Review of Snatched Up to Heaven for Kids

Sara Nóbrega Bartolomeu · Post by **Sara Nóbrega Bartolomeu** » 09 Mar 2023, 20:04

[Following is a volunteer review of "Snatched Up to Heaven for Kids" by Jemima Paul, Arvind Paul.]

4 out of 5 stars

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Emma, an eight-year-old girl, lives with her parents and siblings. Her parents love their children very much and want to guide them in their faith; therefore, every night they read passages from the Bible to them. They want them to know that God loves them and that they should love Him back. One day, Emma wakes up and tells her parents about her dream. She dreamed about being carried by angels to a magical place. Based on her description of such a place, her parents believe she must have seen heaven. They explain that God must be trying to tell Emma something very important and special. Emma realises that she must spread the word about heaven so that others wish they could go there too. She prays and prays to be taken back there in her dreams in order to learn more. Will Emma dream about heaven again? What will she see there? Snatched Up to Heaven for Kids by Jemima Paul and Arvind Paul is a Christian book that will take you and your family on a holy adventure.

The authors start by giving a sweet and intimate context to the girls' lives. They are children very much loved by their parents; they live in a neighbourhood that probably looks like the readers'; and they have a swing set in the back yard. These details allow for an immediate connection with the young characters right from the beginning. The writing is very fluid and age-appropriate. Parts of the dialogue really sounded like a child speaking about their avid adventures. For example, when Emma says she was flying high above clouds like an aeroplane, it's impossible not to feel contaminated by her enthusiasm. Heaven is shown and described as a very happy and truly peaceful place for everyone who is there. Additionally, I appreciate that the authors included real biblical passages to support Emma's perception of heaven, which were also very well illustrated in the book.

I did not particularly like the way hell was addressed; it was described frighteningly. For example, in the book, it can be read: "There were worms biting the people, and they cried out in pain." I believe this is not suitable for more sensible and younger children.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I didn't find any errors, so this book is exceptionally well-edited. I deducted one star due to my lack of agreement with the description of hell as noted above.

I recommend this book to Christian families, especially for children aged six or older. Furthermore, I recommend that this book be read with parental guidance and insight.

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Snatched Up to Heaven for Kids
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Hazel Mae Bagarinao · Post by **Hazel Mae Bagarinao** » 24 Mar 2023, 17:34

I love your review, Sara. I love books about God and the Bible and especially for children, it would be a lightening and smooth read. Emma looks like described heaven perfectly and I think God heard her prayer and dream again of heaven.

Sara Nóbrega Bartolomeu · Post by **Sara Nóbrega Bartolomeu** » 24 Mar 2023, 20:39

Hazel Mae Bagarinao wrote: ↑24 Mar 2023, 17:34 I love your review, Sara. I love books about God and the Bible and especially for children, it would be a lightening and smooth read. Emma looks like described heaven perfectly and I think God heard her prayer and dream again of heaven.

Thank you so much for being so supportive! I also loved the book, it passes this message to kids while having a good story and illustration. Thank you for stopping by and for reading.

Post by **Nisha DSouza** » 25 Mar 2023, 02:48

I read this book recently and I agree with your point about the way hell was described. Other than that, it was a decent book. Thank you for your thorough review, Sara.

Sara Nóbrega Bartolomeu · Post by **Sara Nóbrega Bartolomeu** » 25 Mar 2023, 02:51

Nisha DSouza wrote: ↑25 Mar 2023, 02:48 I read this book recently and I agree with your point about the way hell was described. Other than that, it was a decent book. Thank you for your thorough review, Sara.

My child is one of those sensitive ones! There's no way he could watch the Lion King like I did as a child. Ah ah
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment. I can't wait to read your review !

Post by **Nisha DSouza** » 25 Mar 2023, 03:16

Sara Bartolomeu wrote: ↑25 Mar 2023, 02:51
My child is one of those sensitive ones! There's no way he could watch the Lion King like I did as a child. Ah ah
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment. I can't wait to read your review !

True, same here. My daughter was upset watching the movie "Soul".

Jack King · Post by **Jack King** » 25 Mar 2023, 06:11

I hadn’t considered the impact such a vivid description of hell might have one reading this book but you make a good point.

Sara Nóbrega Bartolomeu · Post by **Sara Nóbrega Bartolomeu** » 25 Mar 2023, 10:07

Jack King wrote: ↑25 Mar 2023, 06:11 I hadn’t considered the impact such a vivid description of hell might have one reading this book but you make a good point.

I think it depends on the child and how well parents can explain it too. I happen to have a very sensitive one! Thank you for your comment!

Sara Nóbrega Bartolomeu · Post by **Sara Nóbrega Bartolomeu** » 25 Mar 2023, 10:08

Nisha DSouza wrote: ↑25 Mar 2023, 03:16
Sara Bartolomeu wrote: ↑25 Mar 2023, 02:51
My child is one of those sensitive ones! There's no way he could watch the Lion King like I did as a child. Ah ah
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment. I can't wait to read your review !
True, same here. My daughter was upset watching the movie "Soul".

Ahh she must be very kind! Lucky Mommy

Patty Allread · Post by **Patty Allread** » 25 Mar 2023, 13:18

I've read several reviews of this book, and yours is one of the best. Maybe parents can skip the part about hell when reading with young children.

Sara Nóbrega Bartolomeu · Post by **Sara Nóbrega Bartolomeu** » 25 Mar 2023, 13:55

Patty Allread wrote: ↑25 Mar 2023, 13:18 I've read several reviews of this book, and yours is one of the best. Maybe parents can skip the part about hell when reading with young children.

Thank you so much; that's very kind! Yes, I agree. They can use their own words to explain in a way that makes sense to the family. Thank you for your comment.

MsH2k · Post by **MsH2k** » 25 Mar 2023, 18:44

I appreciate that the authors made a conscious effort to keep the story as Emma relayed it. And how awesome that her experience was validated by biblical texts! Thank you for your thoughtful take on this book.

Sara Nóbrega Bartolomeu · Post by **Sara Nóbrega Bartolomeu** » 26 Mar 2023, 01:38

MsH2k wrote: ↑25 Mar 2023, 18:44 I appreciate that the authors made a conscious effort to keep the story as Emma relayed it. And how awesome that her experience was validated by biblical texts! Thank you for your thoughtful take on this book.

Yes, I liked that too. Emma is so enthusiastic about her experience. Thank you so much for your coment.

Jê hii · Post by **Jê hii** » 26 Mar 2023, 09:59

I agree with you. Although this is a children's book, I don't like the description of hell. It's quite scary for young minds.

Sara Nóbrega Bartolomeu · Post by **Sara Nóbrega Bartolomeu** » 26 Mar 2023, 10:46

Ifechi Angela wrote: ↑26 Mar 2023, 09:59 I agree with you. Although this is a children's book, I don't like the description of hell. It's quite scary for young minds.

Thank you very much for your comment! The test of the book is very sweet though.