Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back

Written by Colton Burpo, Todd Burpo and Sonja Burpo

Narrated by Dean Gallagher

"Do you remember the hospital, Colton?" Sonja said. "Yes, mommy, I remember," he said. "That's where the angels sang to me."  When Colton Burpo made it through an emergency appendectomy, his family was overjoyed at his miraculous survival. What they weren't expecting, though, was the story that emerged in the months that followed-a story as beautiful as it was extraordinary, detailing their little boy's trip to heaven and back. Colton, not yet four years old, told his parents he left his body during the surgery-and authenticated that claim by describing exactly what his parents were doing in another part of the hospital while he was being operated on. He talked of visiting heaven and relayed stories told to him by people he met there whom he had never met in life, sharing events that happened even before he was born. He also astonished his parents with descriptions and obscure details about heaven that matched the Bible exactly, though he had not yet learned to read. With disarming innocence and the plainspoken boldness of a child, Colton tells of meeting long-departed family members. He describes Jesus, the angels, how "really, really big" God is, and how much God loves us. Retold by his father, but using Colton's uniquely simple words, Heaven is for Real offers a glimpse of the world that awaits us, where as Colton says, "Nobody is old and nobody wears glasses."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Oasis Audio
• Release date: Nov 2, 2010
• ISBN: 9781608147915

Reviews for Heaven is for Real

[jamski-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

How you view this book is liable to be determined by how you are swayed by the story it tells: a four-year-old boy falls sick and eventually is hospitalized with a slow-to-be-diagnosed battle with acute appendicitis, then much worse. It's fairly similar in scope to what happened to my wife back in 1991, though her problems were caused by the procedure, rather than remedied by it…but that's a different story. A massive infection ensues, and pretty soon you're at death's door, and you have his spare key.

Anyway, little Colton's story is just beginning, because later, after he's recovered, he starts telling his father (a Pastor at a small church) some pretty remarkable things. Things that happened to him while he was being worked on, when he passed unknowingly from life to death…something even his parents weren't aware had happened at the time.

Now, this sort of thing has been described before, but perhaps not in this way. Colton speaks in the frank nature of one of his years, and of things beyond our ken as adults…certainly far beyond that of a child.

But perhaps that's not true. Maybe it is easier for a child to understand this sort of thing. I always believed that you're never closer to God when you're young, and that you drift away as you age. I have a lot of theories, but this isn't the time or place. And don't worry, I won't give any more of it away, though the title should give you enough of a clue. How much of it you believe…well, that's up to you, but I think it's plenty to say this is an unusual story about an out-of-this world series of events. If it's legit, then perhaps we have something to look forward to…

[jenniferrobb · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A friend loaned me this book, and I ended up reading it in two days. The book is written by a father whose son was seriously ill and on the verge of death at age 3. Over time, the son began to reveal that he had been to Heaven during that time. The things he told them jived with what they knew from the Bible.

[msaucier818 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was a very short book that tells the story of a little boy who came close to dying and later tells the story of how he went to Heaven. This is a difficult book to rate as an objective reader. It was not great literature, and the story itself could have been told in half (or less) the pages. However, the story was nice to read, I could feel for the people involved, and like many other reviews point out, it makes you think.

I don't doubt the truth of the story told by the Pastor/Father of the boy, but it does seem to be very specific in its details for quotes and specific details that were recalled over the course of years. Do I take the story at its word? Probably not, but I also don't think the author and people from the story are lying. Do I think they are delusional? No - and I am now stuck in a place where I don't know how to explain my thoughts about the story. I am glad I read it because it made me think, but I don't think the details of the story were important to get me there.

[edensteffey · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Really liked it.

[livelylady · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Real life account of a small boy with a ruptured appendix who is seriously ill, not suppose to live. But he does. Over the course of 1-2 years, he talks about Heaven and Jesus that he saw, along with meeting a great grandfather who was dead before he was born and a sister whom his mother had miscarried before he was born. He had never known anything about her prior to this. I am still mulling all of this over, not knowing what to make of it.

[berthashaver · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Colton Burpo, a four-year old son of a pastor, becomes seriously ill and nearly dies. His account, as related by his father, is the premise of this book. As a pastor's son, he certainly has some religious background, which may or may not have affected his belief of what he was seeing when he was "in heaven."His account is not what my belief is of what may be on "the other side" Specific ally, that everyone has wings. A quick read, and a little glimpse of heaven through a child's eyes.

[laneysmith-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This story is uplifting and encouraging. It gives positive hopes for what comes after we leave this life. I found the little boy's accounts to be unexplainable, with one exception. I am, personally, a religious person. I believe! I had expected to feel chills, based on my own experiences. But, this book inspires me to share my own experiences.

[silversurfer_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Wow, what an inspirational experience it was reading this story,sometimes blinded by the tears in my eyes.Amazing!Highly recommended

[momo14-2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The book Heaven Is For Real, by Todd Burpo is very touching nonfiction novel. It is an incredible novel of a boy that goes on a journey to heaven and back. The book takes place in the south. With the main character Colton Burpo, and his family. Colton, a five year old boy is a very active kid, and always has a lot of energy. He loves his family and they are all very close, his older sister Cassie, his dad Todd, and his mother Sonja. Cassie is plays part as more of the quieter one in the story. While Colton is more of the social butterfly. Throughout the novel it describes Coltons trip to heaven and back. One day Colton was having really bad cramps and was constantly complaining about it. His parents finally took him to the hospital, it took them 5 days to figure out what was wrong with him. They had gone back and forth to three different hospitals, until they found out he had a ruptured appendix. They took him into surgery, when he came out he seemed fine. It was only a couple months later when he started talking to his dad about the visions he saw in and about heaven. When he was telling Todd, Todd was asking asking him questions he would only know if he actually went to heaven, and Colton was legit. He had his dad convinced, but the rest of his family and even the world was not so sure it actually happened. It took them about two whole years to finally know that Colton was not lying.The book, Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo, is a life changing book. I was personally touched by it. It was by far one of my favorite books. I am more into the realistic/nonfiction novels, so that is why I enjoyed it so much. If you are also into the realistic/nonfiction books and have not read this book, I suggest you read it. The authors purpose was to inform the reader that there really is a heaven out there, and you should not be afraid to what's going to happen to you in the future because you are always going to be okay. After reading that book, I feel Todd Burpo has accomplished that and now I know that everything will end up just fine.

[d.gray · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Highly recommend reading this book. A beautiful insight into heaven through a child's eyes. This viewpoint helps to focus on the core important things and not become bogged down with theology.

[jmcdbooks · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Rated: BHeaven is as real as you believe and I believe this family was graced by God to see this reality through the eyes of their 4 year old son.

[sjjohnson-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Heaven is real. And it is wonderful.Having stated that, I struggle with the credibility of Colton Burpo's testimony. The inability of very young children to adequately recall dreams, visions, and memories combined with an active imagination of a Sunday school attending pastor's son blend together to make the perfect recipe for a questionable tale. The author even writes a chapter about how much Jesus loves the little children, in case we call the little child into question.Theologically, I'll stand with John Piper. "If books go beyond Scripture, I doubt what they say about Heaven." The only reliable authority on the nature of heaven is the Scriptures. I'm also curious as to why so many people describe seeing family members in heaven, when truly the focus of all biblical prophecy regarding the millennial kingdom and heaven are entirely focused on Christ and His glory. Indeed, the Lord strictly disallows participation in seances, necromancy, and other types of pagan activity. Even if these forms of communication were valid, they imply (as John Piper astutely notes) that what God has communicated about heaven is insufficient. Of course, this is a matter of theological opinion, but the most orthodox approach to revelation is that the canon is closed; God has given us the revelation necessary to relate to Him through Jesus.I will say this: I don't doubt Todd Burpo's integrity. I believe him when I read the book; he is telling the story his son told to him. I don't think that Colton is lying either. I don't even think that all these things are beyond the realm of possibility. I do, however, struggle with the description of heaven as given, not because I am too stubborn, but because I cannot verify his statements according to the Scripture. The Bible teaches us all to test all things to the Scripture and when I do, I'm told not to consult with the dead and given a different picture of heaven. Hence, I move forward with the possibility that little Colton received some type of wonderful, heavenly dream (a blend of the subconscious and perhaps the divine) that should point us to the sustaining, perfect, holy sufficiency of Christ.If the Burpos continue to teach the exclusivity of Christ and the gospel as the means to salvation, then more power to them.*John Piper's opinions are from a podcast called "Ask Pastor John."

[gma2lana · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Well, this story, or book or however you want to refer to it as, had me hooked in the beginning. However, admittetdly, I was very skeptical, and I still am.

There are some points that I really have to question if it is truth or fiction. I would read a chapter and question the validity of it afterwards.

Chilling that some things were mentioned by the boy that he hadn't heard of before or was told by anyone. So those things have me wondering, could it be true?

So, not sure where I really stand on this book, by all means if it is factual, Awesome, but then, sadly a part of me in the back of my mind says, what if years from now it comes out that it wasn't all as written. Must be the skeptic in me!

[brknhrt_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is an easy, quick read with a likeable child who purportedly visited heaven and spoke about what heaven is like. The book is well written and there are some nice black and white photos of the family in the middle of the book. I decided to read this book because it was written by a pastor, and I thought it would be an account that would be an honest and thoughtful story. Unfortunately, in order to believe this story your have to make some choices in what you want to believe. Either Colton visited heaven while still alive or he died on the table and the surgeon, anesthetist, and nurses didn’t notice. There was no mention by the doctors in talking with the parents or in medical records that Colton died on the surgical table. Also, there is a time problem. Colton talked about seeing God shoot power down to his dad while preaching. This means either Colton’s father was preaching while the child was in surgery (he was not) or there was some time traveling going on. His father explains this away by saying he was in “God’s time”, which really doesn’t make sense. The author’s strongest evidence is that the child talks about a deceased family member and a miscarriage his mother suffered, both of which he supposedly had no knowledge. I find it hard to believe that at no time was this child away from the parents and in the care of another family member who could have mentioned these events or even just overheard his parents talking about it. Other events mentioned by Colton sound more like Sunday School 101.I really wanted to like this book because I am a believer, but I think this child’s parents are reading way too much into his precocious and creative behavior.

[majackson-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Christian propaganda—starts off fairly reasonable…and then assumes a pretty heavy handed “be one of us or suffer for eternity!” attitude. And it doesn’t seem to match any of the many near-death experiences that I’ve ever read about: what does jewelry have to do with spirituality? If you’re a gullible Christian (meaning that you want/expect Heaven to be like Earth, only better) then you’ll enjoy this story.

[consciousness_cafe · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

An interesting read if you are looking for something entertaining about a child's near-death experience.

[jerseygirl21-977813 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved it! Will go see the movie in a few weeks!

[khal_khaleesi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

(This review can be found on my blog All the Ups and Downs).


I remember reading the child friendly version of this book to my son last year. However, I wasn't made aware of the adult version of this book until the film came out and when my cousin told me I should read the book because it was really good. I really wanted to see the movie, so I thought I'd read the book first. All I can say about this book is WOW! It was very touching and such a great read!

I like the title. It has such a child like innocence about it which is fitting since it's about a little boy visiting Heaven.

I love the cover with the photo of little Colton. He was such an adorable little boy! I would've liked to see a drawing of Heaven or something behind him, but the cover, on its own, does work quite well.

I thought the way that Todd Burpo (Colton's father) sets up the scenes was done quite well. It was easy to picture everything happening in my mind. I could even picture Heaven in my mind with Colton's descriptions although I know Heaven will be much better then what I can actually imagine.

The pacing throughout this book is fantastic. In fact, I would've read the book in one setting, but I had a husband and a 10 year old to look after, so I had to stop. However, the next day, when everyone was at school and work, I finished it then. I couldn't wait to see what little Colton had to say next about Heaven. It was just astounding!

This book just blew my mind. It was so amazing to be getting a glimpse into Heaven thanks to Colton. The things he described whilst in Heaven were just breath taking. I believe that Colton did see what he described. Saying that, there were times I was thinking that maybe Colton could've been exaggerating especially when he would say things two years later. Perhaps he was telling the whole truth though. We'll never know until we reach Heaven. But I do believe that most of what Colton saw whilst in Heaven was and is true.

There's no violence in this book, no sex and no swearing especially as this is a Christian non-fiction book. There is a near death experience though.

I'd recommend this book to everyone, young and old. You will be amazed with what Colton has seen and heard. I know I was.

[catherineburkehines · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I don't really know how to "rate" this, or how to even discuss it. I don't think it was particularly well-written, and, viewed from a certain angle, it was borderline creepy. But well-intentioned and reverent, and I don't know how the material could have been handled any differently.

"To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible." ~ St. Thomas Aquinas

[sboren-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Have you ever heard the saying the book was better? It doesn't apply here. Yes this book is great and gives some insight to this family but in this case, guys the movie was better. When the movie came out I was pulled in immediately. The book is great from that inspirational place of reading someone else's experience but the movie was so much better. After a year old medical issues on top of medical issues Todd, a pastor and his wife Sonja are overwhelmed. On a business trip turned family vacation Todd and Sonja's life comes to a complete stop as they almost lose their 3 year old son. Almost a year later on a different vacation Colton reveals he's seen a glimpse of heaven and after more questions and months and years Todd and Sonja discover what it means to not only believe but to teach childlike faith.

[jennysbookbag.com · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I have mixed feelings about this one. It's been mega popular since it came out, so I had this idea that it offered more proof that Heaven exists. I don't really need proof, but I was curious. I didn't get the impression that any new evidence was offered, so that left me feeling disappointed.

A little boy, barely 4 years old, experiences health issues and needs surgery and during surgery he said he went to Heaven and came back. He tells his parents what he experienced and they're questioning whether he truly experienced this. His father is a pastor at a church, so he's able to connect his son's experiences with scripture. The boy's descriptions of Heaven are typical - bright colors, nobody is old, God has a throne, etc. The boy said he met his sister in Heaven and asked his mother if she lost a baby. She's surprised by the question, because they never told him about it, but she tells him yes. The boy is also able to identify his grandfather in an old photo. I don't consider any of these facts as evidence that it happened, but it was still an interesting story.

The storytelling is basic, nothing spectacular. At times, the father's reactions to his son's comments sound exaggerated. The father would say something like, "I was floored" or "I was stunned," but the situations didn't justify it.

I don't want to be a skeptic or question whether somebody really experienced what happened in this book or if they made it up. The boy survived a surgery that he wasn't expected to survive so maybe that's all of the evidence that we need. I wouldn't put this at the top of your list, but it's still worth reading.

[micalhut · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Listened to this book while working. A story about a 4 year old little boy who doesn't actually die in surgery, but ended up in heaven and recounting a completely biblical heaven, that only very serious theologians would know, as well as personal details about his family's life (and their lost ones) that he supposedly didn't know about. His father is a Wesleyan minister.

[gaillamontagne · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

With simple honesty, the parents of their boy, Colton Burpo, document what their 4 year old son reported after experiencing a trip to heaven as a result of recieving a misdiagnosis of a ruptured appendix that lasted for 5 days. If you want to believe these people, you will be blessed. I would recommend keeping an open mind.

[aimelire · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

How this book doesn't get 5 stars by everyone is beyond my understanding. Such an honest retelling of true events. This family is truly lucky to have lived this experience. Yes, very traumatic, though. I can't imagine facing the possibility of one of my children dying. BUT, wow, what they have all learned through this remarkable experience!!! The way that Colton explains some of his experiences in heaven have helped me understand certain aspects of death... How he describes the Holy Spirit simplifies all the difficulties we adults have when trying to understand these abstract concepts. If you want to be in touch with your spirituality, or if you want to renew your faith in God, pick up the book. What a breath of fresh air!!!

[seekandfind-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Reading this book fills me with a confidence in my faith and a comfort in God's sovereignty unknown to me before. You can doubt this story if you want to, but it only takes a little faith to be filled with the Spirit as you read the kingdom of heaven through the words of this 3-year-old child.

[deldevries · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fascinating story told in a personal and compelling manner. Thanks for the inspiration!

[jmcgarry2011 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great book! I saw the author in person last year. He autographed my copy. It's an amazing story. Some will probably doubt this, but I can't see how. How does a 4-year-old know about any of this? Todd (his dad) says that no one in Imperial, NE has ever said it wasn't true. This supposedly is going to be made into a movie, although I have no more details than that. He also has police protection wherever he goes, because some people want to attack him for this.

[retdnavy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A three (almost four) year old boy, unbeknownst to even doctors who examine him, has a ruptured appendix which absesses. By the time his parents get him to the right hospital he is nearly dead. He is immediately rushed to surgery and barely survives. Months later the now four year old begins talking about things that occurred during the operation--things he has no way of knowing about.This is an intriguing story. The comments made by little Colton Burpo are recorded by is father, Todd-a church pastor, and his mother, Sonja, are along with the account of the circumstances and events surrounding them.A great read of an amazing story about something that is very controversial these days. Is Heaven for real? What is it like? Read this fascinating story and decide for yourself.(This book has been made into a full-lengh feature film.)

[briandrewz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What an amazing story! Little Colton Burpo gets very sick, and during an operation "dies" and goes to Heaven. It's a heart-wrenching story as Todd Burpo tells us of the family anguish of not knowing whether Colton would get better. He did, and he came out of surgery with an amazing story to tell. Whether you believe in Heaven or not, this story tugs at your heartstrings and serves to bring all of us hope and a bit better understanding of what Heaven will be like.

[clayhollow · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have to admit that when I first picked out this book at the library, which I put on hold and had to wait quite a long time for, I was skeptical. I opened it right to the middle and starting reading which is totally out of character for me because I wanted to skip the technical stuff and get right to the little boy's comments about Heaven. I was immediately charmed by his simple way of describing what it was like in Heaven. So I started back at the beginning.Todd and Sonja Burpo are on a family vacation when their 3-year old son Colton becomes violently ill. They rush him to the hospital and soon after find out that he has an erupted appendix which requires emergency surgery. After much prayer by Todd, a pastor, and his congregation, Colton recovers from surgery and all is well.Shortly after they are home from the hospital Colton tells his parents that during the surgery he had actually died and that his soul astrally traveled to Heaven. He tells his parents of things he learned that he couldn't possibly have known about such as relatives he met who had passed before he was born and a sister who had been miscarried. He said that he had wings and that he sat on Jesus' lap. He saw the throne of God and the gates of Heaven. This book is a fast read and I enjoyed it very much. I do feel like I have a sense of renewed faith after reading it because I don't think it is possible for little kids to make up stuff like that. It is possible that the parents read more into his visions than he proposed but all in all I believe his story.Heaven is for Real was published in November 2010 by Thomas Nelson and was on the New York Times Bestseller list.