The Heavenly Village

By Cynthia Rylant

Book Overview

A timeless novel for all ages from Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant. Now repackaged with an updated look and feel. "This is a special book... it will move young readers. " -- Booklist, starred review... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0439040965
• ISBN13: 9780439040969
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Blue Sky Pr
• Length: 95 Pages
• Weight: 0.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.8" x 0.5" x 6.5"
• Age Range: 10 to 14 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 9

Customer Reviews

An outstanding book

This book helps make sense for people dealing with the unexpected loss of a loved one. The book is extremely good for children and adults alike. It is simple and not haughty or deeply theological. It is a quick easy read whose philosophy can be interpreted at both the child and adult levels. The book helped me realize that death need not be the big monster in the closet that no one wants to talk about. Death, by this book's definition, is a natural progression, even if it comes early in one's life. The end is yet just another beginning.

A very nice book...

This book gave me a good feeling when i read it. It is all about the Heavenly Village, the place in between heaven and earth. The author tells you about each person who lives there and their story. The reason the people are in the heavenly village is because they are waiting. Some are waiting for their sons, some are waiting for their cats, and some just aren't ready for life in heaven yet. This is a very nnice book and I would reccomend it to anyone who likes to think pleasant thoughts.

The Heavenly Village: A heavenly read

My nine year old daughter brought this book home from her school library and passed it on to me after she read it. I read it in less than an hour and it made me cry at the end. I like to think that there really is such a place! The tear jerker for me was when God visits the potter and he's just a little shy about bothering him so late at night while he's working. I never thought of God as being shy. I'm going to buy a few copies for gifts and myself!

A true treasure to read!

This book was such a treasure to read! The short, easy prose was like honey to my heart. But the content was beautiful as well. Ms Rylant has portrayed the hereafter sensibly, biblically and very lovingly. We got this from our library, but I plan to buy several copies for gifts, and to keep. This is one of those books that will be better with each subsequent reading!

A poetic and intriguing idea brought to life in Rylant style

Cynthia Rylant has a way with words that reflects her background in poetry. Readers who enjoyed Dog Heaven and Cat Heaven will hear a similar musical tone to her words here. She gives us several examples of individuals who are spending some time in a kind of way station between earth and heaven where they have the opportunity to sort out a few things left undone or unfinished in their lives. Rylant's simple, eloquent prose evokes a warmth and reassurance about what comes next, in a way that will offer comfort to children concerned about mortality. Even my six year old found The Heavenly Village gave her some answers to several of her questions! Highly recommended, and not just for kids.