Gently guides adults and children to see what the
Bible really has to say about Heaven and those who
live there.
Ten-year-old Jake struggles to understand his grandma's
death. But as he spends two weeks at his grandfather's
home, he is able to receive answers to his questions
about Heaven.
As Jake and Grandpa fish, watch the stars, and take
long walks, Grandpa shares what the Bible says about
the reality and beauty of Heaven. As Jake learns the
truth about Heaven, he begins to better understand
and accept his grandmother's death.
As readers uncover the truths in the dialogue between
Grandpa and Jake, they will better appreciate the
home that awaits all who place their faith in Christ. Tell Me About Heaven features beautiful paintings
by gifted artist Ron DiCianni. If Ron's style of painting
looks familiar, it is because you might have seen
his painting Safely Home, which was featured
in Randy's novel, also titled Safely
Home.
What is the difference between the two illustrated
children's storybooks about Heaven: Wait Until Then
and Tell Me About Heaven?
What both books have in common is a
grandfather and grandson discussing Heaven. From there, the
differences are pretty major. Wait Until Then is a children's picture book of 2,000 words.
Tell Me
About Heaven has 14,000 words, is seven times longer, and
is long enough to be a sustained story.
Wait
Until Then focuses on whether a handicapped
boy and a weak grandfather, who uses a walker and
is dying of cancer, will one day play baseball. The
boy's disability is central to the book, and his parents
and siblings are all an important part of the story.
Tell Me about Heaven is about a different boy
(not handicapped), a different grandfather (not sick
or dying), and set out in the country with just the
boy and grandfather. It doesn't involve baseball and
has many different settings.
Wait
Until Then has a traditional "each
painting captures the story" approach. Tell
Me About Heaven's art is not illustrative of
the story itself but of certain concepts discussed
by grandfather and grandson. They are more like illustrations
of the book's theology, not immediate scenes (except
the book ends).
It is Randy's hope that both books will serve as resources for
families as they teach their children truths about Heaven.
Reader Responses
Tell Me About Heaven is written by Randy Alcorn and paintings by Ron DiCianni. When young Jake asks his grandfather, "What's it like where Grammy is?" he-along with the children you love-will be ushered into a warm story answering the many questions kids have about Heaven. And it's all tucked away in this keepsake volume that they-and you-can return to for reassurance. The Bible says, "We are looking forward to a New Heaven and a New Earth..." Use this book to help you special little ones look forward to that new world.
- Jonathan Broscious (transcript aired June 20, 2008 on the "What's New on the Bookshelf with Shirley Updyke")
