Do your family love creative story times?
If they love stories where there are hidden meanings and fantasy adventures, then how about introducing them to one of the earliest Christian fiction books – John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress?
This early Christian allegory will teach your family about the major doctrines of the Christian faith while taking them on an epic adventure to the celestial city via swamps, dragons and a giant’s lair.
There are several very good editions of this title, ranging from the classic original to simplified editions suitable for younger children. There are different price points too.
1. Classic and good for teens
Starting with the classic style. Christian Focus has produced a hardback edition with a detailed glossary and Scripture verse feature. Illustrated with 19th-century engravings, this edition is a good way for modern readers to read the original book. If your teens enjoy Tolkien they should be able to read Bunyan’s fiction quite easily. The Pilgrims Progress: Christiana’s Journey and The Holy War are in the same set. ISBN 978 1 845 501 020
2. Enjoyable for younger children
For younger children try Little Pilgrim’s Progress by Helen L. Taylor published by Moody. This is a different approach which gives Wind in the Willows vibes with its animal characters and whimsical illustrations. This hardback edition is proving popular with younger readers. ISBN 978 0 802 420 534
Little Pilgrim’s Big Journey by Tyler van Halteren and Lithos Press has full-colour illustrations. This is volume one of a three volume set. Some changes have been made to the storyline, but these make sense when bearing in mind the much younger age range the author is writing for. ISBN 978 1 989 975 022.
3. Great for families
The Family Pilgrim’s Progress by Jean Watson comes in two formats. The text is well written and the full-colour edition has a variety of fact files about the key characters. The same text is also produced in a paperback black and white book. ISBN 978 1 845 502 324 and ISBN 978 1 845 504 595.
Lithos Press has also produced The Pilgrim’s Progress Legacy Edition with black and white etchings and a traditional cloth binding. But I’m really looking forward to reading their younger reader’s edition of Bunyan’s Holy War called The Man Soul Chronicles. ISBN 978 1 989 975 237 and ISBN 978 1 989 975 336.
