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后来呢后来怎么了
后来呢，我就在天堂和神灵一起聊天、唱歌、泡温泉……后来的后来呢，我会变成月亮、变成苹果、变成路过的婴儿回来看你们的！ 有的人读着读着就笑了，有的人会流下眼泪，到底是什么样的绘本，会引发读者截然不同的感受？《这是苹果吗也许是吧》作者吉竹伸介再次挑战想象力的边界。原来严肃的话题，可以这样轻松地跟孩子聊一聊！
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 22, 2016
158 people want to read
About the author
Shinsuke Yoshitake
66 books171 followersAssociated Names:
* ヨシタケ シンスケ (Japanese)
* Shinsuke Yoshitake (English)
* 吉竹伸介 (Chinese)
* 요시타케 신스케 (Korean)
* ชินสุเกะ โยชิทาเกะ (Thai)
Shinsuke Yoshitake is the author-illustrator of many award-winning picture books, including New York Times Notable Children's Book of the Year There Must Be More Than That!, New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year The Boring Book, I Can Be Anything, I Won't Give Up My Rubber Band, and I Can Explain. His books have been translated into more than 10 languages. He lives in Japan.
* ヨシタケ シンスケ (Japanese)
* Shinsuke Yoshitake (English)
* 吉竹伸介 (Chinese)
* 요시타케 신스케 (Korean)
* ชินสุเกะ โยชิทาเกะ (Thai)
Shinsuke Yoshitake is the author-illustrator of many award-winning picture books, including New York Times Notable Children's Book of the Year There Must Be More Than That!, New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year The Boring Book, I Can Be Anything, I Won't Give Up My Rubber Band, and I Can Explain. His books have been translated into more than 10 languages. He lives in Japan.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 24, 2018
Another great story from the author of 'Can I Build Another Me?', which explores a Grandad's ideas of what happens when he has died. His grandson finds the journal he has kept and begins to read it, the book then shows the pages in his Grandad's book. The child is then inspired to make his own journal of what he wants to do before he dies. This was a really nice read and shows children different ideas of what happens when people die, which some children may find comforting after losing a loved one.
October 6, 2019
A humorous and honest way of exploring the theme of death. I imagine this will be a good picture book for parents/caregivers to introduce this difficult topic to their little ones.
July 1, 2025
Un autor del que s'ha de llegir tot el que es pugui. Aquest en concret és una meravella. Es poden explicar temes complexos amb humor i Yoshitake n'és un clar exemple.
December 6, 2018
This is an English translation of a Japanese picture book, illustrated by the author with vignette-sized, cartoon-style art. (The British publisher gave it some really nice paper, so it looks & feels wonderful.) The lines are a dark grey, the colors limited to turquoise, golden yellow, and occasionally a spot of red. Each small person, piece of fruit, inventive architecture, landscape, or creature is full of grace and wit.
On the first page, a boy says, matter-of-factly; "Grandpa died the other day."
"When we were cleaning out Grandpa's room, we found a notebook under the bed. On the cover he had written, 'What Happens Next?'"
From there we see the contents of the notebook, page after page of how the grandpa imagined heaven, as well as a few pages of how he imagined hell. For many of the pages, we see both the grandpa and the boy, as author & reader of the notebook, and then the book wraps up with the boy, having finished reading the notebook, now wondering about life and death himself.
It is poignant, silly, and loving. I think it would be great for a 5- to 10-year-old to read if/when they are thinking about their own family member's death - or if they haven't yet thought of it, this could prompt some of the kind of musing that would help them be more aware of issues before they come up in real life.
This is a gem of a book.
By the way, 978-0-500-65120-9 is the ISBN for the hardcover edition published by Thames & Hudson, London, 2017.
On the first page, a boy says, matter-of-factly; "Grandpa died the other day."
"When we were cleaning out Grandpa's room, we found a notebook under the bed. On the cover he had written, 'What Happens Next?'"
From there we see the contents of the notebook, page after page of how the grandpa imagined heaven, as well as a few pages of how he imagined hell. For many of the pages, we see both the grandpa and the boy, as author & reader of the notebook, and then the book wraps up with the boy, having finished reading the notebook, now wondering about life and death himself.
It is poignant, silly, and loving. I think it would be great for a 5- to 10-year-old to read if/when they are thinking about their own family member's death - or if they haven't yet thought of it, this could prompt some of the kind of musing that would help them be more aware of issues before they come up in real life.
This is a gem of a book.
By the way, 978-0-500-65120-9 is the ISBN for the hardcover edition published by Thames & Hudson, London, 2017.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2019
The topic of death is not one that is easy to broach. But whether we like it or not, children do face death in many ways. Some experience grief of the lost of loved ones and some see it in media all the time. And perhaps a book is a safest place to start talking about it.
In this picture book, 'next' refers to after death or if you believe in the existence of one, the after life. I love Yoshitake's books and my daughter instantly recognised it at the library. She wanted to jump on it right away and I was thankful that I decided to leaf through it first so I could convince her to read it with me.
The context of the book is that the main character, a young boy has lost his grandfather and going through his things, discovers a notebook with scribbling of what the latter thought about what he might go through next. Beautiful illustrations depict thoughts of possibly turning a ghost, being reborn in different forms, what heaven and hell (nothing gory or too scary) might look like and meeting Gods etc. Towards the end, the boy wonders if his late grandfather had been excited about his death or scared. Heavy! But it ends on a more uplifting note of the boy wanting to create his own notebooks to illustrate possibilities of being alive instead what happens after his death.
The book has beliefs that contradict our personal religious beliefs and I was worried the emotions involved might be too difficult for my daughter to go through on her own. But I am not one who is keen on censoring books. I believe in close monitoring and guidance instead. So we sat down and read it together and took it as a chance to understand other beliefs like reincarnation and multiple Gods.
When I was seven, my grandfather was telling me to put on my socks so he could send me to school when mid-sentence, he clutched at his chest. He collapsed from the heart attack and passed away before my very eyes. I wish someone had read to me a book like to so we could have at least helped me sort out my feelings because it took me years to go through them and even as an adult, it remains a painful memory. So, I would definitely recommend reading this.
In this picture book, 'next' refers to after death or if you believe in the existence of one, the after life. I love Yoshitake's books and my daughter instantly recognised it at the library. She wanted to jump on it right away and I was thankful that I decided to leaf through it first so I could convince her to read it with me.
The context of the book is that the main character, a young boy has lost his grandfather and going through his things, discovers a notebook with scribbling of what the latter thought about what he might go through next. Beautiful illustrations depict thoughts of possibly turning a ghost, being reborn in different forms, what heaven and hell (nothing gory or too scary) might look like and meeting Gods etc. Towards the end, the boy wonders if his late grandfather had been excited about his death or scared. Heavy! But it ends on a more uplifting note of the boy wanting to create his own notebooks to illustrate possibilities of being alive instead what happens after his death.
The book has beliefs that contradict our personal religious beliefs and I was worried the emotions involved might be too difficult for my daughter to go through on her own. But I am not one who is keen on censoring books. I believe in close monitoring and guidance instead. So we sat down and read it together and took it as a chance to understand other beliefs like reincarnation and multiple Gods.
When I was seven, my grandfather was telling me to put on my socks so he could send me to school when mid-sentence, he clutched at his chest. He collapsed from the heart attack and passed away before my very eyes. I wish someone had read to me a book like to so we could have at least helped me sort out my feelings because it took me years to go through them and even as an adult, it remains a painful memory. So, I would definitely recommend reading this.
November 11, 2019
A little boy is cleaning out his Grandpa's room after his Grandpa passed away and finds a book. The book is titled "What Happens Next?" and contains his Grandpa's musings on what happens after death, what heaven is like, what hell is like, what he'd like to be reincarnated as, and how he'd like to be remembered. The boy closes the book and decides maybe he should think about these things too, but first maybe think about what he wants to do while still alive.
This little kids' Grandpa has an interesting theology. It appears to be Shintoism, with the multiple gods, heaven, hell, and reincarnation options. He definitely was confused on some aspects though because he said he'd need to pack for the afterlife. And one of the things he'd pack was plasters (bandaids) but then says later he could fall without getting hurt. Some of the things he says he'd like to be reincarnated as are just disturbing, like a seat in the bathroom (warning, picture of a naked man in that illustration). The boy concludes by pondering whether his Grandpa really knew what was going to happen or if the book was just a way to process things. I guess for those with Shinto beliefs this is as much hope for the future as they can get, but it seems kind of sad to me. Might be good for older kids or adults wondering what Shintoists believe about the afterlife. Not what I'd hand to kids grieving or pondering death.
Notes on content: 1 picture of a naked man in the shower (frontal view), there are various tortures imagined for hell and what demons do to people there shown on page.
This little kids' Grandpa has an interesting theology. It appears to be Shintoism, with the multiple gods, heaven, hell, and reincarnation options. He definitely was confused on some aspects though because he said he'd need to pack for the afterlife. And one of the things he'd pack was plasters (bandaids) but then says later he could fall without getting hurt. Some of the things he says he'd like to be reincarnated as are just disturbing, like a seat in the bathroom (warning, picture of a naked man in that illustration). The boy concludes by pondering whether his Grandpa really knew what was going to happen or if the book was just a way to process things. I guess for those with Shinto beliefs this is as much hope for the future as they can get, but it seems kind of sad to me. Might be good for older kids or adults wondering what Shintoists believe about the afterlife. Not what I'd hand to kids grieving or pondering death.
Notes on content: 1 picture of a naked man in the shower (frontal view), there are various tortures imagined for hell and what demons do to people there shown on page.
February 16, 2025
Book 034 of 350 ~ 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
After I was hooked on the first couple of books, I had to hunt down for the rest. Lucky me, because I found a few more titles to my list.
I appreciate the way the author tackles tough subjects like death of a beloved family member in an interesting, imaginative way.
Brilliant.
#book034of350 #amreading #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram #reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookaholic #bookaddict #bookchallenge2025 #reviews #lovebooks #booknerds
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
After I was hooked on the first couple of books, I had to hunt down for the rest. Lucky me, because I found a few more titles to my list.
I appreciate the way the author tackles tough subjects like death of a beloved family member in an interesting, imaginative way.
Brilliant.
#book034of350 #amreading #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram #reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookaholic #bookaddict #bookchallenge2025 #reviews #lovebooks #booknerds
January 18, 2020
The book is about a child who finds the journal of his grandfather after his death. In it, it explores all kinds of activities he wished he could go through after death (i.e. meeting various gods, reincarnation, heaven , hell, etc.).
It was interesting to explore the VERY creative ways tombstones could be shaped in, along with numerous ways to remember a lost loved one. Those things were cool, but I personally disagree with the essence of the book since the author made it seem like whatever you believe in could become your reality after death. In other words, a person's perspective becomes reality INSTEAD of the other way around--reality influences ones perspective.
It was interesting to explore the VERY creative ways tombstones could be shaped in, along with numerous ways to remember a lost loved one. Those things were cool, but I personally disagree with the essence of the book since the author made it seem like whatever you believe in could become your reality after death. In other words, a person's perspective becomes reality INSTEAD of the other way around--reality influences ones perspective.
April 14, 2023
Un niño y su madre limpian el cuarto del abuelo, quien ya no está. De pronto, se encuentra con un cuaderno escondido, titulado "¿Cómo será el más allá?".
Este es el punto de inicio de un libro increíble, donde el explorar la muerte se convierte en una búsqueda, una aventura, algo gracioso...e incluso en una excusa para pensar en el futuro.
Pienso que el autor puso mucho de sí mismo en este texto, y es curioso poder mostrarles otros "más allá" a los niños (un cielo lleno de dioses, por ejemplo; y un infierno con castigos tan aburridos que son realmente aterradores).
Y para terminar...nunca una bolsa de plástico me hizo suspirar tanto...
Este es el punto de inicio de un libro increíble, donde el explorar la muerte se convierte en una búsqueda, una aventura, algo gracioso...e incluso en una excusa para pensar en el futuro.
Pienso que el autor puso mucho de sí mismo en este texto, y es curioso poder mostrarles otros "más allá" a los niños (un cielo lleno de dioses, por ejemplo; y un infierno con castigos tan aburridos que son realmente aterradores).
Y para terminar...nunca una bolsa de plástico me hizo suspirar tanto...
July 7, 2024
Un niño y su madre limpian el cuarto del abuelo, quien ya no está. De pronto, se encuentra con un cuaderno escondido, titulado "¿Cómo será el más allá?".
Este es el punto de inicio de un libro increíble, donde el explorar la muerte se convierte en una búsqueda, una aventura, algo gracioso...e incluso en una excusa para pensar en el futuro.
Pienso que el autor puso mucho de sí mismo en este texto, y es curioso poder mostrarles otros "más allá" a los niños (un cielo lleno de dioses, por ejemplo; y un infierno con castigos tan aburridos que son realmente aterradores).
Y para terminar...nunca una bolsa de plástico me hizo suspirar tanto...
Este es el punto de inicio de un libro increíble, donde el explorar la muerte se convierte en una búsqueda, una aventura, algo gracioso...e incluso en una excusa para pensar en el futuro.
Pienso que el autor puso mucho de sí mismo en este texto, y es curioso poder mostrarles otros "más allá" a los niños (un cielo lleno de dioses, por ejemplo; y un infierno con castigos tan aburridos que son realmente aterradores).
Y para terminar...nunca una bolsa de plástico me hizo suspirar tanto...
January 16, 2022
A very interesting book, it's about what Grandfather wants to do or thinks heaven or hell is like. When his grandson was cleaning his grandfather's room, he found a journal the grandfather has kept and begins to read it, the book then shows the pages in his Grandad's book. The child then gets inspired to make his own journal of what he wants to do before he dies. I like how in the ending he says today he will practice his flying on the swing to prepare when he passes away. It made me laugh a bit. One of my favourite children's books.
June 12, 2020
In my opinion, this is the best book of Yoshitake. A late grandpa's notebook on "What happens next?" regarding afterlife, heaven and hell is very comforting to read while grieving for the deceased person. This book also serves as a very good way to deliver life education to young children, and best, teach them about how to treasure life at the moment. Highly recommend it to kids, children and even adults.
August 29, 2021
Very thoughful childrens' book that deals with a difficult subject like death and the afterlife. Gorgeous illustrations is a bonus too. As an adult, I bought it and enjoyed it, no excuses.
Slightly humorous enough and simple for kids but not too morbid. Thought-provoking for adults too.
Recommended!
Slightly humorous enough and simple for kids but not too morbid. Thought-provoking for adults too.
Recommended!
December 25, 2018
Lovely book dealing with some difficult issues. Told through grandpa's journal. Sweet and touching without being condescending. Talks about death, life, and what happens next. A classic, very highly recommended. A must for any age.
July 20, 2019
From the book: I decided, instead of writing my own ‘what happens next?’ that it would be better to make a notebook called ‘what I want to do now’. Lovely! A book on death to remind us to live in the present and to act now!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2019
Wasn't sure what this book would be about, given the cover and the title (roughly "What shall we do next?). Turns out its a very touching meditation about death, how it makes us feel, and what we think might happen when we die. A very pleasant surprise and another great book from Yoshitake.
January 21, 2021
That was one of my favourite that I have read lately. I love how simply the characters are made and yet how much emotion they still have. It´s great when topic of death is written so funnily and child friendly.
December 24, 2023
“What Happens Next” is a book that was written by the accomplished Japanese Children’s Author, Shinsuke Yoshitake. It starts with a grandson who found notes left by his deceased grandfather about what he imagined would happen after he had died.
It’s cute, heartwarming and moving.
It’s cute, heartwarming and moving.
November 13, 2025
Another marvellous book from Yoshitake Shinsuke!
A light-hearted outlook into the afterlife, an emotional step into getting ready for the departure, and a world full of possibilities for the living.
Always creative, witty and sensible a storyteller and artist :)
A light-hearted outlook into the afterlife, an emotional step into getting ready for the departure, and a world full of possibilities for the living.
Always creative, witty and sensible a storyteller and artist :)
December 11, 2019
It is rare to come across a picture book that deals about mortality in such an intelligent and curious way with a language tone and logic that soothes and empowers its young (and older) readers.
January 15, 2020
Don't know who learnt more here, me or the nephew.
Great book. I am a fan now.
Great book. I am a fan now.
February 21, 2020
I love this guy’s stuff!!
October 24, 2022
Ns si m'agrada massa això de parlar del més enllà de la mort, està bé tenir fe però tant com pensar-se un món idíl•lic... Més fan del com serà més aquí final. Està bé com a exercici
January 7, 2024
Prachtig ontroerend verhaal met ongelofelijk mooie vormgeving. Heel fijn om met je kind te praten en te fantaseren over een overleden grootouder.
May 3, 2025
Simple, nicely drawn. And the whole family enjoyed it.
January 8, 2026
Ugh! So good and weird and awesome!
(Totally not appropriate for Storytime!)
(Totally not appropriate for Storytime!)
May 9, 2023
Følte den
December 6, 2023
What Happens Next? is a delightful, whimsical inquiry into imagining what happens after death.
A child writes:
''Grandpa died the other day. When we were clearing out Grandpa's room, we found a notebook under the bed. On the cover, he had written, 'What Happens Next?'.
The notebook was full of Grandpa's thoughts and sketches and answers to questions such as 'When I die, who will I become and what do I want to happen?'
The rest of the book imagines what Grandpa would want to have happen. This is a comforting, imaginative book to help those who are left behind smile through a tough subject.
Even before losing a family member, this book could comfort any human facing their own mortality.
If you were looking for good titles to share with a family who has experienced the death of a grandparent, this book, What Happens Next?, and the Danish title, Cry Heart, But Never Break, would be comforting reads for family members of all ages.
A child writes:
''Grandpa died the other day. When we were clearing out Grandpa's room, we found a notebook under the bed. On the cover, he had written, 'What Happens Next?'.
The notebook was full of Grandpa's thoughts and sketches and answers to questions such as 'When I die, who will I become and what do I want to happen?'
The rest of the book imagines what Grandpa would want to have happen. This is a comforting, imaginative book to help those who are left behind smile through a tough subject.
Even before losing a family member, this book could comfort any human facing their own mortality.
If you were looking for good titles to share with a family who has experienced the death of a grandparent, this book, What Happens Next?, and the Danish title, Cry Heart, But Never Break, would be comforting reads for family members of all ages.
November 13, 2019
For me this book is special and reflective. The grandpa's imagination about death in his diary is so funny and make death feels lighter, but later the grandson had a deep thought wondering what was his late grandpa really feel while he wrote that diary. Did he find the answer? I suggest you read the book to find out, the closure is excellent.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews