The Next Place

Get one for grieving g families

Right now, my thoughts are with those who have passed away from the recent tornadoes in the South (United States). I feel bad for all those individuals who lost their loved ones, along with all their homes and material possessions, through the recent tornadoes. I really think that this book by Warren Hanson could provide some comfort right now for those who are suffering. I understand that a lot of people are suffering through hard times and hard losses right now, and that sometimes this current existence wasn't what they envisioned for themselves. Just like the billions of people on this planet who watched the British Royal Wedding of William and Kate, I truly felt glad that the both of them were healthy and happy and that they experienced a beautiful and out-of-this-world wedding ceremony. But in the back of my mind I was thinking about the people who died from the recent tornadoes who passed away young and never had the chance to have a wedding of their own. Sometimes bad things happen to you that are way beyond your control that alter your life, health, and existence for the long run. When I was 19, a routine surgery gone bad altered my health and life for the long haul. I honestly never dreamt that something like that would happen to me. All I can say is that sometimes life doesn't go the way you envisioned or planned, and then you experience frustration and anger. Ever since the age of 19, I honestly never feared "the next place". From a lot of things that I have experienced on this Earth, I always knew and felt that "the next place" would be a beautiful, perfect, and happy place with no pain. And it makes me happy to know that Warren Hanson feels the same way about "the next place". Warren Hanson's book is perfect. It captures everything that I feel and sense about "the next place". The words in Warren Hanson's book are very calming, soothing, and tranquil. The imagery and artwork in this book are beautiful, happy, and peaceful. I think that Warren Hanson's book is an essential gift to give for people grieving after a funeral, for people who are suffering from chronic or terminal illnesses, for people who have lost loved ones to war, natural disasters, senseless crimes, etc. One of my three college degrees is a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling with a certified rehabilitation counselor designation, and I feel that it would be a great idea for counselors to have this book handy for the people they counsel. I really think that this book is essential for each household. It's a fact that each person dies, young or old. And this book will help both kids and adults understand that death is a transition that each person faces, and that death and the next place we go to is not an ugly place or thing to fear.

This is a beautifully written conformation that there is a NEXT PLACE. Where are we going, what will I look like and will I meet those who left before me. This is written for young children as well as the very old and everybody in between. You will take what you need from it everytime you read and reread it. Simple, deep and reassuring.

Death has always been scary for me. I hate talking about it. When my mom was dying a month ago, I was looking for something to help explain and comfort my kids (9,6,1 year olds). I bought 3 books, and they didn’t care too much for the other 2. But this one… the words and the artwork provided that comfort that I was hoping for. While we read through it, I realized it was just as much for me as it was for my kids.

This book was originally written for grieving children. It is so beautifully written and illustrated. It is uplifting and inspirational. It speaks to the grieving heart of people of all ages. I have given it as a gift to many adult work teams who have lost coworkers and to many adults clients who have grieving children in their lives. It is a classic.

I have received and given this book to friends and family members who have lost an elderly parent. I think it feels right because in many cases with elderly people, you lose a little of them as they age and it feels like more of a journey. And this book seems to lighten the physical and mental burden they were carrying as they aged. However, I recently had a family member die suddenly (way too young). The grieving process is different. There is tragedy, anger, a feeling of being cheated out of what should have been a longer life. You just want them back. I would not give this book under these circumstances.

Before I review this book, I should give a bit of background on myself. I believe in God and an afterlife. I am not Christian, Catholic, etc. However, I am open to and respectful of religious beliefs that differ from my own. I have raised my now 11 year old daughter in the same manner. With that being said, I'll continue with my review.I came across this book in the little library at our doctor's office. I loved it so much that I eventually ordered a copy for my daughter and I. The illustrations and words are beautiful. We have lost a few loved ones in the past few years and I found this book to be very comforting. I asked my daughter what she thought of this book. She said,I really like this book because it's beautiful and makes me happy. It talks about Heaven and I think the pictures are really cute. My favorite part is this:"Though I will know the joy of solitude... I'll never be alone. I'll be embraced by all the family and friends I've ever known. Although I might not see their faces, all our hearts will be as one, And the circle of our spirits will shine brighter than the sun. I will cherish all the friendship I was fortunate to find, all the love and all the laughter in the place I leave behind. All these things will go with me. They will make my spirit glow. And that light will shine forever in the next place that I go."I asked my daughter if this book made her scared of death and she said no. She said this book talks about a happy place.Some of the Christian reviewers did not find this book comforting, as they were looking for something closer to their beliefs. This book does not mention God or Heaven specifically, but I believe that if you read deeper into the text you'll find that the book is describing a beautiful afterlife that everyone can relate to, regardless of denomination. I did not feel empty or depressed after reading this book, as others did. This book opened my eyes to an idea that can be hard to grasp for some. As humans we cling to our emotions, so much so that the idea of not having any is unfathomable. I believe this book touches on that subject a bit. I suppose it's all up to the reviewer's interpretation. I hope you find this review helpful in deciding whether or not this book is for you or your family.

This us a book I buy over and over as a gift because it means so much to a child who has lost someone.

This is a great gift to give during someone’s time of loss and grief. A nice and thoughtful keepsake vs flowers.

I heard a professional discussing this book on a pod cast last year on "Books on the night stand".In the US hospices hold copies of this specially to help children cope with this extremely difficult subject in the gentlest, sweetest, positive way possible.The whole book is so beautiful in every way.The illustrations are beautiful, depicting different coloured sky scapes with the gentle peaceful words floating across the page. The sky changes from light to dark with light poking behind the dark clouds, rainbows in dark and light sky's and birds drifting on the breeze with the words. There is day time drifting into night with magical music shown drifting in the sky. There is the cosmos (not in its true form) it has a blazing sun in the centre, with the different formations of the moon, and theoretical stars drawn like children do. You have the seasons, with drifting leaves and beautiful snowflakes, and hand prints in the sky by day and by night. There is the weather portrayed.Near end of the book it focuses on love and love shared and friendship.This book is not religious. I personally do not know about all the different religions in the world, but I would not think this could be seen as offensive.This book just covers the basics.This would not be suitable for young children, as the subject of death is not an easy one, but for those children who are asking the question "why" this book may well help a parent explain in a very gentle tactful way.As an adult, this is a nice way dealing with this subject in a more positive way too, but bare in mind it's designed for children.I can see why professionals use this book in helping children, if parents are too distressed to help a child understand.I hope this may have been of some help.

My minister read this to the kids at my Dads funeral, I have also used it at school when my students have lost family members. It’s really great and talks about the love and memories that are taken with the person to the next place.I have gifted this book on multiple occasions. Wonderful book to help the littles in your life with their healing

The recipient said it was in good/excellent condition.

I came across this book at a memorial service. I have since gotten my own copy, and have read it at the funeral of loved ones. Beautiful inspiring story with breathtaking images. Wonderful reminder that death is not the end and not final.