Reading Metrics
Description
After a near-fatal illness, young Colton Burpo says he traveled to heaven and came back with stories of his time with Jesus. This picture-book retelling shares his firsthand account in simple language, describing the warmth of heaven, the presence of angels, and the message that Jesus loves children. Illustrated under Colton's direction, the book also includes a letter to parents to help families talk about faith and the afterlife.
Quick Summary
If your kid is curious about what heaven looks like, this short, picture-filled story will give them a kid-friendly peek through the eyes of a 4-year-old named Colton who survived a serious illness and came back with amazing stories about Jesus, angels, and a rainbow-colored horse. It's written in simple sentences that match a lower-grade reading level, so even early readers can blaze through the 1,300-word text in one sitting, and the bright illustrations help keep the mood light and comforting. The book stands out because it's a real family's experience turned into a gentle, faith-based picture book, which makes it great for kids who love true stories about miracles or for parents looking for a bedtime read that sparks conversation about love, hope, and what comes after this life. While there's a brief mention of being in the hospital, the focus stays on the warm, funny details Colton remembered like meeting his great-grandfather in heaven and a horse named Dolly so it never feels scary, just wonder-filled. If your child enjoys this, you might also try "The Jesus Storybook Bible," which weaves similar themes of heaven and God's love in an accessible picture-book style.