Little Pilgrim's Progress
From SPARK
One-sentence summary
John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress simplified for children.
Description
In 1678, John Bunyan wrote a Christian allegory. Its full title is The Pilgrim's Progress from This World to That Which Is to Come.It has been translated into more than 200 languages. It is considered one of the most important books in the English language.
Many years ago, Helen L. Taylor simplified John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. She rewrote it for children but kept the story line the same. The result has become a favorite of children.
When Bunyan wrote his book, he was in prison for talking about Jesus. Only priests of the Church of England were permitted to talk about Jesus. Bunyan was in prison for twelve years. If he would have stopped talking about Jesus, he might have been freed. He refused to make that promise. He was finally freed when the law changed in 1672. He was put in prison again for a brief time in 1677.
In the children's book, a small boy named Little Christian goes on a trip. He meets many unusual people along the way. He finally gets to Heaven. The unusual people he meets, are symbols of the good things and bad things in life. This is why it is known as an allegory of the Christian life.
The second part of this book tells about Little Christian's friend named Christiana. She travels with another little girl named Mercy. Their guide is Great Heart. As they travel towards the Celestial City (Heaven), more pilgrims travel with them. Some reach the celestial City but other stay in the Land of Delight.
Little Pilgrim's Progress is an adventure story and a allegory telling about the Christian life.
Considerations
- For children ages 6-12 years old.
- This paperback and has 256 pages.
- The people are dressed in old-style English clothing.
Limitations
- The drawings do not relate to the story. For example, the book tells about young children but the drawings are of young adults. This will confuse children.
- The story states that the children on pilgrimage are clothed in white robes. The drawings show them clothed as English people from the 17th century. This will confuse children.
- Many names may be difficult to translate into some languages. For example: Pliable, Obstinate, Goodwill, Timorous, Despondency, Valiant-for-Truth.
- In cultures where allegories are not used in story-telling, this book will be difficult for children to understand.
- The drawings will be difficult for children to understand if they are not picture literate.
Guidelines for Use
- As an audio cassette book or CD.
- Use other drawings that will be appropriate for the culture of the children.
- As Christian radio programs.
Where to Obtain
Link to Producer or Source Organization
Cost
$7.99 (USD) as of August 2008
Producer/Owners
Author/Artist/Producer
- Author: John Bunyan retold by Helen Taylor
- Artist: Kelly Shields
Current copyright owner
Other Information
If you are interested in translating this allegory for a minority language group, contact Moody Publishers. They will help you work out a Creative Commons License agreement.
Reviewed by
Vida, VMS
Date
August 27, 2008
