We’ve read 3 versions – Dangerous Journey (long children’s picture book), Little Pilgrims Progress (dd11 read a few years ago) and the original on audiobook. All are great in my opinion. If I were reading for the first time, I’d opt for Dangerous Journey bc it gives a good feel and it has pictures for the little one. After that I’d go for the original. The original is fine on its own, of course, but we love DJ too much to miss it!
I am planning to read Dangerous Journey with my dd7 this coming year. After that, we’ll read the original. (We use AO, and it is scheduled in Years 2 and 3 there).
We’re reading the original as our Sunday book now. About half way though it. The boys (8 & 9) are loving it. It’s amazing me how many times they refer to it during he week, especially if we come across someone who is trying to lead another astray. I have DJ but decided to dive right in.
My children listened to this version retold by the wonderful James BAldwin when they were as young as 8 and understood what everything meant and it has continued to interest them. Isn’t dumbed down, just simplified, IMO. Baldwin has a good reputation for his retellings.