What do you think?
Rate this book
Heaven for Kids
Help kids explore biblical answers to their questions about Heaven in a language they can understand.
As in the adult title Heaven, Randy Alcorn addresses the difference between the present Heaven, where we go when we die, and the New Earth, where we will live forever with Jesus after he returns. Intended for kids ages 8–12, Heaven for Kids is sure to be an excellent resource for families, especially those in which the parents have read the adult title and wish to pass on that same level of understanding to their children. The book features ten chapters of questions and answers based on Scripture and is written in a style relevant to today’s kids.
The book addresses kids’ common questions about Heaven,
The book also has a summary of the gospel for those who want to be sure they are going to Heaven someday. Equip your kids with answers to difficult questions and encourage them to live “in light of Heaven.”
As in the adult title Heaven, Randy Alcorn addresses the difference between the present Heaven, where we go when we die, and the New Earth, where we will live forever with Jesus after he returns. Intended for kids ages 8–12, Heaven for Kids is sure to be an excellent resource for families, especially those in which the parents have read the adult title and wish to pass on that same level of understanding to their children. The book features ten chapters of questions and answers based on Scripture and is written in a style relevant to today’s kids.
The book addresses kids’ common questions about Heaven,
The book also has a summary of the gospel for those who want to be sure they are going to Heaven someday. Equip your kids with answers to difficult questions and encourage them to live “in light of Heaven.”
224 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2006
145 people are currently reading
599 people want to read
About the author
Randy Alcorn
223 books1,584 followersRandy Alcorn is the founder of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching biblical truth and drawing attention to the needy and how to help them. EPM exists to meet the needs of the unreached, unfed, unborn, uneducated, unreconciled and unsupported people around the world.
"My ministry focus is communicating the strategic importance of using our earthly time, money, possessions and opportunities to invest in need-meeting ministries that count for eternity," Alcorn says. "I do that by trying to analyze, teach and apply the implications of Christian truth."
Before starting EPM in 1990, Alcorn co-pastored for thirteen years Good Shepherd Community Church outside Gresham, Oregon. He has ministered in many countries, including China, and is a popular teacher and conference speaker. Randy has taught on the part-time faculties of Western Seminary and Multnomah University, both in Portland, Oregon.
Randy is a best-selling author of 50 books including Heaven, The Treasure Principle and the 2002 Gold Medallion winner, Safely Home. He has written numerous articles for magazines such as Discipleship Journal, Moody, Leadership, New Man, and The Christian Reader. He produces the quarterly issues-oriented magazine Eternal Perspectives, and has been a guest on more than 650 radio and television programs including Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, The Bible Answer Man, Revive Our Hearts, Truths that Transform and Faith Under Fire.
Alcorn resides in Gresham, Oregon with his wife, Nanci. The Alcorns have two married daughters, Karina and Angela.
Randy and Nanci are the proud grandparents of five grandsons. Randy enjoys hanging out with his family, biking, tennis, research and reading.
Taken from the Eternal Perspective Ministries website, http://www.epm.org
"My ministry focus is communicating the strategic importance of using our earthly time, money, possessions and opportunities to invest in need-meeting ministries that count for eternity," Alcorn says. "I do that by trying to analyze, teach and apply the implications of Christian truth."
Before starting EPM in 1990, Alcorn co-pastored for thirteen years Good Shepherd Community Church outside Gresham, Oregon. He has ministered in many countries, including China, and is a popular teacher and conference speaker. Randy has taught on the part-time faculties of Western Seminary and Multnomah University, both in Portland, Oregon.
Randy is a best-selling author of 50 books including Heaven, The Treasure Principle and the 2002 Gold Medallion winner, Safely Home. He has written numerous articles for magazines such as Discipleship Journal, Moody, Leadership, New Man, and The Christian Reader. He produces the quarterly issues-oriented magazine Eternal Perspectives, and has been a guest on more than 650 radio and television programs including Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, The Bible Answer Man, Revive Our Hearts, Truths that Transform and Faith Under Fire.
Alcorn resides in Gresham, Oregon with his wife, Nanci. The Alcorns have two married daughters, Karina and Angela.
Randy and Nanci are the proud grandparents of five grandsons. Randy enjoys hanging out with his family, biking, tennis, research and reading.
Taken from the Eternal Perspective Ministries website, http://www.epm.org
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
March 2, 2020
So so good
This is a great book for kids. I can remember as a kid being worried about Heaven, thinking it would be boring. Alcorn’s book challenges that idea and gets kids really excited about Heaven. My kids are 9 and 10, but this would be appropriate for kids of any age. We read it out loud and it was great for the adults too.
This is a great book for kids. I can remember as a kid being worried about Heaven, thinking it would be boring. Alcorn’s book challenges that idea and gets kids really excited about Heaven. My kids are 9 and 10, but this would be appropriate for kids of any age. We read it out loud and it was great for the adults too.
October 31, 2023
Very encouraging book to read with your children. I just finished reading it with my 11 and 17yr old, I can honestly say it has sparked their interest in the faith more than anything else. I would recommend having some of the Chronicles of Narnia books under your belt before reading it, though not required.
December 30, 2023
Buen libro para leer en familia y conversar con tus hijos sobre la salvación que tenemos en Cristo Jesús. Me gusta mucho las ilustraciones conectadas con el libro de Narnia.
May 18, 2010
MY REVIEW:
Heaven: For Kids is a book - and audio book - that should be on the book shelf of every family!
Randy Alcorn explains the deep and delicate topic of Heaven in simple and easy-to-understand terms for children. I really liked how he tied in portions of The Chronicles Of Narnia as examples and how a child's voice asked the questions which were then followed by Alcorn's answers. Not only is this book easy to listen to, but enjoyable to listen to even as an adult. It's the perfect book to listen to - or read! - together as a family and will be sure to get discussion going.
Sometimes books that are read by the author are not well done, but Randy Alcorn did a wonderful job on the narration of this audio version. The 3 CDs are a total of 3 hours long and would make for a great book to listen to on a road trip. While classified as Juvenile/Kids Non-fiction I think it is appropriate for children as young as the age of 5 and still great material for older children, teens, and parents.
Even if you don't have kids, you will enjoy this audio book!
BOOK OVERVIEW:
In language children and adolescents can understand, Randy Alcorn explores Biblical answers to the questions young people often have about heaven. Intended for children ages 8-12, this is a great resource for families as they discuss the hard questions about where we go when we die; what is the New Earth, and when will it be created; is heaven where God lives? When these questions are answered, it should change how a child lives on earth, as Randy encourages him to "live in light of heaven." This audio will be especially useful to parents who have already read Alcorn's Heaven, and wish to pass that understanding on to their children.
* * * * *
This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio in connection with Side Door Communications.
Heaven: For Kids is a book - and audio book - that should be on the book shelf of every family!
Randy Alcorn explains the deep and delicate topic of Heaven in simple and easy-to-understand terms for children. I really liked how he tied in portions of The Chronicles Of Narnia as examples and how a child's voice asked the questions which were then followed by Alcorn's answers. Not only is this book easy to listen to, but enjoyable to listen to even as an adult. It's the perfect book to listen to - or read! - together as a family and will be sure to get discussion going.
Sometimes books that are read by the author are not well done, but Randy Alcorn did a wonderful job on the narration of this audio version. The 3 CDs are a total of 3 hours long and would make for a great book to listen to on a road trip. While classified as Juvenile/Kids Non-fiction I think it is appropriate for children as young as the age of 5 and still great material for older children, teens, and parents.
Even if you don't have kids, you will enjoy this audio book!
BOOK OVERVIEW:
In language children and adolescents can understand, Randy Alcorn explores Biblical answers to the questions young people often have about heaven. Intended for children ages 8-12, this is a great resource for families as they discuss the hard questions about where we go when we die; what is the New Earth, and when will it be created; is heaven where God lives? When these questions are answered, it should change how a child lives on earth, as Randy encourages him to "live in light of heaven." This audio will be especially useful to parents who have already read Alcorn's Heaven, and wish to pass that understanding on to their children.
* * * * *
This review copy was provided courtesy of Oasis Audio in connection with Side Door Communications.
August 31, 2012
Not thrilled with the book... I feel that some things are made too simple, or an attempt is being made to be too "cool" that it borders on sacrilege. Further, There are far too many logical assumptions being made (i.e. "if the Bible doesn't say it won't be like that in heaven, we can probably assume that it will be") which is a reckless approach to theology.
April 18, 2013
Reading this with my sweet girl. She's loving it...we just finished it. It was great, with a few too many Narnia references for my liking. Overall I would recommend it, though.
March 23, 2021
My honest review of this.
This book written specifically for children addresses Heaven in a topical and q&a format. Questions kids, and adults, have about Heaven. We go deep into questions such as, "do I really need to think about Heaven?"
"What is the New Earth?" And more lighter questions like, "will there be sports?"
And I'll start with that latter question to start my review off. Alcorn gives a strong argument for why there will be sports and those that loose in Heaven, based on scripture about "running to attain the prize," and that God is the creator of all that is good. While I agree with the latter, I believe that Alcorn really took that scripture out of context. Paul was writing to the Greek church.... you know, Greece! The founder of the Olympics! If anyone would understand sportsmanship terminology, it would be the Greeks. To illustrate running a race of faith in the way these people would fully understand is part of molding cultural understanding to the instructions of God. It doesnt mean that the Bible is outdated but it is living and relatable.
There are so many things that the Bible has not revealed to us. Because we are human, and we truly cannot comprehend! I mean, just think of the fact there has never been a beginning! And our time in eternity will never end. Can you genuinely comprehend? I think Alcorn assumes too much of scripture and rather than just leaving it at, "we dont know," he has tried to answer completely, but it really stretched what scripture actually said.
However, with all my misgivings, there were some really valid topics covered and through digging we concluded similar beliefs. Like anything else, test against scripture. Dont look up just the verses offered but dig deeper. Ultimately, how Alcorn ended his work was spot on: "Notice Peter's (2 Peter 3:11-15) emphasis on 'what holy and godly lives' we should be living!... Now is our opportunity to live for Jesus in a world where most people don't believe in him. By obeying God's word and not giving in to pressure to do wrong things, we please Jesus and prepare ourselves to live forever in heaven."
⭐⭐⭐
This book written specifically for children addresses Heaven in a topical and q&a format. Questions kids, and adults, have about Heaven. We go deep into questions such as, "do I really need to think about Heaven?"
"What is the New Earth?" And more lighter questions like, "will there be sports?"
And I'll start with that latter question to start my review off. Alcorn gives a strong argument for why there will be sports and those that loose in Heaven, based on scripture about "running to attain the prize," and that God is the creator of all that is good. While I agree with the latter, I believe that Alcorn really took that scripture out of context. Paul was writing to the Greek church.... you know, Greece! The founder of the Olympics! If anyone would understand sportsmanship terminology, it would be the Greeks. To illustrate running a race of faith in the way these people would fully understand is part of molding cultural understanding to the instructions of God. It doesnt mean that the Bible is outdated but it is living and relatable.
There are so many things that the Bible has not revealed to us. Because we are human, and we truly cannot comprehend! I mean, just think of the fact there has never been a beginning! And our time in eternity will never end. Can you genuinely comprehend? I think Alcorn assumes too much of scripture and rather than just leaving it at, "we dont know," he has tried to answer completely, but it really stretched what scripture actually said.
However, with all my misgivings, there were some really valid topics covered and through digging we concluded similar beliefs. Like anything else, test against scripture. Dont look up just the verses offered but dig deeper. Ultimately, how Alcorn ended his work was spot on: "Notice Peter's (2 Peter 3:11-15) emphasis on 'what holy and godly lives' we should be living!... Now is our opportunity to live for Jesus in a world where most people don't believe in him. By obeying God's word and not giving in to pressure to do wrong things, we please Jesus and prepare ourselves to live forever in heaven."
⭐⭐⭐
December 31, 2020
Many would question the wisdom of speculating so much on what eternity could look like. Randy Alcorn's book on heaven attempts to answer almost every possible question we have about eternity. Yes, in some ways he speculates more than the Bible teaches, but in other ways he uses a proper model through the scope of Genesis and Revelation to inform us about eternity with God. God created us to live in a world where we had fellowship with Him, ruled over creation and had fellowship with one another. Sin broke everything he intended for us and now we live with pain, suffering and unfulfillment. He plans to recreate that perfect new earth again in eternity and that is a very exciting future hope!
I think this book and the other editions of it are very important for us to consider because I have witnessed too many people over the years who live their life believe this current is and will be more exciting and more fulfilling than the next one. They believe that eternity will be boring with nothing to do except sing old hymns to God for ever and ever without end. This is a sad and completely misunderstood view of eternity with God.
The recent movie, Soul, just released by Pixar models this very problem. The movie has its merits in terms of living each day with a proper perspective but it will wrongly perpetuates the falsehood that the after life is either a non-existent one or one that is less fulfilling than our current, flawed life.
Our kids need books like Heaven so they can understand that what God has planned for us with Him in eternity will be exactly what our souls long for without sin and pain. The possibilities are endless and joyful.
Along with this book, we need a healthy balance of what it means to live in this life right now. Because of the Gospel and because of what Jesus has done, we can live this life not for ourselves, but for Jesus and others because He has prepared for us an eternity that will be wonderful and worshipful beyond imagination.
To live is Christ. To die is gain.
I think this book and the other editions of it are very important for us to consider because I have witnessed too many people over the years who live their life believe this current is and will be more exciting and more fulfilling than the next one. They believe that eternity will be boring with nothing to do except sing old hymns to God for ever and ever without end. This is a sad and completely misunderstood view of eternity with God.
The recent movie, Soul, just released by Pixar models this very problem. The movie has its merits in terms of living each day with a proper perspective but it will wrongly perpetuates the falsehood that the after life is either a non-existent one or one that is less fulfilling than our current, flawed life.
Our kids need books like Heaven so they can understand that what God has planned for us with Him in eternity will be exactly what our souls long for without sin and pain. The possibilities are endless and joyful.
Along with this book, we need a healthy balance of what it means to live in this life right now. Because of the Gospel and because of what Jesus has done, we can live this life not for ourselves, but for Jesus and others because He has prepared for us an eternity that will be wonderful and worshipful beyond imagination.
To live is Christ. To die is gain.
February 15, 2019
I HIGHLY recommend this book! I have not read the adult version, but this children’s version is so good that I would recommend it to adults as well!
This book has a question and answer format. There are questions about how we get to heaven, questions about the differences between heaven and the new earth and what each will be like, questions about our new bodies, questions about what our lives will be like in heaven and who we will hang out with and what we will do in heaven, and questions about animals in heaven. So many interesting questions that I myself did not have answers for!
I read this book to my 4th and 6th grade boys as part of the Bible curriculum we are using called Cat and Dog Rewards by Bob and Debbie Sjogren (Unveiling Glory ministries), which I highly recommend doing along with this book! Cat and Dog Rewards goes seamlessly with this book and teaches your children to think about living every day for heavenly rewards instead of for earthly rewards. Every week the curriculum asks your children the question, “what is something you did this week that you believe God will reward?” It also tells you a real life story of a child who made a difference and earned treasures in heaven.
So while Heaven For Kids teaches you how wonderful and exciting heaven will be and makes us look forward to heaven, Cat and Dog Rewards teaches along with that to live every day of this life on earth for rewards in heaven!
This book has a question and answer format. There are questions about how we get to heaven, questions about the differences between heaven and the new earth and what each will be like, questions about our new bodies, questions about what our lives will be like in heaven and who we will hang out with and what we will do in heaven, and questions about animals in heaven. So many interesting questions that I myself did not have answers for!
I read this book to my 4th and 6th grade boys as part of the Bible curriculum we are using called Cat and Dog Rewards by Bob and Debbie Sjogren (Unveiling Glory ministries), which I highly recommend doing along with this book! Cat and Dog Rewards goes seamlessly with this book and teaches your children to think about living every day for heavenly rewards instead of for earthly rewards. Every week the curriculum asks your children the question, “what is something you did this week that you believe God will reward?” It also tells you a real life story of a child who made a difference and earned treasures in heaven.
So while Heaven For Kids teaches you how wonderful and exciting heaven will be and makes us look forward to heaven, Cat and Dog Rewards teaches along with that to live every day of this life on earth for rewards in heaven!
November 17, 2017
This is Q&A book for kids about Heaven. Randy Alcorn loves to bring quotes from the movie Narnia as a example. I am not a great fan of that movie so I don't really know all the parts that he mentions in this book. He have answered to some part of the questions based on what the bible have quoted and some parts he doesn't have the exact answer to it. Randy Alcorn is so comical in this book making it pleasing and easy to read and not dry.
February 11, 2023
This book is a children's version of the author's big book, Heaven (which I also loved), written in a question and answer format. I read it aloud, a little bit at a time, to my 6 and 10 year old girls at bedtime. We loved it and had so many good discussions as we read. I highly recommend this to parents as a resource either to read straight through or to help answer specific questions your children have about heaven.
February 14, 2018
3 1/2 stars
I read this book aloud to my 14 year old daughter who has been asking lots of questions about death lately. While the book was a little bit young for her, we both enjoyed it and learned much. I greatly appreciate the support of scripture for Alcorn's claims, and would recommend it for anyone looking to learn more about what the Bible says about heaven.
I read this book aloud to my 14 year old daughter who has been asking lots of questions about death lately. While the book was a little bit young for her, we both enjoyed it and learned much. I greatly appreciate the support of scripture for Alcorn's claims, and would recommend it for anyone looking to learn more about what the Bible says about heaven.
September 15, 2022
We enjoyed this one. The question and answer format of most of the book was nice for just reading a few questions at a time. The only real negative is that there are A LOT of references to the LOTR and Narnia, which my kids ate up, but I feel would make it hard to follow at times for someone who wasn't as familiar with those as we are.
February 7, 2023
This is for kids! If your kids are avid readers and fans for CS Lewis Narnia, then they would enjoy the explanation. It’s clean and clear read for kids explaining the things in Bible. Would recommend for only those kids! If Randy have written a book for all kids whether they know CS Lewis or not, it would have been more accesssible
June 30, 2024
Excellent book, I’ve read Randy’s- Heaven book and truly enjoyed myself. This particular text is wonderful for families and quick references that are sometimes hard to explain to persons of all ages! This is the type of book that should be in everyone’s home! I loved the Narnia references and I am grateful for the assurance, biblical references and hope this book offered ✝️
January 1, 2026
We read this very slowly with our boys. I was excited to start it after reading Alcorn’s original. It prompted lots of questions and thoughtful discussions! My biggest critique is that it focused more on the Narnia excerpts/references than Scripture itself, especially in the beginning. I wish it was more similar to the original in that sense! Overall, it was a sweet read for family devos!
April 27, 2018
I'm halfway through the adult version. My daughter and I read this together. She wants to read it a second time by herself. Here's my take on both books. Heaven will be exactly like earth only much, much better.
November 4, 2018
I bought this for my grandchildren because I enjoyed Alcorn's Heaven so much. The book is well written but I would recommend it for older kids and teens. Readers must have read the Chronicles of Narnia series to get the most out of the book and have mastered some abstract thinking skills.
April 18, 2020
Helpful book, simple, but deep, in a question/answer format covering many topics about heaven from a biblical perspective. So helpful and a fun read for a good portion of our school year, one or two questions and answers a day, taking about 5-10 minutes at the most.
March 26, 2022
I read this book as I want to gift to my grandchildren and other children in my life. I enjoyed reading it very much for myself. It’s simple and engaging and has great insight for those who might be losing a loved one here on earth. Good job Mr Alcorn! God was with you as you write this book!
February 17, 2023
I wasn't able to finish this book before we had to return it to the library. I would give the first half of the book two stars, and the rest we were able to read three stars. The beginning of the book had so many references to The Chronicles of Narnia it was beyond confusing for my children.
February 8, 2024
A great introduction for kids on what we have to look forward to and helping to build excitement as well as dispel ideas that Heaven and the New Earth will be boring places where we just stand around.
December 21, 2017
Much better than the long one because he does not have the space to speculate as much. Faster answers to the same information.
March 15, 2018
Good information on heaven.
May 25, 2018
This book was an amazing tool after my son passed. It's easy to understand for kids (and adults). This book has given me peace and a home to look forward to!
August 21, 2020
Very good book about Heaven for kids. Uses many illustrations from Chronicles of Narnia.
September 16, 2020
Listened to the audio while driving to see my sister. Every answer backed up by what the bible says. Very much encouraged and enjoyed listening to the author read his book....krb 9/16/20
June 26, 2021
There are lots of references to the Chronicles of Narnia in this book. It would be helpful for children to be familiar with those stories. This book is geared at elementary age children.
July 31, 2021
A simple read that answers many questions kids (and adults) have about Heaven. Definitely a good book to use for having discussions with kids about the topic.
March 30, 2022
Amazing book. So well written. We listened to the audio version and loved it! The analogies and humor made it fun for the whole family.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews