The Children's friend [ed.] by W.C. Wilson [and others].

The Children's Friend was established in 1824 by the Reverend William Carus Wilson, a figure notable for his evangelical zeal and his commitment to shaping the moral character of Victorian youth. Published during a period when didactic literature for children was burgeoning, the periodical aimed to provide instructive, pious reading material that encouraged Christian virtues, good conduct, and literacy among the working classes and Sunday school attendees.

The publication's design and editorial philosophy centered on simple narratives, poems, and anecdotal lessons that were intended to be accessible to young minds while reinforcing the social and religious values of the time. While specific illustrative records are often dispersed due to the serial nature of the publication, the series is widely regarded by historians of children's literature as a foundational example of nineteenth-century moral instruction, reflecting the earnest, paternalistic pedagogical approach championed by Wilson throughout his career.