Recent studies of childhood have emphasized the conviction that a child
develops his talents even more in his playtime than in his school; his
spontaneous activities build up his fourfold--physical, mental, social,
and moral--nature. Probably no collection of books has been more
strongly affected by this modern discovery than the BOYS AND GIRLS
BOOKSHELF. The whole effort has been to utilize the child's
play-interests so that they shall express themselves in joyous ways that
lead into the world of invention and industry, of imagination and
achievement, of science and art and music, of character and worth-while
deeds.
Children's collections have had various literary styles. The
encyclopedia is comprehensive, but stately and often dull; it will
answer the question of the child, but it does not lead the child toward
more knowledge. The scrapbook is interesting, but it has no plan or
order. The "inspirational" book is full of fine sentiments, but without
facts or much information.