Hesse's MALCOLM AND THE MAGIC SHOE Creates a Picture of Heaven for Children

Hesse's new book, Malcolm and the Magic Shoe($17.99, paperback, 978-1-62419-858-8), is a completely original story of how one little boy happens on a shoe beneath his bed, which is the beginning of a wonderful journey to meeting Jesus. He learns about the happiness of heaven, a true and real place for all - young and old - to believe in. It is a beautiful new way to introduce children to belief in Christ and His promises, as well as an endearing reminder to adults that we should be like children if we seek to enter God's heavenly kingdom.

This book came about as a result of a phone call. After a two-year fight with leukemia, Hesse's almost four-year-old grandson was dying. His son asked if he could tell the boy about heaven without telling him he was dying. "It seemed impossible," states the author, "but God does impossible things." Hesse went to God in prayer and this book was the answer to those prayers. The author hopes that this book will be a great encouragement to anyone who is ill or dying - he seeks to give his audience solace in the fact that heaven is much higher and greater than all any can even think or imagine. All days here on earth cannot begin to compare to one day in the beautiful heaven that God is preparing for those who love Him.

Rather than trusting in science and technological developments, the author seeks to focus on the only real assurance, which is God, who gives peace beyond suffering. God's promises are the only foundation for lives and even the sense that can be made out of deaths, thanks to His wonderful work on humanity's behalf. Hesse is a Lutheran pastor with a Master's in Theology, who taught elementary students and served as a school principal for a combined 30 years before becoming a pastor. Just as he led children to understand and develop their skills, he now leads the children of God to develop their relationships with Him.

Xulon Press, a division of Salem Communications, is the world's largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 8,000 titles published to date. Retailers may order Malcolm and the Magic Shoe through Ingram Book Company and/or Spring Arbor Book Distributors. The book is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.