Well, truth be told, these books weren’t around back then. But if they had been, and had someone been thoughtful enough to have given them to Mr. Heinz II, well, imagine all the trouble that would have been saved!

By the way, “these books” to which we refer are NR’s wonderful children’s tomes — our two volumes of “Classic Literature” treasuries (filled with super stories by Kipling, London, Carroll, Burnett, Baum, Alcott, Twain, and other literary giants) are perfect for older kids, and our “Classic Bedtime Stories” collection of Thornton Burgess’ delightful tales of woodland creatures are also perfect for beginning readers (and to be read to wee ones as the head off to sweet dreams).

These books are sure to be a positive influence on any youngster lucky enough to be given them. Surely that great son or special granddaughter or beloved niece will — aided and abetted by the dozens and dozens of beautifully written stories we’ve published (each one teaches a lesson, and each one is wholesome!) — mature into tomorrow’s solid citizens. Hurrah!

For that to happen, all a deserving kid needs is . . . someone thoughtful (like you!) to give them the books. Make sure that special young one you know doesn’t grow up to be an liberal extremist senator from Massachusetts, or any state for that matter. Get him one or all of National Review’s critically acclaimed children’s books. They’re available here.