Goodrich wrote across genres, combining elements of fiction and nonfiction. This book focuses on reality. In it, colored engravings of states and regions are paired with questions that require children to analyze the maps. Goodrich often claimed that fact was much more formative for children than fiction. And he aimed to steer clear of the dark, violent images that fairy tales of the time often used to teach children a moral lesson. “Common sense … [Goodrich insisted] tells us not to take children into scenes of crime and bloodshed, unless we wish to debase them.”

Boston Public Library, Rare Books & Manuscripts