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My ds has Little Pilgrim's Progress in his book list for DITHOR, but after a discussion about allegories at the dinner table tonight, I am now thinking of reading it aloud with both of my older children. I'd like to be able to talk about the symbolism together and use it as part of our evening devotion time. However, althoughI am familiar with the book, I have never actually read it and just wondered if it is appropriate for a 7 1/2yr. old. She's not an overly sensitive child and she has very good reading comprehension. We have been talking about some rather deep spiritual issues lately and I am thinking this may be a great tool to deepen her understanding of Christianity. Any thoughts?

I think it would be fine. My dd read it herself and enjoyed it at 8; I do wish I'd read it aloud, though-it would give great discussions and she probably would have understood more. I plan it do it again some day.

That book is just absolutely amazing, isn't it? I loved it as much as my ds did! I also thought it a wonderful way to give dc a little foundation and background on the book before actually getting into "Pilgrim's Progress" later down the road. The reading level is fifth grade for "Little Pilgrim's Progress," and the allegorical nature of the book makes it quite in-depth. My ds read it in fourth grade along with DITHOR, and I don't know that I'd have done it earlier with him. There is so much to it, and I think that having to explain everything would take away from the beauty of it. Used with DITHOR, we were able to draw out so many connections, have great discussions, and choose a meaningful project in response to its conclusion. If you did it just as a read aloud, I think you'd be missing all that the DITHOR plans have to offer. Personally, I'd wait to do it with her when she can actually read it on her own, more fully comprehend it, and truly get the most out of it. But that is just my opinion! HTH!

In Christ,
Julie

I haven't read that one, but we have read Christian's Journey when my kids were 5 and 7 and they loved it. We've read it over and over.

Have you read Hinds Feet in High Places (illustrated & adapted for children)? It is an allegory similar to Pilgrim's Progress, but more geared to the younger ages. We are currently reading it out loud & my 5 & 8 y/o are very much enjoying it! It even has "Think about It" sections which have started some excellent conversations.