A Child's History of the World

The book ‘A Child's History of the World’ is a classic. This history storybook, which was penned shortly after World War I by Virgil Hillyer, the first Head Master of Calvert School, combines charm with information to pique young readers' interests and leave them thirsting for more knowledge. Seventy-nine tales from the past, present, and future are included in this volume of A Child's History of the World. Carle Michel Book and M.S. Wright contributed a lot of the illustrations.
This beloved Hillyer classic, one of the best history books for kids, tells tales of world history from the time of the earliest humans through the 20th century, encouraging readers to understand how different historical periods are connected.

“The Parthenon is considered by some people to be the most beautiful building in the world.”
—Virgil M. Hillyer

Virgil Mores Hillyer (1875–1931), known as V.M. Hillyer, was an American educator, historian, and author best known for his innovative approach to teaching history and literature to children. Born in South Dakota, Hillyer developed a deep interest in classical education and graduated from Harvard University. His passion for education led him to become the first headmaster of the Calvert School in Baltimore, Maryland, a pioneer in home-based and correspondence education.
In his early and middle career, Hillyer sought to make learning engaging and accessible for young readers. His most renowned work, A Child’s History of the World (1924), presents world history in a storytelling format designed for children. The book became a foundational text in many homeschooling and classical education curricula. Its clarity, narrative style, and global perspective distinguished it from traditional textbooks of the time.
He later authored A Child’s Geography of the World and A Child’s History of Art, continuing his mission to educate children through vivid, conversational writing. These books emphasized not just facts but curiosity, context, and imagination.
V.M. Hillyer died in 1931, but his works remain in print and widely used. His legacy lies in transforming complex subjects into inspiring stories for young minds.