The Pilgrim’s Progress Illustrated Adventure for Kids: A Retelling of John Bunyan's Classic Tale
#1 in The Pilgrim's Progress Series
on Goodreads (150,725)
What’s inside...
This excerpt from 'The Pilgrim's Progress' provides an overview of John Bunyan's life and the factors that influenced his famous work. The book, published by Forgotten Books, is a reproduction that uses advanced technology to maintain the original format while repairing imperfections. Literary editor Robert McCrum praises the work as unparalleled in English literature, with a readership second only to the Bible. The story, an allegory of faith, follows a man’s journey in search of salvation, presenting a series of trials, temptations, and characters that symbolize various spiritual challenges and aids.
Character compass
Christian
Hopeful
Faithful
Evangelist
Discussion points
What challenges did the main character face, and how did they overcome them?
How can we relate the journey of the pilgrim to challenges we face in our own lives?
Why do you think the author chose to use different characters like Giant Despair or Evangelist? What do they represent?
What did you learn about the importance of perseverance and faith from this story?
Can you think of a time when you had to be brave and continue on your path, even though it was difficult?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, relate personal experiences or current real-life situations to the pilgrim's journey to make the themes more relatable.
Encourage your child to imagine and describe what their own 'pilgrim’s journey' would look like, encouraging creativity and deeper thinking.
Ask your child to think about the characters' decisions and morals, fostering critical thinking and ethical reasoning.
Use praise to reinforce insightful comments or connections your child makes, which boosts their confidence and engagement with the material.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance Through Challenges
Explanation: The central character, Christian, faces numerous trials and tribulations on his journey to the Celestial City, demonstrating the value of persistence.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of not giving up in the face of difficulties, whether it's completing a challenging school project or resolving a conflict with a friend.
Example Lesson: Value of Good Choices and Integrity
Explanation: Throughout the story, Christian must make choices that reflect his morals and values, which ultimately guide him to his destination.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the impact of their choices and encourages them to act according to their principles, enhancing their decision-making skills in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of Guidance and Mentorship
Explanation: Christian receives advice and support from various characters like Evangelist and Faithful, which are crucial for his progress.
Real-World Application: Children learn to seek and value guidance from parents, teachers, and mentors, recognizing the positive influence it can have on their personal growth and learning.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Yielding to Temptation
Explanation: The book illustrates the pitfalls of succumbing to temptations through characters who stray from the right path, like Pliable and Mr. Worldly Wiseman.
Real-World Application: This serves as a cautionary tale for children to remain steadfast in their values and to think critically about the consequences before acting on impulse.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Christian's ability to overcome obstacles such as the Slough of Despond and Vanity Fair highlights the theme of resilience.
Real-World Application: Teaching children that resilience is key to overcoming life’s challenges, preparing them to handle setbacks and failures constructively in their own lives.