good works just make us boasters of ourselves. We must have faith in Jesus Christ and accept the fact that He took our sins upon Himself and died in our place. We must make Him Lord of our lives, living as He would want us to, which naturally encourages us to be good, kind, unselfish, and generous with our time and money. I pray that a book about true salvation is written and illustrated as beautifully! I bought this book for my store, but hesitate to put it out for sale because I don't want children to be confused.