These early books contain literature for the young reader, along with fables and folklore that have become part of the fabric of our culture. The books have the familiar look and feel of Elson's later "Dick and Jane" books. The literature selected by Elson for this series not only has literary merit, but has been chosen with an aim to deepen children's appreciation of our American history and heritage, and to encourage the development of virtues such as service to others, honesty, self-sacrifice, appreciation for the natural world, and yes, patriotism. Illustrations are used profusely in the first books as visual aids for the young reader's understanding of the text.
Book Six is divided into three sections: "Nature, Home and Country, " "Stories of Ancient Greece and Rome, " and "Great American Authors." True classics of poetry and prose from masters of the English language are contained in Part I. Part II contains Greek and Roman stories that all children should be acquainted with, such as the tales of Odysseus, Achilles and Aeneas. Part III is filled with works from the very best of American authors.