The Next Place

by Warren Hanson

A classic, The Next Place brings gentle verse revealing a safe and welcome destination free from earthly hurts and filled with wonder and peace. A comforting message of hope and a gift of compassion for the bereaved. Exquisite, color illustrations.

Genres: Picture Books, Death, Poetry, Childrens, Grief, Spirituality, Self Help

36 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1997

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The chaplain at the hospital told John and me about this book. You see, he'd given her permission to read some of what he'd written down for me, to be read after he died, and something in what he wrote made her think of this book. I ordered it immediately. As soon as it arrived, we got in the habit of me reading it aloud to him at night before bed. Except, he fell asleep before I could read it that last night. So, in the morning when I woke to find him gone, I read it to him then.

I have continued to read this every night before I go to sleep. It brings me as much comfort as it brought John. I believe that love never dies, and my beloved and I will see each other in the next place.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great picture book which i interpret as being about life after death. Or if not life, then the thing that is after death but is not life (as we know it). I am going to read it at my Gran's funeral.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all die. So why do so many work so hard not to talk about it? This absolutely beautiful illustrated book tackles what happens after death in a lovely comforting beautiful way. I found, as an adult, it was just what I needed during a difficult time to put into perspective how we are all connected to one another. It makes this book equally a good gift for an adult who has lost someone, as it is as a tool to talk about death with a child.

Different groups will not like this book for different reasons. For one, while it has a religious feel to it, it does not talk about religion in a way that strictly adheres to some religious teachings. Similarly, atheists might also struggle with this book, in that it seems to indicate an afterlife without coming out and stating explicitly what that afterlife will be like. It stresses the lasting connections with people, but still may be more...optimistic than what someone without religion will find comfortable.

This book is probably for those who consider themselves to be religious, but who feel that how their religion manifests itself is open to interpretation. Read the book before you give it as a gift or buy it. That being said, I want to own a couple copies to give away if and when the moment calls for it.

[Marissa Elera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly stunning work and the best children's book explaining the afterlife that I have ever read. Suitable for families with a variety of beliefs.

[Meg Blasi · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an athiest, I loved this book. It was given to us by the Donate Life organization after my dad passed away. I read it out loud to my infant son and sobbed my eyes out, it was extremely therapeutic.

[Mekiah Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. I thought it was good.
I liked its portrayal of Heaven.
I liked how it made you sit on something for a while, and after its sinked in you got it. It wasn't like most picture books, where it's just simple and flat out there. There are things hidden in-between the lines, and I love it!
Not to mention the book itself is beautiful! Awesome designs!
Although I wish the pages did have some full-on illustrations, I also think that the simplistic illustrations already shown do match the book and its aesthetic.
Overall, good book that I highly recommend for your child if you want to teach them about Heaven, if you can't really explain it to them, or anybody really.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This seems to be a picture book about life after death for the "spiritual, but not religious" set. It will annoy the religious with its failure to mention god or heaven, and it will probably not please atheists because it insinuates a consciousness after death.

The illustrations are lovely, and I'm in the hopeful agnostic/reluctant atheist camp, so it didn't really do a whole lot for me, but the idea is nice, if not convincing.

[ashley mcqueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just need to share how beautiful this book is. I read it to my patients and families often. Today, I was touched when a patient I had shared the book with months ago told me he purchased his own copy because of how much he enjoyed it. We read it together again and I was reminded of how comforting and beautiful it is. I recommend to any and all, and I am forever thankful to a former mentor for sharing this with me!

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

All these good things will go with me. They will make my spirit glow. And that light will shine forever in the next place I go.” My sister in law sent me this beautifully written and illustrated book to help ease the pain in my heart. It’s full of hopeful statements 🌈and light 🌟.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK! It’s full of mystery without being specifically religious. We dream of death not being the end - and The Next Place shares this hope.

[Mimi.Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very emotional book for my me ,my daughter and granddaughter. I lost my mom on April 3rd. This book is very inspirational and clear about what happens to a person after the body is no longer able to hold ones spirit.

[Shay Vande · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, comforting glimpse at the other side. A children's book about the afterlife that's neutral enough to appeal to most belief systems (or lack thereof).

[Magpie67 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful poem about traveling to Heaven. Simply put "The body I once lived in won't be part of me at all. I will finally be perfect. I will be without a flaw. I will never make one more mistake, or break the smallest law. And the me that was impatient, or was angry or unkind, will simply be a memory. The me I left behind. I will travel empty-handed. There is not a single thing I have collected in my life that I would ever want to bring except... the love of those who loved me, and the warmth of those who cared. The happiness and memories and magic that we shared." A must read for everyone who has loved and lost a family member or friend. A book to read at a funeral or better yet to a young one who doesn't understand. An explanation of the journey our loved ones will take to the next place. A celebration of life with music, in an everlasting flight.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nicely illustrated book of reassuring words and platitudes about the next life or afterlife or however you choose to define it. It is calming, inspiring and moving, and is likely to bring peace to those who have suffered a loss. It is a good book to read to children when discussing the concept of death to them.

[Tirzah · Rating 2 out of 5]

The illustrations are lovely.

Personally, I wished it would have been more direct as to the "why" of things - why do we go to this place, why is there no more pain, etc. The answer: Jesus. I do not know the beliefs of the author, so I am not sure what his intentions were. As a Christian, I found myself disappointed that the book makes no mention of Jesus and His gift of everlasting life.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written and illustrated book for all ages. It gave me a sense of peace after the loss of a loved one.

[Rogue-van (the Bookman) · Rating 1 out of 5]

FALSE HOPE. It is sad that such a beautiful dream by Warren Hanson has been accepted by some reviewers as a true depiction of the afterlife. There is no evidence given by the author to support that theory. He cites no Bible verses, holy books, or religious scholars.
Is it good poetry? Yes. I wish that I could write such lovely lines as: "I'll glide beyond the rainbows. I'll drift above the sky. I'll fly into the wonder, without ever wondering why." But is it factual? No. And those who accept it as factual are obviously NOT "wondering why" it is or is not true. There is no way that I would base my eternal hopes on drifting cosmic thoughts.
New Agers who are satisfied by mere positive thinking might delight in this book. Atheists might find comfort in it. But rational thinking individuals will want evidence for "The Next Place" that Warren Hanson just does not provide.
Personally, I would recommend to those interested in the afterlife that they read the loving account of Jesus in the Gospel of John. In one of the most famous verses, John 3:16 (Contemporary English Version), Jesus said, "God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die." The third chapter of John explains how Jesus was sent as a gateway to eternal life. And if John's personal recollections of what Jesus said and did aren't enough, the mini-biographies by Matthew, Mark, and Luke all confirm the truth of what John said. The writings of the saints for the last 2,000 years confirm it. Those who seek the truth will be drawn to light rather than to cosmic dreams. And Jesus is the light of the world.

[Biz (Marie) Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t remember when I first read this book. I brought it home in grade school (first or second grade) from a book fair. I love the illustrations and I had always loved poetry to this day. You could say it’s not a poem, but I believe it is. My mom at first thought why am I letting my child reading this book, but then she loved it so much that she’s bought so many copies to give to people no matter what age. I read it whenever I’m sad... whenever I lose someone or even when I’m grieving. I’d say it is religious but it never mentions the word heaven so I believe it can reach many audiences.

A lot of reviews both here and on amazon say this book is for children, and yes I think it helps, and yes I found this book as a child but I don’t believe it’s just for children. Yes I think it’s fantastic for children to read this, I felt like I understood so much more...but even as an adult now I continue to learn and still get great comfort in this book.

[Heather K · Rating 5 out of 5]

When my mom was first diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma Cancer we had a girls shopping day at Barnes and Noble. We were looking at children's books because there are some rather hilarious ones when my mom jumped back because a book was coming off the shelf at her. It was this book, The Next Place". We had a good laugh about it then I told her it was meant to be and asked what it was about anyway. We read it together and got teary. Mom looked at me and said, This....This is how it is, I just know it.
I now give this book to people who lose a loved one. It isn't a religious book but a spiritual book about the next place after death. It is so comforting and really takes the scariness out of death. Not just for children but for adults as well. As an End of Life Doula I share this book with HOSPICE patients and their families as well. It really is a great book. If you aren't sure how to explain death and where we go after to children I highly recommend this book.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 2 out of 5]

"The next place that I go will be as peaceful and familiar as a sleepy summer Sunday and a sweet, untroubled mind [...] I will not be a boy or girl, a woman or a man. I'll simply be just, simply, me. No worse or better than [...] I will finally be perfect. I will be without a flaw. I will never make one more mistake, or break the smallest law."

I've been searching for picture books about death for years as my daughter has been asking questions about life and death since she was three years old. While I can see how the gentle and positive message could be comforting for an adult reader, this book did not ease or help answer any of my daughter's questions and instead made her even more frustrated.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 1 out of 5]

For the most part this is a beautiful book about death. But it has so many things in it that I don't believe, I don't recommend it.

Here are the things I don't agree with: "I won't know where I'm going, and I won't know where I've been." "I won't remember getting there." "I'll be absolutely free of the things that I help onto and the things that were holding onto me." "The next place that I go won't really be a place at all. "I will not be a boy or a girl, or a woman or a man." "I will finally be perfect. I will be without a flaw." "And the me that was impatient, or was angry or unkind, will simply be a memory. The me I left behind."

[Amanda Vander hyde · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reads almost as a poem or invocation, and examines what life after death might be like. It is a good book for children to read because of the beautiful language that they can decipher and use in their own writing, allowing for more exposure. It is also just a remarkably beautiful book, even though it may have religious undertones that are not practical for today's day and age in the classroom. However, it does help discuss the topic of death, especially with those who are afraid of what that might mean (younger children) and if there is anything after.

Hanson, W. (2002, August 5). The Next Place. Golden Valley, MN: Waldman House Press.

[Patricia Stinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In these days of Covid-19 many people are grieving over the loss of a loved one. This book is for them. It is for adults and more importantly for children who may be grieving over the loss of a grandparent. It is written by Warren Hanson. It is an "...inspirational journey of light and hope to a place where earthly hurts are left behind." The author is the illustrator. The illustrations are beautiful. He also illustrated A Cup Of Christmas Tea and Peef the Christmas Bear. Mr. Hanson and his wife live in St. Paul, Minnesota. This book is definitely staying on my bookshelf.

[Christie Kaaland · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fine choice to give as a gift to someone who has just experienced the loss of a loved one. While the book does not specifically mention heaven, religion, or even spirituality, it is a page-by-page, feel-good description of what the author-illustrator is assured his "next life" will be: all the good, none of the bad, surrounded by friends and family.

The vivid illustrations carry a celestial, out-of-this-world feel and are hued in deep violet and cobalt to represent, perhaps, the stratosphere.

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came to me at a time I needed it most... after my cousin's suicide. It was a purely accidental find, and the moment I opened it I felt that it had been written for me. Something I was meant to stumble upon. Since then I've recommended it to a number of others struggling with finding beauty in the dark times.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated children's book accompanies the author's reflective and hopeful poem on the afterlife.

My friend Chris received it as a sympathy gift for her children years ago when their family suffered a tragic loss. It provided comfort for all of them, and she's been gifting copies as needed ever since.

[Lisa Case · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good friend passed away at too young of an age. A day and a half later, an elderly uncle passed. His wife, a former school teacher, read this book to me. She said it’s brought her comfort throughout the years. I’ve read it few times since and am going to gift it to the family of my good friend.
It’s comforting, peaceful and sad all at once.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is indeed a wonderful book to explain what happens after death…or what we hope to have happen to our souls after we leave our bodies, especially those with earthly “imperfections”.
I would recommend this gentle read to anyone who is struggling with the loss of a loved one, but it is great to help children ease their uncertainty with what happens after someone dies.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Came home from a funeral where this was read by the Pastor and then gifted to the family. Immediately ordered a copy and will keep some on hand to gift to those grieving the loss of a loved one. Beautiful illustrations, meaningful verses and one of the most reassuring things I've ever read on heaven. Loved reading others comments - often read to children but I think it's great for all ages.

[Nadina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The artwork was really pretty, and the text wasn't bad, but I feel it was just average over all. I think some of the text is a bit beyond kids content/meaning wise.
Not one I would immediately recommend.