The Core Knowledge Series is a wonderful collection of books for parents who want to homeschool or prepare their children for school during the summer months. Filled with fun activities, plenty of stories and songs, and lists of milestones and skills that children need to progress in school, the books are a great supplement to an educational library.

That said, there are some claims made within the series that aren’t completely legitimate. I’ve been reading the preschool edition (What Your Preschooler Needs to Know) and have been finding it largely enjoyable, if not repetitive; after all, most of these activities and stories are things that my daughter and I already do together. What I have found objectionable is the book’s take on early literacy.

The authors (editors E.D. Hirsch Jr. and Linda Bevilacqua) take the automatic stance that all children should be early readers to prepare them for school life, which is essentially dismissing types of education, such as the Waldorf method, that delay reading for a time when children may be readier for such activity. The Waldorf method has worked for hundreds, if not thousands of people, and it should not be cast away in such a manner. All children are different and not every technique will work with every child.

The book also gives a “history” lesson about early settlers, George Washington, and other historical people without taking into consideration multiple view points, actual events versus legends, and myths associated with these people created to spawn a feeling of nationalism and love of country in schools across the nation. Rather than using these propaganda techniques for my child, I would much rather do some research on actual colonial stories, Native American culture, and the presidents myself and present them in another fashion.

Otherwise, the fables, nursery rhymes, songs, and games presented within are a lot of fun to use and can really help you decide what you think your child might be interested in learning about. The different milestones in the back of the book—such as tying shoes, catching a ball, etc.—are all very interesting to read as well, though I would think that they’d be more prominently featured.

All in all, the book is helpful and largely fun to read aloud with children. It would make an excellent edition to most early learning libraries. I wouldn’t say that it’s the end-all of everything your preschooler “needs” to know, but I would definitely say that there are plenty things in the book worth knowing—and some that simply are not.