Hello pattio - I've just stumbled across your thread about paradise and thought i might be able to offer you a starting point.
I think it would be in your interest to look up the origin of the concept of paradise. As I understand it I think it has Persian or Iranian origins. The understanding of what it is now seems to have been changed depending on what your religous denomination teaches.
I really believe that if you take the time to look this up you may find some interesting information that you could present to your children.
Good luck!