The Next Place

Excellent read and very comforting for anyone going through a traumatic time. It shows there is light at the end of the dark tunnel. You just have to believe. Illustrations are beautifully done and should be in everyone's home so when sadness occurs it can be reread. Highly recommend. Very thoughtful.

It's hard to describe what a powerful book this is. A friend who lost her son in a car accident shared this book with me and halfway through, I had tears in my eyes, which didn't stop until well after the story was over. I lost three of my grandparents in recent years, and it's still been hard for me to think of any of them without hurting. This book changed all of that in an instant. "The Next Place" reads like a letter written by one who has died to a loved one left behind. It is a poem, and the words flow together beautifully. The illustrations capture the feel of the words on each page and take you along on a peaceful journey as you turn the pages. The message is poignant and precious, and is written in the voice of a person who is still very much alive and thriving, just in a different way - one that is far superior to the limitations of life in a human body. It does not lean toward any specific religion, yet is appropriate for people of all faiths, and all ages. I have found this book to be such a great comfort that I ordered additional copies as Christmas gifts (as well as Mr. Hanson's "Paw Prints in the Stars" book for those who have lost a beloved pet). I couldn't even wait for Christmas and gave them away already - and all have been well received. Thank you so much, Mr. Hanson, for sharing such a beautiful message with the world in "The Next Place." You have changed the way that I remember my grandparents and have given me a solid foundation for coping with other losses I'll face in my life.

This is just the nicest book for help in talking to children about death. It also is a thoughtful narrative for adults. It's really lovely with very nice illustrations.

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 way more than a children's book. It is a beautifully written and illustrated for anyone who has lost a loved one. I have bought at least 20 copies and given it to many who are grieving. It is so much more meaningful than giving flowers or such to anyone who has lost someone dear. I cannot tell you how much it meant to the receiver. It is especially helpful for parents to read to the very young who lose a parent or grandparent to help them understand death and be presented it in a beautiful way which they can understand. As an adult it is also very comforting to think of those who have passed in the way the author presents life after death and yet never mentions the word heaven so it is excellent for believers as well as non believers. It is my favorite book. I have read and re read it and never tire of the beautiful thoughts. I do not know of anyone who isn't touched by Warren Hansens book.It is truly more than a 5 star rating.

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.

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

Good book for the right person. I purchased this after reading it for a friends children. It gives a different perspective on death and isn't linked to any religion.

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.

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