Parents love the illustrations, maps, and photos, saying the visuals do as much teaching as the text and that it's an easy way to build background knowledge before or after a narrative history book like Story of the World. The recurring complaint is the roughly 80-page prehistoric opening section, which presents evolution and the Big Bang as settled fact; several Christian families skip or reframe those pages, and some note coverage of smaller topics (like the Vikings or Ancient China) is thinner than dedicated books.
Parents love
Huge breadth of world history in one heavily illustrated volume
Internet-linked extras (virtual tours, videos, games) stay current
Big font and picture-heavy pages work well for reluctant readers
Common complaints
Opening ~80 pages cover evolution/Big Bang as fact, not a fit for young-earth families
Coverage of smaller topics can be thin compared to dedicated resources
It's a reference/textbook, not a story-driven read
Who it fits
Best for
No religious content. Secular perspective throughout, including an evolutionary prehistory section
Story spine + activities. Commonly used as the spine for a chronological world-history study
Textbook and workbook. Encyclopedia format with columns of text plus captions, not a story
World history, in order. Covers world history chronologically from prehistory to 2000
Only one child. Works well as a single reference for one child's studies
Mostly offline. Mostly books and hands-on work
Some screen time. Books-based, little screen time
Some: 20–30 min daily. Read a section per topic, then move to supplementary books
Less suited for
Christian, Bible-integrated. Prehistoric section presents evolution/Big Bang as fact, which conflicts with a Bible timeline
Living books and read-alouds. Reviewers call it a textbook/reference, not a living book
These come straight from the scoring rules the quiz uses.
Similar programs
Legends & LeaguesStorybook-and-workbook geography series from Veritas Press, mixing real geography with world legends.
Khan Academy HistoryFree online history courses (World History, US History, AP options) with videos, articles, and practice questions.
A History of USTen-volume narrative U.S. history by journalist Joy Hakim, written to read like true stories, not a textbook.
Questions parents ask
Is Usborne Encyclopedia of World History a full history curriculum?
No. We list Usborne Encyclopedia of World History as a supplement: it's enrichment to use alongside a core program, not a full year of history on its own.
How does Usborne Encyclopedia of World History teach history?
Usborne Encyclopedia of World History is described as illustrated reference encyclopedia used as a spine or supplement. Parent prep: low (works as a reference/spine; some pair it with narrative books for depth).
What grades does Usborne Encyclopedia of World History cover?
Usborne Encyclopedia of World History covers grades 3rd–8th.
How much does Usborne Encyclopedia of World History cost?
$30: Internet-Linked Encyclopedia of World History, hardcover, all of world history. Prices were checked on publisher or retailer pages in September 2026; check current prices before buying.
Is Usborne Encyclopedia of World History Christian or secular?
No religious content.
What does Usborne Encyclopedia of World History cover?
World history.
Can siblings use Usborne Encyclopedia of World History together?
Partly. Families often combine children for read-alouds and discussion, with separate work by level.
Is Usborne Encyclopedia of World History online?
Mostly offline (books and paper). The parent teaches.
Does Usborne Encyclopedia of World History have a placement test?
We haven't found a placement test for Usborne Encyclopedia of World History. Most history programs are chosen by grade range or by the era you want to study.