Lovely book. In an accessible writing and with beautiful illustrations, the concept of heaven is explained to little minds.
Great idea to listen the song before reading the book.
Really enjoyed it.

This is a beautifully well written book for children. Bart Millard of MercyMe has an big voice in the world today and I'm so glad that he's using it to write books for children. The illustrations in this book are beautiful and will absolutely capture the attention of children. There are some big questions posed in this book, and I think that the story is a great starting point for conversations between parents and their children. I loved this book so much and I will definitely consider purchasing it for any children in my life.

I love children's books and enjoyed this one very much. Such a beautiful book with an engaging story.

Thank you to @NetGalley and publisher for the digital ARC in return for my honest review, unfortunately I did not download it in time.

I was disappointed that I did not download this in time before the archive date. I love the song and I was looking forward to reading it. I did read the excerpt, and from what I read it sounded sweet and inspiring. It made me want to purchase the book.

Bart Millard of Mercy Me has taken their hit song "I Can Only Imagine" and turned it into a beautiful children's book where a young boy is trying to imagine what life might be like up in heaven. And of course, it's completely from a child's point of view, which is sweet and endearing: swimming, baseball, giant ice cream cones, and more. The child is also enjoying life here on earth with friends and family and a very adorable dog.

What I love best about this story is that it applies the concepts of God being all around us and that there is a heaven in a way that is going to make more sense to kids than just reading verses out of the bible. It brings the ideas more to life in a more concrete way. And the illustrations are truly beautiful.

This will make a great addition to your child's library at home and could also be used in Sunday School. It's really pretty.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for providing me with a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was cute, but lacked some of the substance I was hoping for when trying to explain the concept of heaven and eternity to my kids. I really enjoyed the artwork though, and I will always be fond of the song. I always appreciate the opportunity to try out clean, lovely children's books with my kids. I would recommend this for church libraries and to friends.

I think this book is a wonderful story. It's a great way to get kids thinking about heaven and what it would be like. It also is a good reminder that we don't have to wait to spend time with the Lord. We can talk to him anytime and anywhere.
I liked all the illustrations. They were well done and interesting. The pictures add to the story.
I recommend this book to my family and friends.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

I don't know how I feel about this kid's book. It would probably be a good book to read to a child who's family member has recently passed. Otherwise, it just seems like it brings weird questions about heaven and dying. Of course, I love the song I Can Only Imagine and I love Bart Millard's story. But I don't know if this really worked for a children's book the way I hoped it would.
It sort of positions heaven like a really great version of earth. Like in heaven what we'll be doing is enjoying the best and biggest ice creams and having fun like we're at an amusement park. I get that it's a book for kids and these are the things that kids love to do, but it doesn't really focus on God as much as I would have liked. I mean, not that eating ice cream with God wouldn't be fun....but I don't think that's the point of heaven, nor the best thing I want my kids looking forward to in heaven. Maybe that's just me.
Also, I was surprised and disappointed that a book about being in heaven with God didn't actually tell the kids HOW they can be sure to spend eternity in heaven....What a great opportunity that was missed.

I love Mercy Me’s song “I Can Only Imagine.” When I saw a children’s book was written with the song lyrics I was very excited to read it to my children. Right away I was awed by the beautiful, vibrant illustrations. Each page is eye catching and engaging. It reveals a sweet message about the innocent questions kids come up with regarding meeting Jesus and going to Heaven. It’s an adorable book that encourages joy and imagination. The message is simple, easily understand, and perfect for young children. They don’t have to wait for Heaven, they have Jesus everyday.

Lovely illustrated story for children. It is ideal for Christians but it is nice for anyone of any faith.
Children can feel confident reading this alone or sharing the story with an adult.

This is one of my favorite songs of all time. What a special way to share it's deep truth with my children. This book is surely to be a favorite for any parents or child. It would make a lovely gift and should be in every little one's library. Whether you love the song or haven't been introduced to it yet, you will love this book!

The publisher provided an ARC through Netgalley. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts

A wonderful picture book, based on the powerful song, I Can Only Imagine. This book takes the idea of Heaven and makes kid-like statements and questions about what it will be like. Some are funny... ( "Why, maybe in heaven, God loves to play ball." )... Some are more serious thoughts that we all may wonder... ( "If I spent the day with God, what exactly would we do?" )

The variety of topics covered shows some diversity of things about Heaven that are truly worth pondering. It should easily help open up conversations about Heaven with your children.

The illustrations are just darlin'! Downright adorbs. Such cute detail -- especially that furry dog!

I Can Only Imagine ask the questions children want to know the answers. Questions like Where is Heaven? What does God do? What is it like to be friends with Jesus? All this questions become teachable moments. Talking about all the wonderful things God does. How we spend time with Jesus everyday in our hearts.
Colorful illustrations.

The book I Can Only Imagine is a children's book based on the Christian worship song 'I Can Only Imagine' by Mercy Me. It's a beautiful song that has touched so many lives and brought to life what it could be like in Heaven. This children's book takes you through the mind of a child of what heaven could be like for them. It follows a little boy's heart asking questions about heaven. What does God like to do? What would it be like to spend a day with Jesus? Does God like ice cream or have a pet?

I read this book with my 7 year old son. When he saw the title he immediately started singing the song not knowing the two were related. So I first played him the song, we sang together and then read the book. Not only did this help him better understand the meaning behind this incredibly powerful song, but it also opened up a wonderful conversation about what heaven is like and what this means for our relationship with Jesus. This book captures that childlike faith I hope we as adults never lose. My son has often asked various questions about heaven and what it will be like. For him, it's "will we all live in a big house" or "who will I see first when I get to heaven". For me, Bart Millard captures my questions perfectly in his song - "will I dance for you Jesus, or in awe of You be still, will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I fall, will I sing Hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all". For a child, his book perfectly captures their questions. I cherish the conversation my son and I had, and that door was opened thanks to this book. Even kids are curious about their future with God. This book helps emphasize that He is with us right here, right now. So while you have questions about heaven, you can have a relationship with Him now.

Like my son, most kids in the church have tons of questions about heaven. Wonder, faith, curiosity and imagination combine in this sweet book that will encourage both you and your child to spend time with God. And the ending of this book beautifully talks about how we don't have to wait until we get to heaven to spend time with God. Just like in his song, there are so many important messages and lessons, the same is true with Millard's children's book. Also, the illustrations are simply delightful.

And while all of these are conversations we need to be having with our children, it doesn't mean it's always easy. It also doesn't mean the church is having these conversations with our kids in Sunday School. This book is a great conversation starter, it's also a great way to encourage your child's faith and wonder in God and heaven and that relationship.

Just as I loved this book, my son did too. It was priceless to see the excitement in his eyes reading these words. He asked if we could get this book for some of his younger cousins for Christmas. I highly recommend this book.

My thanks to Bart Millard, Thomas Nelson Publishing and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you, dear God, for keeping me close. Being with You is what I like most. We know you. We love you. We'll be there together. Each day will be happy in Heaven forever.

Written by the Artist of Mercy Me with their hit song and one of my favorite songs I Can Only Imagine is a board book to discover Jesus together! I have to say theologically speaking, I do have a some issues and my rating reflects that. However, if your family is familiar with the song, this book is a great addition for a family devotion.

A Special Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post a honest review

This book is a wonderful way to discuss heaven with children. The questions about God and what a day in heaven would be like are perfect for a questioning child. The illustrations support the joy that heaven will surely be. This book supports the wonder that can help ease the anxiety of not knowing all the answers.

This book is amazing! It’s one of the best - if not the best - children’s book I’ve read recently. At first I was afraid it was going to just tell me every word of the song - like another unrelated book that’s coming out soon. However, this book dug deep beyond the song. It made meaningful connections tangible for children. I love this book and think it’d make a great gift for the little one in your life!

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this in advance for free. My reviews are my own.

Perfect picture book to share with a Sunday School class or to encourage children at home who have questions about heaven, etc.

What is heaven like? That's a question that both adults and children alike ask today. Even the bible only gives us a little snapshot of what it will be like. Told from a child's perspective of the things around him, it helps any child start to wonder and understand what heaven might be like.
#Icanonlyimagine #Netgalley

Beautifully written, love the simplicity for children to understand and imagine what heaven really could be like.