When I was a child, getting Highlights for Children Magazine meant that someone thought you were pretty special. Things haven't changed! This delightful magazine has maintained some of its endearing features, such as Hidden Pictures, Goofus and Gallant (R), Riddles, and The Timbertoes. Yet, it is truly a contemporary magazine in that it has non-fiction articles about modern topics as well as today's fiction.

Founded in 1946, the magazine has as its stated mission to help children "grow in basic skills and knowledge, in creativeness, in ability to think and reason, in sensitivity to others, in high ideals, and worthy ways of living - for children are the world's most important people." This sounds like a mission statement that home schoolers can cheer! Highlights is cheered by many, as evidenced by a string of awards listed on its masthead.

This is a magazine intended not just to entertain, but to engage your child's brain. This issue I reviewed had not only craft activities, but thought provoking science questions and discussions.

If you have a special child in your life, get them this time-tested, wonderful magazine.
-- Product review by: Christine Field, The Old Schoolhouseâ„¢

What have some TOS Magazine kids said about Highlights Magazine?

September Norderg, age nine: I like the stories and challenges, such as Hidden Pictures and other things like that. I also like Goofus and Gallant, because sometimes it teaches me how to correct my wrongs. I also like The Timbertoes and jokes. Here's one: "Knock, knock, Who's there? Shelby. Shelby who? Shelby comin' 'round the mountain when she comes!"

Julia Suarez, age five: I like this magazine, because there are things I can color! It's a good magazine. It helps me learn to read. I like it!

Levi Suarez, age eight: I get to see what other kids did in Our Own Pages. I like Hidden Pictures, because there is a picture and you have to find umbrellas, candles, hats - there are a lot of them! I like to look for those because it's kinda fun - you get to get a pencil and check them. It's fun finding them. It's a custom I do.

Luke Suarez, age 10: My favorite thing about Highlights would be Goofus and Gallant, because it teaches me to think of others and not myself. I like the Hidden Pictures, because you get to find things that are hidden in a picture. I like the nonfiction stories, because they are true stories and they are interesting. Nonfiction teaches you things you need to know. Fiction stories are really fun to read, because they are not real and they do not have to teach you anything. They are stories that are made up and they have a good moral to them. I like the fiction stories in the Highlights Magazine!

Paul Suarez, age 12: My most favorite thing about Highlights Magazine is the Hidden Pictures. I like them because they are fun and challenging. I love The Timbertoes. They're very funny comics.

Coie Igarashi, age 13: I like Highlights Magazine because it's full of bright pictures and there are a lot of games. Many of the stories teach good character. They've got the Hidden Pictures and those are really fun. And...The Timbertoes are short and fun!