Little Threads

by Elizabeth Payson Prentiss

It was Mrs. Prentiss' intent that this little gem would be a tool for children to learn obedience. Read about the contrasting lives of Tangle Thread and Golden Thread, one the cause of much grief for her godly mother, and the other the only bright spot in her poor mother's world. 160 pages, hardcover. Written in 1863. Little Threads is part of the Fireside Collection (which is comprised of 81 Lamplighter Publishing books that include stories that Lamplighter selected to be the best for family reading, devotions, and bedtime stories.)

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Classics, Childrens, Fiction, Historical Fiction

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1863

About the author

ELIZABETH PRENTISS (1818 -1878) was the daughter of an early nineteenth-century revival preacher and began writing as a teenager. Born in 1818 in Portland, Maine, Prentiss was also the writer of the hymn "More Love to Thee, O Christ." Prentiss died in Vermont in 1878.

Reviews

[Haley Annabelle]

Great book on the obedience of children. One very godly mother has a very strong willed child who causes her grief for many years. One wayward mother has a peaceable, virtuous daughter who is her only joy in life.
Like every analogy, it breaks down at some point. Thats my biggest complaint: Tangle Thread is very realistic in her disobedient attitude. However, Golden Thread is always perfect and never does anything wrong.

FYI, this would be a great read aloud as Prentiss wrote to the child and asks pointed questions throughout the book.

[Lilly]

Over the last few days I read this book aloud to my younger siblings next up I aim to start The Fireside Readings (also by Lamplighter Theatre’s Rare Collectors books).
Little Threads is a fantastic book with great lessons packed in for little ears. The importance of submission to the will of Jesus and living in service to others and how that starts at the youngest age. It starts as soon as a child is aware that their parents expect obedience from them.
The battle to tame the selfish will of Tangle Thread within and to replace it with a Silver Thread and then by and by with a beautiful Golden Thread which will beautifully adorn each place and situation one finds themself in.

[Sarah]

Eli: 2⭐️, Abby: 3.5⭐️, Grace: 4

Elizabeth Prentiss is a gem...speaking instructive truth whimsically to children and adults alike. I love how this book provides a common language for family. “What kind of thread are you being right now?”

[Rob]

A great story to read at bedtime to your children. A good look at attitudes and the condition of the heart. An excellent opportunity to instruct and disciple.

[Molly]

Read this with the kids. Excellent!

[Kaylee]

A wonderful story with powerful visuals. Only four stars because I don't believe just everything said was quite accurate... But still very worth the read.

Are you a beautiful golden thread running through the fabric of your mother's life, or a tangle thread causing snags and pain to the ones God gave to raise you?

[Molly Whelan]

Yet another Elizabeth Prentiss gem.

[Kayla Harrison]

Good for young kids

[Summereyre]

Lovely book! The little girls in the story made my heart ache and even convicted me of a few character flaws as an adult. Loved it!

[Heather Purvis]

Beautiful

[Lee]

Really ironic to read this in the same day as Mac Barnett's book about writing for children.

[Noelle Claire]

1.5 stars rounded down. I usually love Christian fiction, but this was just way to preachy.

[Jennifer]

This book challenged my whole family and worked on all our hearts. A message of love and sacrifice and how God truly can change our hearts. A great book to direct minds to His Word for guidance and to choose His ways, even when it's so very hard.

[Sarah Jane Ho]

Great values taught but written over 100 years ago so it made it hard to read.

[Jessica]

3.5 ⭐️

[Danette]

What a great challenge for children.

A Christian novel.