What's Heaven?

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.

I received an autographed copy from Maria Shriver herself after my son was killed in Afghanistan Nov. 28, 2006. Her thoughtfulness is reflected in her writing which was inspired when she had to address the issue of death to her own daughter. Very down to earth and simple for children to understand.

This book is wonderful! When my Mother-in-law passed away two years ago I tried my best to discuss my son's feeling wih him at the time. Trying to explain death, feelings and heaven were a little hard for me. When I came across this book in the library this year I decided to check it out. We read it together and I found out there were lots of things I overlooked or forgot to explain. This book explains alot and does so in a very loving way, from a mother's point of view. The illustrations in this book are absolutely breathtaking. A must have!

My sister has a hardcover edition of this book. I think that it's for any age -- the questions raised are real and the illustrations are beautiful. The book has a gentle tone and covers the subject of death without being "preachy." Maria Shriver should be congratulated for the sensitivity of this work.

When I first read this book, it seemed interested because of the way the cover of the book is and how the words she said actually came to heart, at least, my heart because it made me think back how I grieved when my grandfather died in 1998. The book made me want to cry! But really, Maria Shriver is a good writer and I can't wait to get my hands on her next book!

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.

When my daughter died from SIDS two years ago, my four year old was so confused. Trying to explain death and heaven to someone that age was so hard. My grandmother bought me this book and I couldn't wait to read it to her. It gave such loving explanations to some of the questions even I couldn't answer in the words a four year old would understand. I highly recommend this book!

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!

I really like this book! The main character in this story is Kate. Kate always asks questions and loves to find out new things. I think just like her. THis book is my all time favorite. You need to read this book or your missing out on a good time.

I really like this book! The main character in this story is Kate. Kate always asks questions and loves to find out new things. I think just like her. THis book is my all time favorite. You need to read this book or your missing out on a good time.

I was so surprised that with Maria Shriver's Catholic background that she leads her readers to believe that "everyone who is good throughout their life will get to go to heaven." Wrong! We are saved because God loved us so much and sent his son, Jesus, to die on the cross of our sins, thus, giving to those who believe in him eternal life. If we relied on "being good" no one could ever inherit eternal life. Even though I would like to think that my pet friends will be in heaven, the Bible does not address this. I was very disappointed in the book.

While the nice illustrations and seemingly innocent conversations would appear harmless, this book has a teaching that is in serious contradiction to the Bible and which would be fundamentally wrong for Christians to put into the hands of children (without supervision)who may be attracted to the book time and again, and who may rely on what is says.
When the child, Kate, asks how and why people go to heaven, her mother answers that all you have to do is "be good." There is no mention at all of Jesus. The book also states that everyone goes to heaven. (It could have been more appropriate for this book to discuss death and the reassurance of heaven without this defective rationale for who goes there and why.)
This appears to be intended to appeal to a wide audience and all faiths, either because we all deal with death, or to increase sales; however, it should not be promoted as a Christian book nor should it be mistaken for one. The promotional materials speak of Ms. Shriver being raised as a Catholic, but I have wondered if the Catholic Church would approve of this content.
It would take an active and discerning Christian parent or adult to be present to explain to the child, that this seems like a nice book, but it is not quite right about why people go to heaven. By the enthusiastic reviews of others I have seen who describe this as a book for Christian homes, it appears as though some people are simply not paying close enough attention.
This book is being offered on a large scale, and has been featured in some of the book order materials in children's school classrooms.
I am concerned about well-meaning Christian parents or teachers who might hand this book to children, not realizing that it contains a flaw which could create a serious and basic misunderstanding for children (or adults) which they could carry throughout their life (if it is not counteracted with other information from the Bible) believing they are going to heaven because of this book's teachings.
It could have been a pretty book with a good beginning for a discussion of death and heaven, but it went too far outside Christian beliefs in making incorrect statements.
This is not a subtle issue, but instead is large and very basic. However, do not accept this review alone; as with all matters, check the Bible for yourself, and you will see what I mean.

Maria Shriver can write a good childrens book. This little book will make you and the child you read to feel warm and cuddly inside. You will view the world and especially the life after death in a whole new light. The pastel illustrations are wonderful. If your goal is to make that special little person in your life feel comforted about the life hereafter, than look no further. If you believe that Heaven is this place that may or may not be fictious; a place that you just believe in like wishing upon a star, than this book is for you. I mean what does it matter! But if you honestly believe in an afterlife, that time called eternity, and if you believe that you are going to spend that eternity somewhere, than I would think that you would appeal to someone more qualified than Shriver for information on such an important issue. Shriver, a mother of four, may be qualified to write a childrens book, but she is unqualified to write a book on theological issues; even if the book is for kids!
It goes without saying that we must always search out a qualified authority when dealing with an issue of such gravity.
So whom do we go to when searching out the answers to theological issues? I believe ultimately, that, we are assured great success if we go to God himself. He has given us his word if we would only take the time to consult it; and who would know better about the life hereafter than he who is creator over all.
Concerning a childs ability to understand such issues; God says: "Train up a child in the way [they] should go, even when [they] are old [they] will not depart from it.' Proverbs 22:6. If you teach the truth, your child will understand.
Now the truth is simply this, (according to our creator anyway) 1. God is Holy and righteous. "The Lord has made known his salvation; He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations. Psalms 98:2. 2) God can not associate with unrighteousness. "For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness...." Romans 1:18. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus." Romans 6:23 "And inasmuch as it is appointed for [humankind]to die once and after this comes the judgment. Hebrews 9:27. 3) All of humankind is born unrighteous. "There is none righteous, not even one...." Romans 3:10. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23. 4)But God Became Man (John 1:10) and provided a way for us to escape his holy judgment upon us. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8. 5) So what does God require of us? "Peter said to them, "'Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgivness of your sins; and you will recieve the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38. "[T]hat if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved. This is the truth according to God. This is the only way to Heaven, like it or not, believe it or not.
If you would like a childrens book that will tell you the truth, I would recommend "I Believe In Jesus" by John MacArthur.