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Heaven
Dill the dog knows his time is up so he packs his case and tells Lily, his owner, that he’s off "up there." "Can I come too?" asks Lily. "Er . . . not yet," replies Dill. While he is waiting for the angels to collect him, Dill explains to Lily what he thinks heaven is like—hundreds of lampposts to pee against, lots of whiffy things to smell, and bones everywhere—with meat on them! But Lily completely disagrees; she thinks heaven is quite different. Luckily, they agree to disagree just in time for a fond, and very poignant, last goodbye.
- GenresFictionPicture Books
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
4 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Allan
80 books7 followersNicholas Allan is the author/illustrator of over thirty children’s books.
When he was 12 he made a model of a galleon out of a walnut shell which was exhibited at the Royal Academy in London.
He wrote his first novel when he was 14, a story about a murder in a school. He sent it to Macmillan who, although they did not accept it, asked to see his next. Nicholas studied painting at the Slade School of Art. During this time he had his first radio play broadcasted by BBC Radio 4. He then completed an MA in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia.
Nicholas worked as a waiter, three weeks in a publisher’s office, and as a part-time teacher of a life class before he published his first book, The Hefty Fairy (1989). Since then he has been a full-time writer and illustrator. Many of his books are bestsellers, including The Queen's Knickers, Father Christmas Needs a Wee, Jesus’ Christmas Party, Cinderella’s Bum, Heaven, and Where Willy Went. His books have won awards and been translated into twenty languages. He is also the author of Hilltop Hospital, a book that has been adapted into a BAFTA-winning television series for CITV. The series has been shown in over forty countries.
Nicholas has been the Chairman of the Society of Authors' Children’s Group and has made many appearances on television and radio. He is also the author of The Complete Guide To Gatecrashing and one novel, The First Time.
When he was 12 he made a model of a galleon out of a walnut shell which was exhibited at the Royal Academy in London.
He wrote his first novel when he was 14, a story about a murder in a school. He sent it to Macmillan who, although they did not accept it, asked to see his next. Nicholas studied painting at the Slade School of Art. During this time he had his first radio play broadcasted by BBC Radio 4. He then completed an MA in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia.
Nicholas worked as a waiter, three weeks in a publisher’s office, and as a part-time teacher of a life class before he published his first book, The Hefty Fairy (1989). Since then he has been a full-time writer and illustrator. Many of his books are bestsellers, including The Queen's Knickers, Father Christmas Needs a Wee, Jesus’ Christmas Party, Cinderella’s Bum, Heaven, and Where Willy Went. His books have won awards and been translated into twenty languages. He is also the author of Hilltop Hospital, a book that has been adapted into a BAFTA-winning television series for CITV. The series has been shown in over forty countries.
Nicholas has been the Chairman of the Society of Authors' Children’s Group and has made many appearances on television and radio. He is also the author of The Complete Guide To Gatecrashing and one novel, The First Time.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 28, 2020
My heart is broken. I miss you, Jackie and Junior. I miss you two so much.
I don't think I will be able to read such stories to kids without crying.
I don't think I will be able to read such stories to kids without crying.
October 8, 2011
Heaven is another great book for death and bereavement, Allan tells the story of a little girl Lily who looses her dog Dill to the angels. One day, Dill packs a suitcase and tells Lily he has to go. Lily, understood that her dog would be leaving her and that the place he’d be going was not close by. The fact that both Lily and Dill discuss their ideas of what heaven would be like allows children to explore their idea of heaven too.
As Lily, says goodbye to her dog-the absence of text allows the audience to be drawn in by her emotion. This reminded me of when we give a minutes silence to someone who has passed away. The illustrations are both simple and engaging yet moving and emotive. I was literally on the verge of tears-it was very emotional as you get to feel and have empathy for the character.
After waking up in the morning, the next day and seeing Dill’s basket empty-it dawns on her, her dog is no longer there. Similar to Goodbye Mog-Lily finds a new pet. This helps children to become more aware of the fact that life goes on, and that it is a natural process too, It is ok to be sad, this is natural. I think as adults we tend to suppress that because children’s tears make us uncomfortable. It is important to help children understand that moving on does not mean that you do not love or have forgotten those who passed away. It is ok to carry on, have a life and create new memories.
This book is an all around enjoyable read. I recommend it.
As Lily, says goodbye to her dog-the absence of text allows the audience to be drawn in by her emotion. This reminded me of when we give a minutes silence to someone who has passed away. The illustrations are both simple and engaging yet moving and emotive. I was literally on the verge of tears-it was very emotional as you get to feel and have empathy for the character.
After waking up in the morning, the next day and seeing Dill’s basket empty-it dawns on her, her dog is no longer there. Similar to Goodbye Mog-Lily finds a new pet. This helps children to become more aware of the fact that life goes on, and that it is a natural process too, It is ok to be sad, this is natural. I think as adults we tend to suppress that because children’s tears make us uncomfortable. It is important to help children understand that moving on does not mean that you do not love or have forgotten those who passed away. It is ok to carry on, have a life and create new memories.
This book is an all around enjoyable read. I recommend it.
September 29, 2011
This is a book about a little girl called Lily, whose dog Dill passes away. Throughout the book Lily goes through many emotions such as; asking questions about why Dill needs to go to heaven and what he thinking heaven will be like. Throughout this story Lily shows many emotions towards Dill, from her being angry he was leaving her, she was happy when remembering their memories and she was sad that he had gone to heaven. The story ends with Lily being able to move on when she finds a stray dog and keeps him as a pet. This story was shown to me and I had to buy it, I found that it allows children to understand that they can feel angry, happy and sad about an animal or human passing away. This story to me is key for helping children come to terms with death and one that should be accessible to all children who are going through loss, or even for those who aren’t to understand what they might feel like if it sadly does happen to them.
October 3, 2014
As the title suggests, this book tells the story of Dill the dog and his owner Lily discussing heaven.
Lily imagines heaven to be a free-for-all full of sweet things. Whereas Dill imagines it to be full of lamposts, bones and “whiffy things to smell on the ground”. Eventually leading up to Dill being collected by angels.
Lily's sense of lost is lessened by her encounter with a stray dog, where she subsequently treats him to a dog's version of heaven on earth.
Allan has successfully managed to discuss the topic of death and the emotions associated with it, which will no doubt spark an interesting conversation amongst Key 1 as they explore what they think heaven is like. The illustrations really help to convey the witty clever text and can be used cross curricular for both English and Science. Great read!
Lily imagines heaven to be a free-for-all full of sweet things. Whereas Dill imagines it to be full of lamposts, bones and “whiffy things to smell on the ground”. Eventually leading up to Dill being collected by angels.
Lily's sense of lost is lessened by her encounter with a stray dog, where she subsequently treats him to a dog's version of heaven on earth.
Allan has successfully managed to discuss the topic of death and the emotions associated with it, which will no doubt spark an interesting conversation amongst Key 1 as they explore what they think heaven is like. The illustrations really help to convey the witty clever text and can be used cross curricular for both English and Science. Great read!
September 29, 2011
Heaven by Nicholas Allan is a very interesting book which was read to my class in a science lesson.
The author has written and simple book with powerful words and meanings.
As a reader, I felt very touched by reading this book, the meaning to the story can be used as a great discussion points in classrooms within RE lessons or circle time and even as a reading task/activity.
I recommend this book in classroom. This can may a lovely group discussion as it can raise questions as to beliefs within other religions.
The pictures used in the book will allows children to visualise what is being read to them or what they read. I really enjoying listening to this book being read to me!
The author has written and simple book with powerful words and meanings.
As a reader, I felt very touched by reading this book, the meaning to the story can be used as a great discussion points in classrooms within RE lessons or circle time and even as a reading task/activity.
I recommend this book in classroom. This can may a lovely group discussion as it can raise questions as to beliefs within other religions.
The pictures used in the book will allows children to visualise what is being read to them or what they read. I really enjoying listening to this book being read to me!
October 7, 2011
I discovered this book last week during my Science lesson. This books about a little girl who finds her dog called dill packing to go to heaven. This is a brillant book which deals with the concept of breavement. Nicholas uses language that children will understand and understand the concept pf dill go away as they can relate to this. This story goes through many emoitions in which children may go through. The pictures in this book sre also grest snd can hlp cross curriculum links. This will be a great tool within the classroom!
October 30, 2022
Talks nicely of heaven and hell.
September 24, 2011
Heaven by Nichollas AlIan is an extremely engaging book. I came across this particular book in one of my Science lessons. It was introduced to me and my colleagues recently by our Lecturer. l found the book profoundly interesting and as a result l searched high and low for a copy. The main focus of the book is to introduce children to the whole concept of death in a very light-hearted way.
From my own observations, I generally feel that when adults read to children the obvious choice of books is commonly witty, fairy tales, fantasy as well as books with an element of mystery. It is a very rare occurrence to pick up a sad book with a view to share it with young children. That is generally not perceived as the norm. Therefore, books about death do not always surface frequently in our reading lists for children. I feel that we as adults, commonly tend to shy away from reading anything too sensitive to children, such as death. I personally view that as a way of protecting children from the painful realities they may encounter in life.
However, Allan successfully touches on a very sensitive topic in a very subtle way. The story commences with Lily, finding her dog Dill packing and then informs Lily that he is going to a place called heaven. Unknown to Lily what awaits her beloved dog’s fate, she eagerly questions Dill further about the journey he is going on. As the story unfolds,a mixture of emotions are unlocked. It is very poignant especially when Dill and Lily both give us their personal account on what they imagine heaven to be like. The inevitable finally occurs and the dog eventually passes on.
I view this book as being very useful to share with children to aid their knowledge about death without overwhelming them. They are bound to come across some form of loss in their life. I think it is better to equip them with the knowledge they need in advance, rather than waiting until they are faced with losing a loved one.
On a final note, l recommend the book for younger readers, it is colourful and full of wonderful illustrations which children will like. In addition to this, it has cross-curricular links with Religious Education, a great read in a Science lesson as it ties in well with the whole issue of life cycles. It is thought provoking, another must read!, possibly accompanied with a box of tissues close by for adults. l certainly felt a bit weepy after reading it.
From my own observations, I generally feel that when adults read to children the obvious choice of books is commonly witty, fairy tales, fantasy as well as books with an element of mystery. It is a very rare occurrence to pick up a sad book with a view to share it with young children. That is generally not perceived as the norm. Therefore, books about death do not always surface frequently in our reading lists for children. I feel that we as adults, commonly tend to shy away from reading anything too sensitive to children, such as death. I personally view that as a way of protecting children from the painful realities they may encounter in life.
However, Allan successfully touches on a very sensitive topic in a very subtle way. The story commences with Lily, finding her dog Dill packing and then informs Lily that he is going to a place called heaven. Unknown to Lily what awaits her beloved dog’s fate, she eagerly questions Dill further about the journey he is going on. As the story unfolds,a mixture of emotions are unlocked. It is very poignant especially when Dill and Lily both give us their personal account on what they imagine heaven to be like. The inevitable finally occurs and the dog eventually passes on.
I view this book as being very useful to share with children to aid their knowledge about death without overwhelming them. They are bound to come across some form of loss in their life. I think it is better to equip them with the knowledge they need in advance, rather than waiting until they are faced with losing a loved one.
On a final note, l recommend the book for younger readers, it is colourful and full of wonderful illustrations which children will like. In addition to this, it has cross-curricular links with Religious Education, a great read in a Science lesson as it ties in well with the whole issue of life cycles. It is thought provoking, another must read!, possibly accompanied with a box of tissues close by for adults. l certainly felt a bit weepy after reading it.
September 24, 2011
This story was read in class earlier this week, it was a lovely story that deals with life after death in a subtle way. The story is about Dill (a Dog), who has been called by then angels who are escorting him to heaven. Lily (a young girl) is curious and wants to go to. Dill tells her that its not her time and she becomes curious and is asking lots of questions- the kind of questions little children would ask a grown. He describes heaven as a place with lots of lampposts, a lot of bones with meat! But Lily disagrees with this and thinks that heaven is quite different, after a long discussion they part ways and it is quite emotional as she begs the angels to give him extra few minutes with her.
When Dill is gone, this leaves Lily wondering and when she brings home a homeless dog she tries to impersonate heaven by taking him to walks near lampposts, giving his whiffs of smell and lot of bones with meat! This is a very sweet and engaging story which introduces the topic of death subtly; it brings a range of emotions out and it also allows a lot off open discussion with the class when discussing the book. The illustrations are large and engaging. I loved reading this book as it shows the story of different emotions that Lily goes through, which are natural to have-even as a child. I have not read many-if any, children’s books that talk about sensitive issues and to do so allows children to be somewhat knowledgeable regarding this topic. I would most definitely be reading this book again and again and again.
When Dill is gone, this leaves Lily wondering and when she brings home a homeless dog she tries to impersonate heaven by taking him to walks near lampposts, giving his whiffs of smell and lot of bones with meat! This is a very sweet and engaging story which introduces the topic of death subtly; it brings a range of emotions out and it also allows a lot off open discussion with the class when discussing the book. The illustrations are large and engaging. I loved reading this book as it shows the story of different emotions that Lily goes through, which are natural to have-even as a child. I have not read many-if any, children’s books that talk about sensitive issues and to do so allows children to be somewhat knowledgeable regarding this topic. I would most definitely be reading this book again and again and again.
September 25, 2011
I have never come across this story before until it was read to me during a science lesson a few days ago!, i really enjoyed this book as it confronts a very sensitive subject about 'death'. This is a very moving story about a little girl (Lily) and her dog (dill). Dill starts packing his suitcase ready for heaven, lily asks where he is going, from then onwards lily asks dill many curious questions about heaven. While dill is waiting for the angles to collect him they both start discussing what they each think heaven is like, lily disagrees from dill and thinks heaven is somewhat different.
I feel this book would be suitable for all ages as each child may and can relate to losing a pet or even a relative now or in the future. This book helps send the message to children that it’s ok to be sad, and represents a number of different emotions.
I like this book as the story does not end at dill going to heaven, but finishes on a more positive note and teaches the reader that life must go on. Lily then takes in a new homeless puppy and treats it to a number of things which relates to what dill had described what heaven would be like! (such as having plenty of bones!)
Overall I feel I would use this book in my teaching as it would generate further discussions around this sensitive subject area and in my opinion perfectly educates and informs children of this subject in a subtle and sensitive manner.
This story falls under a number of subject such as RE, PSHE and science under 'life cycles'.
I feel this book would be suitable for all ages as each child may and can relate to losing a pet or even a relative now or in the future. This book helps send the message to children that it’s ok to be sad, and represents a number of different emotions.
I like this book as the story does not end at dill going to heaven, but finishes on a more positive note and teaches the reader that life must go on. Lily then takes in a new homeless puppy and treats it to a number of things which relates to what dill had described what heaven would be like! (such as having plenty of bones!)
Overall I feel I would use this book in my teaching as it would generate further discussions around this sensitive subject area and in my opinion perfectly educates and informs children of this subject in a subtle and sensitive manner.
This story falls under a number of subject such as RE, PSHE and science under 'life cycles'.
October 6, 2011
A little girl Lily finds her dog, Dill, packing. When she asks him where he is going he replies that he is going to heaven and when she asks can she come with him he tells her no she cannot. Lily thinks that heaven is a place full of chocolate, ice-cream and sweets; whereas Dill thinks it is full of bones, lampposts and things to sniff.
Although this book clearly addresses a sensitive and poignant topic of death, it does so in a humorous and light-hearted way. This is beneficial as through this easy-going manner it reaches children more and helps start a discussion on a subject which can be hard to initiate. This book offers gentle humour and a perceptive grasp of the inevitably conflicting emotions and behaviour which frequently accompany bereavement.
However, it is not only the story itself that portrays this and gets the meaning of the text across. This book has outstanding illustrations, also by Nicholas Allan. At the part of the story when Dill leaves to go to heaven there are several pages with no text at all just beautiful illustrations that say more than any text ever could and which children of any age or ability can interpret meaning from.
I would most definitely recommend this book for the classroom. It could be read to children as young as four and used all the way up through KS1. It would create a useful opening to allow discussion of what might happen when someone dies, whether from a religious or secular point of view.
Although this book clearly addresses a sensitive and poignant topic of death, it does so in a humorous and light-hearted way. This is beneficial as through this easy-going manner it reaches children more and helps start a discussion on a subject which can be hard to initiate. This book offers gentle humour and a perceptive grasp of the inevitably conflicting emotions and behaviour which frequently accompany bereavement.
However, it is not only the story itself that portrays this and gets the meaning of the text across. This book has outstanding illustrations, also by Nicholas Allan. At the part of the story when Dill leaves to go to heaven there are several pages with no text at all just beautiful illustrations that say more than any text ever could and which children of any age or ability can interpret meaning from.
I would most definitely recommend this book for the classroom. It could be read to children as young as four and used all the way up through KS1. It would create a useful opening to allow discussion of what might happen when someone dies, whether from a religious or secular point of view.
October 1, 2011
Heaven, by Nicholas Allan, is a touching story and a useful resource for approaching a sensitive subject.
Lily wakes up one morning to find Dill the dog has packed his suitcase and is ready to leave. “Where are you going?” asks Lily. “Up there” replies Dill.
What follows is a heartfelt goodbye between two friends who don’t fully understand what is happening or why it’s happening.
Nicholas Allan wrote and illustrated the book and his drawings are key in conveying the emotions of the characters. Dill remains steady and gruff throughout, whilst poor Lily goes through a whole range of emotions from anger to denial and sadness. Particularly touching are the pages immediately after Dill has gone “up there” to Heaven, which have no text at all and Allan’s beautiful drawings are all that are needed to portray Lily’s loss.
Poignant and funny in parts (“Are you sure you’ve been a good dog Dill...?”) the content of the story is sure to provoke discussion in the classroom and could be applied as a resource in RE, Science and PSHE, highlighting to young readers that feeling sad at the loss of a loved one is appropriate and ‘normal’.
Lily wakes up one morning to find Dill the dog has packed his suitcase and is ready to leave. “Where are you going?” asks Lily. “Up there” replies Dill.
What follows is a heartfelt goodbye between two friends who don’t fully understand what is happening or why it’s happening.
Nicholas Allan wrote and illustrated the book and his drawings are key in conveying the emotions of the characters. Dill remains steady and gruff throughout, whilst poor Lily goes through a whole range of emotions from anger to denial and sadness. Particularly touching are the pages immediately after Dill has gone “up there” to Heaven, which have no text at all and Allan’s beautiful drawings are all that are needed to portray Lily’s loss.
Poignant and funny in parts (“Are you sure you’ve been a good dog Dill...?”) the content of the story is sure to provoke discussion in the classroom and could be applied as a resource in RE, Science and PSHE, highlighting to young readers that feeling sad at the loss of a loved one is appropriate and ‘normal’.
May 5, 2012
Heaven touches upon a very sensitive issue of dying which can be quite a difficult subject especially when addressing very young children. This book talks about death but does so in a light-heartened way. Allan tells the story of a girl called Lily who has a pet dog called Dill. Dill knows that it is his time to go so he decides to collect his possessions in order to be prepared. Lily realises what Dill is doing and decides to question him on where he is going, why and asks if she can go to. Dill then explains to her that it is not her time yet and she has to be invited.
The book uses the idea of having a pet and that pet dying to introduce the subject of death in itself. Using a pet rather than a human being I feel makes the story less daunting and not as harsh for the age range. Heaven allows children to express their emotions and understand life processes as well as showing the brighter side of leaving a loved one. This is a pleasant story to read. The way it is written in light of the subject is fantastic and definitely a book to keep in mind. This book could be used for science, RE or English.
The book uses the idea of having a pet and that pet dying to introduce the subject of death in itself. Using a pet rather than a human being I feel makes the story less daunting and not as harsh for the age range. Heaven allows children to express their emotions and understand life processes as well as showing the brighter side of leaving a loved one. This is a pleasant story to read. The way it is written in light of the subject is fantastic and definitely a book to keep in mind. This book could be used for science, RE or English.
October 18, 2014
Heaven, a book which some may not agree should be read by children.
The moral of the story is to explain to children that there comes a time in life where everyone must die. Whether or not heaven or hell exists. Birth and death are the only things certain in life.
The story talks of a girl named lily whose dog is waiting to move over to heaven. It is a distraught time for lily none the less their is communication between herself and the dog about where he will go and what will occur in this new place he will be going.
Unfortunately, though I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I do feel as though it would not be an appropriate book to use within a classroom environment, it is a sensitive subject of which some parents may not feel comfortable discussing nor introducing their child to such a topic, as they choose to protect from life events.
Therefore due to ethical issues I would refrain from using this book in my class, despite this I would still argue it is an insightful story.
The moral of the story is to explain to children that there comes a time in life where everyone must die. Whether or not heaven or hell exists. Birth and death are the only things certain in life.
The story talks of a girl named lily whose dog is waiting to move over to heaven. It is a distraught time for lily none the less their is communication between herself and the dog about where he will go and what will occur in this new place he will be going.
Unfortunately, though I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I do feel as though it would not be an appropriate book to use within a classroom environment, it is a sensitive subject of which some parents may not feel comfortable discussing nor introducing their child to such a topic, as they choose to protect from life events.
Therefore due to ethical issues I would refrain from using this book in my class, despite this I would still argue it is an insightful story.
September 24, 2011
Allan tells the story of a little girl called Lily and her pet dog, Dill. They each have their own ideas about Heaven, and soon Dill will have to say goodbye forever. This is a very moving book, which approaches the subject of death and bereavement. It’s a story which reminds us that it is alright to feel sad. It teaches the reader how to deal with death, that good things can still happen and life will carry on. I think this book although aimed at lower primary school age, Key Stage 1 and 2, can suit all age groups because it sends out such a positive message. It can initiate a lot of discussion in a classroom. We can ask pupils such questions as, “What do you think the Sunlight represents?” This would be a perfect book for a Philosophy lesson.
October 22, 2014
Heaven is a really fantastic book for young children, because it teaches them about the different interpretations of after life that exist. It shows the perspective of Dill the Dog who is soon to go to heaven and he thinks that heaven will be full of 'lampposts, whiffy things to smell and bones.' This teaches children about religion and how different cultures may have different views just like how Dill the dog. This book would be a useful book if trying to comfort a child after the loss of a loved one, or pet because it implies how humans and animals experience death and it portrays the idea of a new beginning with life after death.
April 28, 2015
This book recounts the story of a little girl called lily and her dog dil. They both have different views on what heaven consists of and the story explores the concepts of life after death and the transitions between.
In this story Lily's dog dies and this book describes the processes of death in a child friendly manner aimed at ks1. This book would be extremely useful in explaining death to young children in way that most children could relate to.
Allan also makes effective use of creative but simple illustration to recount the events of the book in a meaningful manner
In this story Lily's dog dies and this book describes the processes of death in a child friendly manner aimed at ks1. This book would be extremely useful in explaining death to young children in way that most children could relate to.
Allan also makes effective use of creative but simple illustration to recount the events of the book in a meaningful manner
December 5, 2007
Wonderfully illustrated, this is the story of a dog who dies. Dealing with the death of pets in such a sensitive and funny way, deserves to be on any pet-loving child's bookshelf.
June 22, 2018
Un libro que aborda el tema de la muerte con una aproximación interesante. Es la historia de una niña y su perro y de sus ideas respectivas acerca de lo que es el cielo para cada uno de ellos.
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