Many parents and grandparents have fond memories of Hillyer's classic stories of world history. From prehistoric "cave" men through the 20th century, A Child's History of the World conveys history to children through short, simple, and engaging stories of wars, kings, famous people, and events.

The included lesson manual features student assignments, materials needed, the objective, lesson instructions, discussion questions, and enrichment ideas (with some found in the workbook). The included workbook features fill-in-the-blank outlines for each lesson, a timeline to cut out, and enrichment activities that include recipes, puzzles, crafts, games, and more.

This set includes:

Hardcover A Child's History of the World, 439 pages

Lessons Manual with answer key, 193 pages softcover and spiralbound

Workbook with hands-on activities, and an answer key. 386 pages, spiralbound softcover

I consider Virgil M. Hillyer (1875–1931) as a Mr. Chips figure. He was a school headmaster with classical training from the olden days of Harvard, and he was as honorably fond of children as he was of teaching. The tone of his writing is personable and pleasant, and he favors good teaching techniques. In his introduction he recommends that the student "should be required to retell each story after he has read it."

Because of my fondness for using A Child's History of the World in our homeschool—and because the book is old enough to fit the time period of my story Pocketful of Pinecones—the mother in my book reads it to her children in the 1930s. She directs her children to draw pictures for a timeline that she pins to the wall, as suggested by Mr. Hillyer.

First published in 1924, the book has had several revisions. In this new edition, the few chapters tacked onto the end include some political correctness. As was generally accepted when the main body of the book was written, Old Testament characters such as Abraham, Moses, and Joseph have a place in history and are referred to as real people. One entire chapter gives a story of Christ—as a significant person involved in significant events. The opening chapter supports a big bang theory with cave men to follow. Therefore, discussion is invited. I am recommending A Child's History of the World because its merits outweigh its few incongruities.

Although not a Christian institution, the Calvert School publishes impressive materials. (See A Child's History of Art, also in this catalog). Calvert has been supplying homeschools with resources for more than 100 years. At one time the only option for instruction was to register a student for a full year's course of study. Today, however, A Child's History of the World course can be purchased for home use. The textbook is a 439-page hardcover. The 193-page spiralbound lesson manual is an easy-to-follow guide designed specifically for the home teacher. Along with its fill-in-the-blank outline, the 386-page spiralbound workbook explains enrichment activities such as making a globe, a compass, invisible ink, King Alfred's candle, monastery soup, and more. For the average age of ten.

—Karen

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