Pilgrim's Progress in One Syllable Words
Author:  John Bunyan, Edited by Gene Fedele
Publisher: Bridge Logos
For more information or to order: www.homeschoolingfromtheheart.com (We are offer this outstanding title in our catalog.)

If you have a blossoming reader, you know that it can be challenge to find books that bridge the gap between phonetic readers and "real chapter books".  At our house, my son has recently made tons of progress and memories as he and I took turns reading through Pilgrim's Progress in One Syllable Words.  First, Pilgrim's Progress itself is such a wonderful allegory of the Christian life.  By putting this classic in one syllable words, the editor, Gene Fedele, has enabled children of all ages to begin to see how God helps us through our spiritual journey - while build their vocabulary and reading skills along the way. 

Throughout the book, whenever Christian converses with another character, the editor  sets their dialog apart similar to how you would read a play.  As my son and I read, anytime there was a conversation, he was always Christain and I would be the other party.  Although the majority of the book is in one syllable words, names of people and places are multi-syllable.  In this way even young readers can wrangle with the symbolism of places like the Celestial City and Slough of Despond.  And don't equate one syllable with "watered down".  The sentence structure and words used helps the book maintain the same "tone" as it had when it was penned by John Bunyan over 300 years ago.  In fact, in order to really enjoy reading this book, your child should have a good grasp of phonics, then (and this is my recommendation) sit down together and take turns reading.  When your child gets to a word they don't know, tell them the word and move on.  Save the "sounding out" for their phonics lesson -- let this be a chance for them to see how wonderful it is to read and discuss great literature.

Of course, Pilgrim's Progress in One Syllable Words is also suitable for those children already digging into chapter books on their own - this title is definitely one you'll want them to read!

Making the grade: A+
Cost: $9.95
Value for your homeschool dollar: 10