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The Mansoul Chronicles, Book 1: The Fall and Rise of Mansoul
The Mansoul Chronicles is an epic tale of the battle for the human heart and mind, inspired by John Bunyan's classic allegory, The Holy War. It features all the elements that children loved in the Little Pilgrim series, with captivating illustrations, engaging adventure, and deep truths instilled in every chapter.
Written for kids ages 6-12
Fully illustrated
Study guide at the end of each chapter
Genuine cloth cover with gold foil print and a ribbon page marker
Written for kids ages 6-12
Fully illustrated
Study guide at the end of each chapter
Genuine cloth cover with gold foil print and a ribbon page marker
204 pages, Hardcover
Published November 5, 2024
8 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Tyler Van Halteren
36 books19 followersTyler holds a M.div from the Master's Seminary and has spent most of his life seeking to inspire children and youth to follow Christ and know God's Word.
After seeing 20 minute bedtime stories change his son's life, Tyler decided to take up the challenge of changing the world through biblically faithful and beautifully illustrated books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 23, 2025
Over the last couple weeks I read this to my 8-year-old son, and we both loved it. He was excited to reenter the story each night. It reveals—in a really artful way—the bankruptcy of follow-your-heart individualism, and the beauty of gospel grace. Highly recommended.
November 24, 2024
What a sweet children’s rendition of The Holy War by John Bunyan. I had moments of fighting back tears at the depth of the sin of my heart and the great grace of God the Father in sending Christ. And my son was captivated and has been chewing on bits of the gospel made clear in the allegory. A wonderful read!
May 13, 2025
My girls were hooked into this one! It is VERY allegorical. As my kids grow and mature in their beliefs I think this is a great tool to make connections to. I think this in combination with reading the actual Bible with kids is the best situation. I wasn't sure if my girls would connect it to the Bible or not but towards the end my six year old said, "Mom! This is like Jesus!" I am excited to see the rest of the series and how it tackles the "Final Judgement". Lithos does a great job with respecting not only the original writings but also keeping a very healthy respect for the Bible!
August 5, 2025
I read the is to my 5, 3 and 2 year old kiddos and we all loved it. The illustrations were engaging and beautifully done. The story and pictures sparked a lot of great questions and conversations. As soon as we finished they were asking to read it again.
December 31, 2024
I planned on spreading this out over a few days, but my boys were so engrossed in the story that we read it in one sitting. My favorite aspect of the book was the sprinkling of Scripture throughout, especially by the captains of Shaddai's army.
Now I want to read "The Holy War."
Now I want to read "The Holy War."
June 6, 2025
It’s no secret that I am a big fan of the Little Pilgrim’s Big Journey series from LithosKids. This newer release features lots of the same elements that my children love from those books. It’s an exciting story of adventure that is used to communicate deep truths about the Christian walk. Though fiction, the allegorical nature of the story reveals truths of man’s soul (“Mansoul”), the dark Enemy and destruction of sin, and the prevailing justice, unwavering faithfulness, & deep love of our Good King. The illustrations are truly breathtaking; on their own they tell a powerful story.
This book was written with ages 6-12 in mind. All my kids are younger than 5 and, though I will definitely be sharing this important story with them, I will be waiting until they are a bit older. Because of the intense (and potentially scary) nature of the concepts and illustrations, I recommend doing a preread to determine if it’s the right fit for your child at their age. It was a powerful read for me as an adult and I look forward to sharing it with my children in the future!
Thank you toLithosKids for a complimentary book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
This book was written with ages 6-12 in mind. All my kids are younger than 5 and, though I will definitely be sharing this important story with them, I will be waiting until they are a bit older. Because of the intense (and potentially scary) nature of the concepts and illustrations, I recommend doing a preread to determine if it’s the right fit for your child at their age. It was a powerful read for me as an adult and I look forward to sharing it with my children in the future!
Thank you toLithosKids for a complimentary book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
August 21, 2025
"All praise to the king, the battle is won!
The power of sin and death is undone.
Come and see the true heights and depths of his love, displayed in the death of his glorious son." (Page 201)
My boys were on the edge of their seat with this book - they begged me to read more everyday! This wonderfully illustrated children's book is an adapted edition of the classic allegory "The Holy War" by John Bunyan. This book vividly shares the spiritual battle that every person faces between believing the lies of Satan or the truth of God. Each of the 12 chapters ends with a discussion page that summarizes the chapter and helps children understand and apply the allegory. It is very well done and I highly recommend it!
5/5⭐️
⚠️Some themes and illustrations may be too intense for very young, or sensitive children. You'll want to peruse this if you have either. I read this to my boys ages 8-14. My youngest is very sensitive and he definitely isn't quite ready.
The power of sin and death is undone.
Come and see the true heights and depths of his love, displayed in the death of his glorious son." (Page 201)
My boys were on the edge of their seat with this book - they begged me to read more everyday! This wonderfully illustrated children's book is an adapted edition of the classic allegory "The Holy War" by John Bunyan. This book vividly shares the spiritual battle that every person faces between believing the lies of Satan or the truth of God. Each of the 12 chapters ends with a discussion page that summarizes the chapter and helps children understand and apply the allegory. It is very well done and I highly recommend it!
5/5⭐️
⚠️Some themes and illustrations may be too intense for very young, or sensitive children. You'll want to peruse this if you have either. I read this to my boys ages 8-14. My youngest is very sensitive and he definitely isn't quite ready.
January 30, 2025
My kids loved this book. I like how each chapter has discussion questions. I prefer the Pilgrims progress series by this author mainly because I didn’t like the illustrations as much as his other books.
January 25, 2025
This was awesome. My 7 year old son (and I) absolutely loved it. Great illustrations on every page, compelling and rich, with moving gospel allegory.
June 14, 2025
My 5 year old daughter wanted to restart this immediately on finishing. Beautifully illustrated
July 19, 2025
Read this with my 6 year old. This is a retelling of one of Bunyan’s lesser known allegories, and it did not disappoint. The illustrations are phenomenal and are what initially drew my son to the story (who doesn’t love dragons and a good battle scene??) but the allegory is what really resonated with him. This prompted gospel centered questions and conversations in our home that other books have not.
The pictures can lean on the darker side and there is a heavy emphasis on good vs. evil, so if your child is sensitive it’s worth pre-screening. We can’t wait for book 2!
The pictures can lean on the darker side and there is a heavy emphasis on good vs. evil, so if your child is sensitive it’s worth pre-screening. We can’t wait for book 2!
November 3, 2025
The copy arrived at 8.30am, while we were eating breakfast! By the time we’d finished eating we’d already read 5 chapters and by nap time we’d finished! And my daughter is 3, she was hooked! 😮
🗡️This book is an adaptation of John Bunyan’s ‘Holy War’, (the original I have not read) for kids. The beautifully illustrated allegory, starts at the beginning of time & King Shaddai’ creation of the peace-filled town of Mansoul, who lives under the wise and benevolent rule But this peace is shattered when the deceitful dragon Diabolus rises up in treachery and convinces the people of Mansoul to betray their true King and follow his lies.
🔥As Mansoul falls into rebellion and darkness, hopes rest on the shoulders of the brave Prince Emmanuel, who comes to wage war, rescue the captives, and restore the city to its rightful rule. But Mansoul’s sin has brought it under a terrible threat — how will Emmanuel save the town from destruction and win back its heart?
♥️Throughout the story, children (and adults) are invited into a grand allegory of the human heart & soul: how we turn away, how we’re deceived, and how rescue and redemption are offered through the God’s love and power, and the sacrificial death of his son.
📖There are also helpful summaries at the end of each chapter which explains the deeper biblical themes and meanings as well as questions to develop understanding and application.
This is a story that can grow with the family. Although my daughter loved the story, the deeper meaning of it was not fully understood by her yet. But I know as she grows we can continue to go back to it and discuss the truth it is reflecting and will prove a powerful picture in understanding the reality of the gospel; the sinfulness of our hearts and the sacrificial saving love of Christ!
🗡️This book is an adaptation of John Bunyan’s ‘Holy War’, (the original I have not read) for kids. The beautifully illustrated allegory, starts at the beginning of time & King Shaddai’ creation of the peace-filled town of Mansoul, who lives under the wise and benevolent rule But this peace is shattered when the deceitful dragon Diabolus rises up in treachery and convinces the people of Mansoul to betray their true King and follow his lies.
🔥As Mansoul falls into rebellion and darkness, hopes rest on the shoulders of the brave Prince Emmanuel, who comes to wage war, rescue the captives, and restore the city to its rightful rule. But Mansoul’s sin has brought it under a terrible threat — how will Emmanuel save the town from destruction and win back its heart?
♥️Throughout the story, children (and adults) are invited into a grand allegory of the human heart & soul: how we turn away, how we’re deceived, and how rescue and redemption are offered through the God’s love and power, and the sacrificial death of his son.
📖There are also helpful summaries at the end of each chapter which explains the deeper biblical themes and meanings as well as questions to develop understanding and application.
This is a story that can grow with the family. Although my daughter loved the story, the deeper meaning of it was not fully understood by her yet. But I know as she grows we can continue to go back to it and discuss the truth it is reflecting and will prove a powerful picture in understanding the reality of the gospel; the sinfulness of our hearts and the sacrificial saving love of Christ!
January 15, 2025
When I was about 10 years old I picked up the Holy War by John Bunyan. I knew it was good stuff and I thought I could wade through it, like a huge plate of broccoli. And I tried! But I didn't get very far. The old English choked me up like that squishy, nauseating vegetable.
So I was super excited when I saw that Lithos Press was releasing the Mansoul Chronicles. We have just loved this book! We've finished it and started it all over again, mostly because my kids won't ever let me miss their daily chapter.
Lithos has done a fabulous job of taking the meat of John Bunyan's epic and repackaging it for kids. First off, the binding and presentation of the book is just beautiful... but what else would you expect from Lithos? We just love the art!
Each chapter is around the ten to fifteen minute mark - nice and digestible for a daily read. I did have to simplify the language for them here and there, as it's written at a bit of a higher level. The questions after each chapter helped my kids apply the allegory to reality.
As for the content of the book, it's truly profound. My kids saw the seismic battle between Diabolo and Shaddai. They felt the weight of Mansoul's bondage. They felt the tragedy and joy of Emmanuel's sacrifice. It's an incredible picture of the Gospel - one that I feel John Bunyan himself would rejoice in.
We can't wait for the next one!
So I was super excited when I saw that Lithos Press was releasing the Mansoul Chronicles. We have just loved this book! We've finished it and started it all over again, mostly because my kids won't ever let me miss their daily chapter.
Lithos has done a fabulous job of taking the meat of John Bunyan's epic and repackaging it for kids. First off, the binding and presentation of the book is just beautiful... but what else would you expect from Lithos? We just love the art!
Each chapter is around the ten to fifteen minute mark - nice and digestible for a daily read. I did have to simplify the language for them here and there, as it's written at a bit of a higher level. The questions after each chapter helped my kids apply the allegory to reality.
As for the content of the book, it's truly profound. My kids saw the seismic battle between Diabolo and Shaddai. They felt the weight of Mansoul's bondage. They felt the tragedy and joy of Emmanuel's sacrifice. It's an incredible picture of the Gospel - one that I feel John Bunyan himself would rejoice in.
We can't wait for the next one!
March 12, 2025
Looking for a wonderful read-aloud for the entire family? I highly recommend The Mansoul Chronicles, Book 1: The Fall & Rise of Mansoul by @lithoskids.
This book is an adaptation of John Bunyan’s classic The Holy War—fully illustrated and designed for kids. It’s a story that both you and your children will love. I was just as captivated by the story as my little one, and the illustrations are stunning, just like other Lithos Kids titles.
The book is an allegory that reminded me of the sin and darkness in our world—and in my own heart. It includes chapter summaries, scripture references, and discussion questions, which make it easy to talk to your children about the deeper truths within the story.
My little one was so excited to keep going and wanted to read multiple chapters at a time! This book is perfect for kids ages 6-12. My daughter is almost 5, and it was still engaging for her, so that might be helpful when deciding if this book is right for your family.
BONUS: There’s also an audiobook available that you can purchase and upload to a Yoto card
This book is an adaptation of John Bunyan’s classic The Holy War—fully illustrated and designed for kids. It’s a story that both you and your children will love. I was just as captivated by the story as my little one, and the illustrations are stunning, just like other Lithos Kids titles.
The book is an allegory that reminded me of the sin and darkness in our world—and in my own heart. It includes chapter summaries, scripture references, and discussion questions, which make it easy to talk to your children about the deeper truths within the story.
My little one was so excited to keep going and wanted to read multiple chapters at a time! This book is perfect for kids ages 6-12. My daughter is almost 5, and it was still engaging for her, so that might be helpful when deciding if this book is right for your family.
BONUS: There’s also an audiobook available that you can purchase and upload to a Yoto card
May 2, 2025
In a world where "Do as your hearts please" is the constant whisper of culture, let's share stories with our kids to hide Truth in their hearts, to alight their souls for Christ, and to fill their minds with stories that fuel their moral imagination.
Don't fret if you haven't read John Bunyan's "The Holy War", because neither have I. The author has crafted each chapter with the gospel clearly presented and provided a chapter summary to help you and your young reader grasp the allegory.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0 stars. I highly recommend!
Please note this contains heavy topics and might be best for kids 6+. A quick preread will help you determine if it's a good fit.
____________
I was given a book in exchange for an honest review. The above are my opinions for my full review visit mudpieswithsprinkles.com
Don't fret if you haven't read John Bunyan's "The Holy War", because neither have I. The author has crafted each chapter with the gospel clearly presented and provided a chapter summary to help you and your young reader grasp the allegory.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0 stars. I highly recommend!
Please note this contains heavy topics and might be best for kids 6+. A quick preread will help you determine if it's a good fit.
____________
I was given a book in exchange for an honest review. The above are my opinions for my full review visit mudpieswithsprinkles.com
July 16, 2025
Such an awesome allegory for the Gospel... wow. Definitely recommend for everyone. Beautiful illustrations, too.
Negatives: some misspellings and grammatical errors (3 or 4 that I noticed). Honestly not sure how these errors happened... they're very obvious, but the story is so good that the errors aren't distracting (even for me).
Will is so excited to start the book over again. He's so into this story and we CAN'T WAIT for Book 2 to come out next year!
Negatives: some misspellings and grammatical errors (3 or 4 that I noticed). Honestly not sure how these errors happened... they're very obvious, but the story is so good that the errors aren't distracting (even for me).
Will is so excited to start the book over again. He's so into this story and we CAN'T WAIT for Book 2 to come out next year!
January 11, 2025
Such a great story for children to get a visual representation of the Gospel and the effects of sin. My children were excited to read every chapter, the illustrations are beautiful and the summations and questions following each chapter were so helpful in facilitating conversations. I highly recommend!
January 9, 2025
W loved it, the illustrations are also beautiful. Thankful for all the symbolism to our real life situations and how our world come to be. We even hooked made our Yoto card to go with the story. LOVE these books!
January 9, 2025
This is another excellent book by Lithos Kids. We have all of their books and we love them. We come from a reformed baptist background and are impressed with how well and faithfully they handle scripture.
Definitely check out their Pilgrims Progress series and their New and Old testaments.
Definitely check out their Pilgrims Progress series and their New and Old testaments.
July 12, 2025
This is brilliant- just like every other book published by Lithos Kids.
With amazing illustrations, it's a captivating story allegorising how Christ comes to live in, love and conquer every heart that trusts him!
With amazing illustrations, it's a captivating story allegorising how Christ comes to live in, love and conquer every heart that trusts him!
November 19, 2025
Great story. Our kids loved listening to it. The chapters always ended in such a way that our kids wanted to keep reading. We appreciated the summary and questions at the end of each chapter. It made for great family discussion. This story helps understand the gospel.
December 13, 2024
Read this aloud to my kids. They kept asking for ‘one more chapter’, and we ended up reading the whole thing in 2 sittings. Great simplified version of John Bunyans, Holy War.
January 9, 2025
A great allegory. My kids did not want me to put it down!
January 30, 2025
Read aloud to the kids
April 2, 2025
The boys love this one.
April 26, 2025
Kids loved this one.
June 21, 2025
It's an allegory about the Bible, its written by John Bunyan. Amen
July 17, 2025
Listened to the audiobook, which was probably better than reading aloud, but Lithos Kids are still not my favorite (very heavy handed) though granted they're nicely designed!
December 4, 2025
Incredible allegory and wonderfully told story.
Lithos Yoto card voices are amazing.
Highly recommend!
Lithos Yoto card voices are amazing.
Highly recommend!
March 11, 2025
Beautiful illustrations. Captivating story - my boys were enthralled. Even my 20 month old loved the pictures of the dragon - growling every time he saw it.
They begged to read it over and over again. Loved seeing them naturally pick up on the allegory components of Christ, sin, Satan, forgiveness. Truly well done adaptation of The Holy Wars.
They begged to read it over and over again. Loved seeing them naturally pick up on the allegory components of Christ, sin, Satan, forgiveness. Truly well done adaptation of The Holy Wars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews