Heaven Is for Real: Best Seller Sits at No. 1 on New York Times List for 52nd Week

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Since its release in November 2010, "Heaven Is for Real" by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent has become a publishing phenomenon. For the week of January 29, 2012, "Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back" will be listed as the #1 "nonfiction paperback" on the New York Times Best Seller List – its 52nd week (non-consecutive) in the top spot and a record for Thomas Nelson, Inc.

"Heaven Is for Real" also reached No. 1 on the following lists since its release: USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Publisher's Weekly, National Public Radio, Christian Booksellers Association and Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. In addition to being ranked near the top on numerous best seller lists, Thomas Nelson has printed the six millionth copy of the acclaimed title. "Heaven Is for Real for Kids" also has hit the top spot on the New York Times Best Seller List as "print children's picture books."

"We are so thankful for the way the Thomas Nelson team got behind 'Heaven is for Real,'" says Joel Kneedler of Alive Communications, agent for the Burpo family. "Every division has played a part in sharing the contagious, life-changing message of this simple story."

"This is an astounding achievement for a remarkable book that has defied all odds and predictions since the day it was published," says Matt Baugher, senior vice president and publisher at Thomas Nelson. "Even in a changing publishing industry, great books will always find their way. We've heard from people around the world that their lives have been changed by Colton Burpo's story. And it continues to this day."

A deluxe edition of "Heaven Is for Real" is one of a trio of new products by the Burpo family released by Thomas Nelson in November 2011. A "Heaven is for Real" DVD-based Conversation Kit features footage of the Burpo family talking about their experiences while "Heaven is for Real for Kids" offers Colton's incredible story for children ages 4-8 with breathtaking images and heartfelt content that helps parents talk to their children about heaven.

"Heaven Is for Real" is the true story of the Burpo family and Colton, who during his life-threatening illness and sudden surgery, slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He narrowly survives. Several months later while passing by the same hospital that saved him, Colton begins talking about his experiences during surgery and making a trip to heaven.

Written in the first-person narrative of Colton's father, Todd, with New York Times best-selling author Lynn Vincent, "Heaven Is for Real" walks readers through the revelation of Colton's trip, his parent's initial uncertainties and the lessons learned by such a small child.

SOURCE Thomas Nelson, Inc.