P is for Pilgrim

"P is for Pilgrim" by Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, is a thoughtfully crafted book that combines spiritual insights with the charm of an alphabet book. Each letter of the alphabet may have one or more concepts described and is accompanied by a beautifully illustrated concept, making it an engaging read for both children and adults.

Cottrell's experience as an Archbishop shines through in the depth and simplicity of the messages conveyed. The book is not just a religious text; it's a journey through various spiritual and moral concepts, presented in a way that is accessible and relatable. The illustrations per letter are not only visually appealing but also serve to enhance the understanding of each spiritual concept.

The illustrations are a standout feature of this book. They are thoughtfully designed to complement each letter and its corresponding message. The artwork adds a layer of depth and engagement to the text, making it a visually stimulating experience.

While the book is rooted in Christian spirituality, its appeal is not limited to a religious audience. The universal themes and accessible presentation make it a valuable read for anyone interested in moral and spiritual growth.

"P is for Pilgrim" is a unique blend of spirituality and art, offering wisdom and beauty in equal measure. Stephen Cottrell's insightful writing which is at an accessible level, combined with the captivating illustrations, makes this book a delightful and enlightening read for a wide range of readers.

P is for Pilgrim
by Stephen Cottrell
Pub Date 15 Feb 2024
Hodder Faith,Hodder & Stoughton
Christian| Nonfiction \(Adult\)| Religion & Spirituality


Hodder Faith and Netgalley gave me a copy of P is for Pilgrim to review:

P is for Pilgrim isn't just for kids, it's for anyone wanting a little understanding of some of the most common Christian words.

As you explore the Christian faith, you will soon encounter some challenging words: Trinity, Sacrament, Reconciliation, Sin, Incarnation, even the word 'Christ' itself. It isn't Jesus's surname! It is a title with a meaning and history.



Sooner or later, these words, and the ideas behind them, have to be addressed. It's impossible to be a Christian without understanding sin and forgiveness, knowing what a sacrament is, or accepting Jesus as the Christ.



Here's how this book can help. The book explores and explains most of the key concepts and ideas that underpin Christianity.


I give P is for Pilgrim five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

A very informative read that gently guides the reader from the most basic to more complex words encountered in the bible. I absolutely love the lack of judgement the author held against anyone who didn't know the meaning behind even the most simplistic terms. This book was crafted with love and care and it would make a wonderful gift for any non native English speaker who wishes to read the bible in English or a new follower of Christ.

Thank you for the advanced copy.

This is a beautifully illustrated book, aimed at a wide audience. The terminology is explained beautifully and is simple to follow which makes me believe it's been set to appeal at a variety of audiences - young and old.

It is always good to read a book written by a Christian who was not brought up in the faith but who came to it a little later in life and unexpectedly. Stephen Cottrell has developed his knowledge and understanding of Christianity throughout his adult life (to the extent of now being the Archbishop of York!) and in this book, simply and profoundly sets this understanding down in an approachable, understandable but certainly not simplistic way.
Although it is in structure an A-Z, it can certainly be read in chunks and not simply used for reference. One thing to note is that "P is for Pilgrim" is very ‘Anglican’ but that is not necessarily a bad thing and to be fair, is probably to be expected.

However, the biggest draw for this book are the illustrations, which are beautiful and genuinely add to the text. This certainly would make (or perhaps may be designed as) a thoughtful confirmation gift.

Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrel, has written a small dictionary of Christianity that is beautifully illustrated in black and white by Jack Seymour.

The great positive of this book is that in a few pages it gives us an explanation of so many things. The Trinity, the cross, sin, sacraments, mercy, the eucharist and the creeds are explained in sparing and accessible words. Many theologians might write as much as this small book for each meaning contained within it. The explanations are simple and eloquent.

The disappointing thing is the short length of some of the entries, which means there are some missing insights, e.g. the meaning of 'Alleluia' would be helpful for beginners, a little more to explain Christmas might be expected. In trying to make this accessible, some things may have been simplified a little too far.

There is an inclusive thread through many of the meanings: God created a diversity of human kind, we all mess up. We all matter to God, and a God that acts in love is ready to forgive every one. We meet God in Jesus and each other. That leaves the last question of this review, why are the Bible quotes from NIV when there are equally well accepted and more inclusive translations available?