Little Pilgrim’s Big Journey: Book Review
Little Pilgrim’s Big Journey: Book Review. This a beautifully illustrated and adapted book of John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress. While the edition is adapted for the tiniest readers, the Christian allegory remains True and theologically sound. This series is sure to ignite the moral imagination of the next generation.
Each book in the series is fully illustrated with colorful page-to-page illustrations and creatures sprinkled throughout the story (Miss 3 made a point to find all the creatures). The series is recommended for ages 3-8.
Please note that some of the content may be difficult for sensitive readers. The text is filled with action and adventure, exploring profound themes such as persecution, temptation, bullying, deception, suffering, imprisonment, and death. Additionally, it features imagery of a dragon and a giant.
TO THE PARENT
Prepare yourself for conviction and inspiration! Although, the text is aimed at a younger audience, don’t be fooled into thinking it won’t resonate with you. The writing is bound to prick your heart and ignite your appreciation for sharing quality literature. Even more importantly, Little Pilgrim’s Big Journey is sure to spark a profound desire to join and fight the good fight alongside your children!
Parents: No need to Stress (or feel intimidated)
NO NEED TO STRESS! If you’re a parent with young children (ages 3-8), there’s no need to worry if you haven’t read the original Pilgrim’s Progress, as it isn’t necessary. This story is shallow enough for a young reader but deep enough for you. {Oh, boy. I’ve spoiled my review. Spoiler: I ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND THE WHOLE SERIES}
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Little Pilgrim’s Big Journey Book Review
Little Pilgrim’s Big Journey Series (I, II, III) written by Tyler Van Halteren, illustrated by Beatrix Mello, and published by Lithos Kids.
For book more published by Lithos Kids {HERE}
Overall Series Review
Little Pilgrim’s Big Journey is a captivating series comprised of three books. Part I follows Christian as he departs from the City of Destruction, sheds his burden at the cross, and travels along the narrow path to the Celestial City. Part II recounts Christina’s journey alongside fellow pilgrims Mercy, Jude, and Eli. Part III serves as a creative extension of the original Pilgrim’s Progress, incorporating the Great Commission and the Last Battle. The narrative is engaging and child-friendly, filled with TRUTH while faithfully conveying the gospel. The gospel is presented clearly. No watered-down theology, here! The text is complemented by vibrant, cartoon-style illustrations that are both appealing and well-suited for the intended age group. Each chapter concludes with discussion questions designed to help young readers better grasp the allegory. Each book is cloth bound with gold foil print, giving it a timeless quality that’s truly heirloom-worthy!
Rating
5 out of 5 stars!!!
Recommendation
I truly cannot recommend this entire series enough! This whole series ranks as our favorite family read-aloud yet.
What I LOVE about this Series
- exposure to deep theological concepts and biblical terms
- sparks fruitful conversations
- prompts hard questions (Do dragons really exist? Are we like the pilgrims?)
- written in kid-friendly language to help them understand the allegory
- ignites the reader’s moral imagination
Our Family’s Read Aloud Experience
Part I: We devoured it in three days. The book kept my girls asking for another chapter. I even caught them acting out portions which makes my mama heart happy (reminds me of the opening scene of Little Women). Pillow cases are still missing, as the make the perfect burden. After we finished reading Part I, my girls (3,5) asked every day about Christina and if she would make the journey.
My girls are very young. So, I focused on the story with Miss 3 and later dove into more of the meaning with Miss 5, using the discussion questions provided at the end of the chapter.
Part II: The package hit the doorstep and the happy dances began. We devoured this one just like the first. The introduction of Lady Wisdom, Lady Folly, Great-Heart, and Feeble sparked wonderful and edifying conversations.
Part III: Wow! We read this one in one day! My girls kept begging for more. So, we sprinkled chapters throughout the whole day. They have already requested to read the series again. This time we will take it slower.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The above are my thoughts and opinions.
Little Pilgrim’s Big Journey Part I
From the Publisher: Follow Christian on his unforgettable journey and help equip your kids to lead a life of faith as they follow the King’s path to the Celestial City.
In my dream, I saw a boy named Christian dressed in dirty old clothes. He had a book in his hand and a great burden on his back. He was crying to himself: “Oh, what can I do to be saved?”
Little Pilgrim’s Big Journey Part II: Christina & the Celestial City
From the Publisher: The story continues! John Bunyan published Part II of The Pilgrim’s Progress in 1684, six years after the first part. This version features the story of Christiana and includes many new characters and biblical lessons.
The King called out to Christina, “Welcome in, beloved daughter. Come and see all that I’ve prepared for you!”
Little Pilgrim’s Big Journey Part III: The End of Days & The Eternal Kingdom
From the Publisher: Little Pilgrim’s Big Journey Part III is the epic conclusion to the Little Pilgrim series. Follow Jude, Eli, and Mercy as they seek to fulfill the King’s commission and spread the good news of the Kingdom.
“Some have believed that Bunyan wrote a third part of The Pilgrim’s Progress. However, no copy of this has ever been found.” This book is a creative edition of what Bunyan might have written in his third part.
In my dream I saw a beautiful white dove flying through the clouds. It was carrying a scroll fastened shut with a wax seal. I looked, and the dove flew gently down toward Jude, Eli, and Mercy.
More Book Reviews are Coming Soon!
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For the Bible Tells Me So: Series Book Review
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Thanks for Stopping By!
Lastly, thank you for stopping by! While I’m not fond of the phrase “must-have,” I dare say that if I had to select just one read-aloud for my little ones, it would undoubtedly be the Little Pilgrim’s Big Journey series. Although my comments are currently disabled, I would still love to connect with you. Feel free to reach out on Instagram or subscribe to my newsletter (just hit reply)!
HAPPY READING!
– With Great Joy, Katie
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