The Little Way of A Pilgrim

I love the Russian classic The Way of the Pilgrim, so I was excited to get a copy of this new children's book based on the classic. The Little Way of a Pilgrim presents a modern young pilgrim in his Chuck Taylor tennis shoes asking the same question, "what does it mean to pray without ceasing?" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) He travels down the road, asking the people he meets if they can teach him about ceaseless prayer. When the monk teaches him the Jesus Prayer, he is overjoyed and begins his practice. He is filled with gratitude and joy. 

The book doesn't attempt to retell the story exactly, but clearly refers to passages from the classic. Older children might enjoy reading more of the encounters told in the original. This picture book offers younger children a similar sense of watching this wanderer search and grow in a life-long quest for prayer and love for Christ.

I'm always particular about illustrations, and I just adore these by Diana-Elena Popescu. My daughter enjoyed the animals and tiny details. We both appreciated Jennifer Anna Rich's child-friendly language, that wasn't overly flowery. 

In the end, it led to a nice conversation about prayer ropes and the Jesus Prayer. My 8 year old daughter was aware of both, but it seemed to illustrate their purpose and practice more clearly. She doesn't have a prayer rope of her own, but now would like one. Seems like a nice way to begin Lent! 

I received a review copy of The Little Way of a Pilgrim from Ancient Faith.