"THE WIDE, WIDE WORLD."--This is a charming book, written by one of our own countrywomen, which we think may be safely and appropriately given to a pure-minded and simple-hearted daughter. If it is fictitious, it is only so as the ideal landscape of an artist, which, though unreal, compels us to exclaim, How true to nature! If the delineation of true religious character is not its main object, that of piety and benevolence is as truly a part of it, as is its fragrance a part of the rose. We should love to give it to some of our friends whose Christianity may be vital, but which does not make them lovely--who may show some of its fruits, but who hardly cultivate what may be called the leaves and flowers of a holy character. If the sternness and want of sympathy of Aunt Fortune does not rebuke them, perhaps the loveliness and patience of Ellen, and her friends, may win them to an imitation. * * * * * "LIFE IN THE WEST; OR, THE MORETON FAMILY."--This tasteful little work, coming out under the sanction of the American Sunday-School Union, hardly needs from us an item of praise; but we cannot consent to pass it by unnoticed. A more faithful and interesting picture of the trials of a Christian family in removing westward, and of their surmounting such trials, we have never seen. Religion, the religion of home, they take with them; and by the wayside, and in the log cottage, they worship their father's God. We needed such a delineation, in the form of an attractive narrative, to show us that in passing through the trials of a strange country, we are yet to be _on the Lord's side_. But beside this, there is in the work the loveliness of a well-ordered home; the picture of a faithful, thoughtful _mother_, and of children and husband appreciating such a mother. To give one little extract--"The _mother's room_! What family knows not that sociable spot--that _heart_ of the house? To it go the weary, the sick, the sad and the happy, all sure of sympathy and of aid; all secure in their expectation of meeting there the cheering word, the comforting smile, and the loving friend." In thorough ignorance of what a _new home_ should mean, little Willie inquires, "_Home_ is not a _house_, is it?" Most sensible question _for a child_. To such as desire an answer to the inquiry, we recommend the work, as one which will be of value to them and their children. * * * * * Original. PARENTAL SOLICITUDE.