Children’s firsts

The first English children’s book for entertainment was a collection of rhymes called A Booke in Englyssh Metre, of the Great Merchante Man called Dives Pragmaticus, very preaty for children to reade. It was printed in London in 1563. John Cotton’s Milk for Babies was printed in Cambridge, Massachusetts, America, in 1641 – 45. Pera Librorum Juvenile (Collection of Junevile Books) was compiled in Germany by Johann Christoph Wagenseil in 1695. The History of Little Goody Two – Shoes was published by John Newbery in London in 1765. Some experts believe it was written by the famous British poet and playwright Oliver Goldsmith. Tommy Thumb’s Pretty Song Book was published in London in 1744. Some experts believe it was written by the famous British poet and playwright Oliver Goldsmith. Tommy Thumb’s Pretty Song Book was published in London in 1744. It contained well – known rhymes such as “London Bridge is falling”, “Hickory, dickory dock” and “Sing a song of sixpence”.