Created by: Stephen Elkins
Illustrator: Kirsteen Harris-Jones
Publisher: Tyndale Kids
ISBN: 978-1-4143-7931-9

“By reading this book together, you and your child will gain a confidence that heaven is a real place and a very exciting place! It will encourage you both to live in light of the fact that the Kingdom of Heaven is within you,” Stephen Elkins writes in his children’s book, Heaven: What’s It Like? How Do We Get There?

Part of the First Steps series, this one hundred and thirty-six page padded hardbound book targets children five to eight years old. With no scary scenes, it quotes the New Living Translation of the Bible along with eleven other versions additionally used. Small print is included at times that may be hard for some readers to decipher.

Divided into three sections, the sixty rhyming stories teach young ones what heaven is like, how to get there, and how to live like Jesus here on earth in the meantime. With a topic listed on the top of the left side of the page, a written out Bible verse follows along with a short, quick rhyme. A large, colorful drawing enhances the right side of the page. A special font is used for words to look up later in the glossary.

The first section discusses how heaven is exciting, big, beautiful, safe, and forever, including what we will be doing and whom we will see. The second section is a snapshot of the Bible from the fall of Adam and Eve to Jesus dying on the cross, saving us from sin, and being the only way to heaven. The final section gives suggestions how to love God and others more.

One example in the second section is “Big Questions,” listing the Bible verse from 2 Corinthians 5:8 ESV: “Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” The rhyme states:

I must ask you two very big questions.
The answers are easy, I know.
Do you want to see Jesus in heaven?
Is heaven where you want to go?

The drawing depicts three children holding up signs that say “We Love Jesus.”

Although the book is sophomoric in its Biblical presentation, the simplicity promotes learning about Christ’s eternal abode and how children can pray and believe in Him. It opens the door for anyone wanting to know more about God and heaven.

Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. for furnishing this book in exchange for a review of the reader’s honest opinion.

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