What Will Heaven Be Like?

What Will Heaven Be Like? is a question every person - young and old - wonders. While there are many picture books covering this topic, Kathleen Ruckman's new book offers a gentle and sweet way to teach younger children the basics about heaven.

As the book opens, Annie and Adam are spending an afternoon on their grandpa's farm. As they chase frogs, gather wildflowers, talk to the cows and sheep, chew on stalks of wheat, and other activities, they talk with their grandpa about heaven. Grandpa teaches them that Jesus is working on our home in heaven - right now. That no one will be sick, have pain, or feel sad in heaven. That heaven is the place where everyone who loves Jesus will go someday. That we don't have to be afraid of death, because Jesus guide us to heaven. That we may not have food in heaven, but that we'll have a grand celebration with Jesus. That we will see loved ones who've died in heaven. That we don't know if there will be pets in heaven, "but I suspect that whatever is beautiful and whatever makes us happy just might be there. We'll have to wait and see. God has been planning heaven for a very long time - and it will be more wonderful than we can imagine!"

The last page of the book offers biblical references to the heavenly facts talked about in the story.
What I Like: Ruckman does a nice job of making the conversation between grandchildren and grandfather seem natural. We get to enjoy the delights of nature and the farm while the kids talk, too. The Bible references are also indispensable. My preschooler loves this book, and asks me to read it often.
What I Dislike: Greg Hardin's illustrations aren't really my taste; they look computer generated. But by four year old is really engaged by them.
Overall Rating: Very good.
Age Appeal: 4 - 8.
Publishing Info: Harvest House, 2010; ISBN: 978-0736925716; hardback, $15.99
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