Dangerous Journey: The Story of Pilgrim's Progress [Hardcover]

Oliver Hunkin (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

###############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4 Up A beautifully produced, large-format version of Bunyan's classic. Although all aspects of the book are skillfully handled, the illustrations are the real key to its effectiveness. Intricately detailed and constructed in a fluid, energetic, well-balanced style, they sweep across the pages dramatically. Some are small, but most are full- or double-page spreads with the text in a large, elegant typeface arranged in a variety of patterns around them. The good people are handsome, suitably heroic and rather bland, but the villains are sharply and wittily portrayed. They brim with a sly, evil, vulgar vitality. The costume and setting of 17th-Century England are faithfully detailed. Gloomy dungeons, dark forests, black rivers and gray-clouded skies sustain the mood of danger and hardship. Rhythmic and stately, the prose is appropriate to the original without being obscure, and it reads aloud well. This religious allegory makes a rousing adventure story, an interesting historical commentary and an amusing satire on church and society. The multiple levels make it useful for a variety of ages, provided the picture book format is not a barrier. Although libraries may already have good versions of Pilgrim's Progress such as the one retold by Mary Godolphin and illustrated by Robert Lawson (Lippincott, 1939; o.p.) or Christian's Journey (Abingdon, 1980; o.p.) by Rhoda Couldridge, this one should be considered. Pat Pearl, First Presbyterian Church Library, Martinsville, Va.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 126 pages
• Publisher: Eerdmans Books For Young Readers (July 10, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802836194
• ISBN-13: 978-0802836199
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 10.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #108,585 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Boys Love This Book!, June 16, 2005

By 

J. Redding - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dangerous Journey: The Story of Pilgrim's Progress (Hardcover)

I read Pilgrim's Progress for the first time about a year ago, and "Dangerous Journey" really stays true to Bunyon's wonderful story. My boys--ages 5, 3 and 2--all love this book, but for different reasons. My 5 year old loves the action and excitement. My 3 year old (for whatever reason) loves the fact this whole thing is a dream--he often says, "I had a dream last night. . ." and then launches into some hilarious and imaginitive story. And my 2 year old loves the huge and vivid illustrations.

One of the things that sets this book apart from other children's books or videos (like Veggie Tales) is that the book refuses to soft-pedal the scary situations and frightening enemies that Christian encounters. The giants in this book are not overgrown pickles wearing boxing gloves, but enormous monsters with hairy warts and clubs the size of trees. The dialogue and illustrations can be shocking to 21st century parents in this politically correct age--and kids absolutely love it! (FYI--my kids have never had nightmares about any of this. We constantly remind them that God is in control of everything that Christian and his companions encounter.)

By reading this story to your kids, you can teach them about the sinfulness of man, the rage and power (but ultimate destruction) of the devil, and the overwhelming holiness, love and sovereignty of God. It's also a great way to express the idea that life is a journey, and although this is our Father's world, our true home is in that heavenly country across the River Jordan where our loving Savior is waiting to welcome us.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Childhood Favorites, February 22, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Dangerous Journey: The Story of Pilgrim's Progress (Hardcover)

This was my favorite book growing up, the illistrations are great and the story keeps you on your toes. Great bedtime story book as something is always happening (beware you can't finish in night though). Dragons, demons, giants, dark woods, and angels. A good introduction to the Christian walk in a way a small child can enjoy and still savor as an adult.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm certain that even God keeps this one in His library., December 26, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Dangerous Journey: The Story of Pilgrim's Progress (Hardcover)

John Bunyan has created a story that will, regardless of your religious affiliation, profoundly move your heart. The author has created settings and characters that boldly reflect the best and worst of all things experienced within a lifetime, for all time. Bunyan's book is as relevant and necessary today as at any point since being written in 1676. If you read only one version of Pilgrim's Progress, make sure that "Dangerous Journey," is it. The poetic flow and wonderful illustrations grab and hold onto to you at word one and never let go.