Charles B. Gilbert, Superintendent of Schools, Newark, N. J.
The remarkable success of this new series of Readers has exceeded even the anticipations of those who knew the large experience of its authors in educational work, and their peculiar fitness for preparing a series of reading books that should not only meet the needs of the schoolroom but should be educative in the highest degree. Briefly stated, the salient points of the series may be characterized as follows:—
1. It provides a carefully graded reader for each of the eight grades.
2. It is practical. The authors know what children like and what they need.
3. It furnishes more reading matter and of better literary quality than any other series.
4. It is more fully and more beautifully illustrated than any other series.
Every book is a treasure-house of choice thoughts happily clothed in fitting words. While the need of simplicity has been recognized in the lessons for younger pupils, these have been skillfully planned to awaken the child mind, and to give pupils a foretaste of what lies beyond; so that the primary readers, no less than those of higher grades, are truly "stepping stones to literature." The subject-matter in each book has been adapted with rare skill and discrimination to its special grade. It embraces nature study, classical mythology, legendary lore, stories of adventure, patriotic and other poems, historical literature, etc., and gives children an all-round education which proves reactive in every direction. In the higher readers, selections are given entire in many cases, so as to form literary wholes,—a unique and much-approved feature.
The illustrations are no less worthy of mention than the text. They are more numerous than in any series of readers heretofore published. Many of them are reproductions of famous works by great artists, and the pupils are thus familiarized with the best in art as well as in literature. They also serve as language lessons. The portraits of authors lend added interest to their writings. The artistic vertical script used in the earlier grades surpasses anything ever before introduced into elementary reading books.
The series as a whole may justly be said to set a new standard of literary and artistic excellence for school readers.
Our list comprises superior text-books for every grade of instruction.
The following are a few out of many testimonials to the merits and practical value of this notable series of school readers.
Stepping Stones To Literature presents literary gems which appeal to the intelligence and fancy of the child in a manner that will give him a desire to know the best in literature. The illustrations must educate the taste, while they give delight.—J. A. Utter, Principal of Teachers' Training School, Albany, N. Y.
These books are fine, viewed either from the literary or artistic standpoint. The stories selected are so adapted that, while none of their beauty is lost, they are perfectly suited to the ability of our youngest readers.—Bessie M. Schofield, Supervisor of Primary Schools, Providence, R. I.
I know of no readers that compare with them in every point that goes towards making a model series of books.—O. S. Moles, Ph.D., Principal of Sherman School, Denver, Col.
We are using the books in our schools, and teachers and pupils are delighted with them. I have had rather a prejudice against school readers, and have used various supplementary books in place of regular readers, but this series fully meets my ideal of school reading.—B. B. Jackson, Superintendent of Schools, Ashland, Wis.
In beauty of finish, and in the artistic excellence of the illustrations, these readers surpass anything of the kind that I have seen.—W. F. Gordy, Principal of Second North School, Hartford, Conn.
I know of no series that I like so much. They seem to me books for which teachers, parents, and children may be truly thankful.—Mrs. Alice W. Cooley, Asst. Superintendent of Schools, Minneapolis, Minn.
The books commend themselves alike for the beauty of print and pictures and the excellence of the reading matter provided in them. I do not know of anything in the schoolbook line which quite equals them.—J. W. Stearns, Director School of Education, University of Wisconsin.
These books will do more than provide mere practice lessons in reading. They cannot fail to stimulate a thirst for true culture, in the broadest sense.—Review of Reviews, New York.
This is in every way a remarkable series of readers. The books are masterpieces in art, literature, and pedagogy. The aim is to have children see the world about them clearly, appreciate the beautiful in nature and the good in human nature, think more intelligently, and live more helpfully.—New England Journal of Education, Boston.
These readers show a familiarity with child-life, its needs and interests, which every true teacher will appreciate. Both as to matter and attractiveness of appearance they are superior to any yet published.—The Teacher, Philadelphia.
Our list comprises superior text-books for every grade of instruction. Our illustrated catalogue and descriptive circulars sent free on application. Correspondence cordially invited.