This book for the first time presents in convenient form the source material that teachers and students of the literature of childhood most need to have available. It is made up of classified masterpieces that were selected after a thorough sifting of every type of children's literature. The different forms of poetry and narrative, and descriptions, sketches, essays, and letters are represented.

Every piece is a complete unit or is at least easily detached from its original setting, like an Uncle Remus or an Arabian-Nights story. The selections are arranged as nearly as may be in the order of increasing difficulty. The versions given are the definitive and authoritative ones. The space devoted to each type of writing has been justly apportioned.

A bibliography, index to authors, titles, and first lines of poems and helpful notes are included. It is attractive in appearance. Though primarily designed for use in normal-school, college and library classes, it will interest teachers and parents generally, and it should be put into the hands of children.