Cassell, Petter, Galpin & Co. publish, among many other works, a good
line of literature for children, which, we have no doubt, will meet the
hearty commendation of all who purchase books of this kind.
Beautiful covers will often sell a child’s book, while the material
contained between the covers is of a very indifferent quality. The
books of this house have beautiful binding, but they are not excellent
in this regard at the expense of their contents. A careful examination
of any one of the works mentioned below will convince any one of their
value.
“Wild Animals and Birds” is most handsomely bound and
beautifully illustrated. It is just such a work as should
be put into the hands of every boy in the land, and it
is worthy the study of even a naturalist. The author has
selected a number of the most prominent members of the
animal kingdom and written their histories with a view to
their natural aspects, showing that life among wild animals
is not wholly occupied in a struggle for bare existence, and
he has so woven into his descriptions their habits that one
is highly pleased and instructed.
“Papa’s Little Daughters,” by Mrs. Mary D. Brine, is so
copiously supplied with engravings that if it contained
nothing more it would be enjoyed by the children. But this
is not the case, it is a story well told and pleasing. The
binding is elegant and the print clear and perfect.
The frontispiece of “Fred Bradford’s Debt,” by Joanna H.
Mathews, would instantly call forth the admiration of
children. Bound in handsomely-colored covers it is certainly
a charming book.
“Living Pages from Many Ages” contains many historical
events, both of war and peace. It is from the pen of Mary
Hield, is nicely illustrated and the subjects are well
selected. It takes up many of the most noted warriors,
giving short accounts of their lives, tells of the struggles
of artists, scholars, reformers, of adventures in all
continents and of trials of religious sects and oppressed
countries.
A child’s book of poetry, gotten up in elaborate style, with
picture covers, and pages with colored illustrations, is
entitled “Two Tea Parties.” As a publication of its kind it
is simply elegant.
A magazine for the young, with the title of “Little Folks”
is a perfect gem. It contains much to interest grown people,
and everything to entertain children. It is a book of nearly
four hundred pages and gives amusements, recreations,
stories, illustrated poems, music, Sunday reading, puzzles,
descriptions of beasts, birds and fishes, enigmas,
questions, etc.