Heaven, Right Here on Earth

If you’re searching for a children’s picture book with a unique subject matter, read A Bus Called Heaven by award-winning author/illustrator, Bob Graham ($16.99, Candlewick Press, ages 3 and up).  The story features a young girl named, Stella, who brings a town of people together in an effort to restore an old, rickety bus known as Heaven. The people clean up and decorate the bus and start using it as a gathering place. But one day when the bus gets towed away for blocking traffic, it seems as though the neighborhood hangout is gone forever. You have to read the book yourself to find out what happens next. You didn’t think I’d spoil the story for you, did you?

What I love about A Bus Called Heaven is that the story teaches readers about creativity, cooperation, appreciation and a bit of nostalgia.  It’s wonderful to read about a neighborhood of people who get together in an effort to accomplish a wholesome goal they all feel equally passionate about. I also adore the cute illustrations, and the fact that some of the pages have numerous illustrations much like a comic book.  This is a charming new picture book you won’t get tired of reading with your children.

Today’s review is by Debbie Glade.