This books is great for older elementary kids - especially when it comes to helping them get through grief. It can be a little emotional at times reading this right after losing someone. The illustrations are wonderful.

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Danny's Day in Heaven is a beautifully illustrated picture book for children, especially aimed at anxious children who worry about death and dying. I wouldn't recommend this to just any child but those who worry about death. This is a soothing book for those who worry about this subject and is handled very well. Danny is a fantastic surfer but also a bully. When he falls asleep on his surfboard and wakes up in a magical land (heaven), he learns a valuable lesson about life, existence, and what comes after. He even gets to meet a few loved ones who live there now. When he awakes, Danny knows he must change his ways. The authors note that is at the back of the book was very interesting to read and learn the story behind how this book was produced.

*3.5 stars*

Aimed specifically at children aged 6- 10 years, Danny’s Day in Heaven is intended to help them overcome the loss of losing a loved one.

Danny is a terrific surfer, but he’s also a bully, no one likes him, but that’s okay with him because he doesn’t like them either. After a fun summer’s day surfing and pushing other kids off their surfboards, he decides to settle down on his board and drift off to sleep. However, he also drifts out to sea where a massive storm arrives bringing with it a huge wave which drags him under. That’s where he encounters a bright light and a colourful tunnel, and he suddenly experiences another world altogether.

Nice concept that may well help children overcome their fear and loss . A special mention to the artwork which is absolutely stunning!

Thank you NetGalley and Beyond Words Publishing, Beyond Words for accepting my request to read and review Danny's Day in Heaven.

Published: 06/13/23

The illustrations are lovely. They tell a story by themselves.

The book is as the title and synopsis states. Danny goes to Heaven. The details of how he got there, why he was called, what was the point is all in the book.

There is an author's note that is a must read.

This needs to be read with an adult. I would not want this just handed to me.

I was excited to read this book, because I have an elementary aged child who has started asking a lot of questions surrounding death and what happens next. I thoroughly enjoyed the illustrations, but I’m glad that I previewed this before reading with my child. It’s a very traditional Christian view of the afterlife and reinforces the idea of being good to get into heaven. Not really our take on why we should be kind and loving to others. If you’re religious, you’ll love this and probably find it a 5-star read. If you’re not, it’s not for you. Hence, my 3 stars. It’s right for someone, just not everyone (or us).

Beautiful paintings as illustrations. The text is very simple with only a few lines per page as one might expect in a book for pre schoolers or reception aged children. However, the concepts of life after death and bullying are far more suitable for aged 8 plus or even older. I'm not sure that this quite manages to be appropriate either age group.
I had wondered if this was a faith based story but, although it could spark such conversations, I do not believe it is truly based on a life after death experiences. Just not sure about this one.

Danny is a surfer and a bully. He gets caught in a big wave that pulls him under ... Danny then gets to experience what happens when we die. I loved this book.. it really took so of the fear away from the topic of death and made it a hopeful and thought provoking. Danny doesn't like looking at his life as a bully and realizes love is the answer to a happy life. The artwork is absolutely gorgeous as well.

Danny’s Day In Heaven by Marie Antoinette Kelly,due to release June 23, 2023, is a Children’s Book for ages 6-10 from Simon and Schuster. That doesn’t mean an adult will not appreciate it.

This brilliantly illustrated book dazzles you with incredible imagery that you are literally drawn into Danny’s story. The images captivate you as you read about Danny’s encounter that changes his life. He meets a special friend who gives him a new perspective on life and how being a bully hurts people. This story, although aimed at children, is so beautifully written it is worth the time of an adult for the written words and the optional delight of the artistry. Well done, Marie Antoinette Kelly. Well done.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

I just reviewed Danny’s Day in Heaven by Marie Antoinette Kelley. #DannysDayinHeaven #NetGalley

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Beautiful concept and realistic illustrations.
However, I have mix feelings about this one considering if it would be proper for the reading age.

The book deals with the story of a bully going to heaven, gives enough time to reflect on his actions and wondering why he’s being given a place in heaven despite the hurtful things he did.

Well, I feel reflection is important and the story is okay. However, the note at the end of the book left me a little confused regarding the facts written about the story.

Thank you, Beyond Words Publishing, for the advance reading copy.

This book has the most beautiful and colorful artwork I have seen in a long time. The story was heartwarming, very religious, so that will be the target audience. Families may want to pre-read this to make sure it aligns with your personal beliefs before purchase.
I loved reading the last little bit about the true story that this book was adapted from, this made me connect with and appreciate the story even more.