All God's Creatures Go To Heaven
on Goodreads (36)
What’s inside...
The book 'All God's Creatures Go To Heaven' by Amy Nolfo-Wheeler is a touching tale of discovery featuring a child angel named Jacob. Beautifully illustrated with angel paintings by artist Nancy Noel, this keepsake book is brought to life in vivid color and includes a glow-in-the-dark cover. It conveys an inspiring message of hope and joy, making it a heartwarming read for children and those with youthful spirits.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
17 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think happens to animals when they go to heaven?
How did the story make you feel about your own pets or animals you love?
Which animal's story did you like the most and why?
Do you think all creatures, big and small, are important? Why?
If you could ask any animal in the book a question, what would you ask?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine interest in your child’s thoughts and feelings about the book, encouraging them to explore their ideas fully.
Use the questions to guide a deeper conversation about life, loss, and the concept of heaven, adapting your approach based on your child’s responses and emotional reactions.
Relate the stories from the book to personal experiences or familiar situations to make the discussion more relatable and meaningful.
Encourage empathy by discussing the emotions and experiences of different animals in the book.
Validate your child’s feelings and provide comfort or clarification where needed, reinforcing the idea that it’s okay to have questions and feelings about such big topics.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion for Animals
Explanation: The narrative highlights the kindness and care shown towards animals, portraying them as deserving love and respect.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to treat animals they encounter with kindness, understanding that they have feelings and deserve care.
Example Lesson: Understanding of an Afterlife
Explanation: The book explores the concept of an afterlife for animals, providing a gentle introduction to the ideas of heaven and eternity.
Real-World Application: This can help children process the loss of a pet or learn about different beliefs regarding life after death, promoting empathy and acceptance.
Example Lesson: Value of All Creatures
Explanation: The story conveys that all creatures, no matter how small or different, have a place and purpose.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate biodiversity and the role of every creature in the ecosystem.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Grief
Explanation: Through its narrative, the book provides a comforting approach to dealing with the grief of losing a beloved pet or encountering death.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these comforting concepts to cope with personal losses and develop resilience.
Example Lesson: Respect for Life
Explanation: The book instills a profound respect for life in all its forms, echoing the importance of caring and compassion.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop ethical principles that guide their interactions with both animals and people.