DK History Year by Year: Illustrated World History for Kids

Kids: DK History Year by Year is an illustrated world-history reference that arranges events from prehistoric times through 2018 on a shared timeline. Its short explanatory sections and themed spreads are aimed at young readers exploring how events across eras connect.

At a glance

Connects events from different regions across a shared world-history timeline.
Includes themed feature spreads, timelines, historical images, maps, graphics, and original artefacts, according to the listing.
Child-focused spreads explore everyday life in periods including Ancient Egypt, the Middle Ages, the Industrial Revolution, and World War II.
Concise explanations address major events and are presented for readers aged 9 to 12.

Price

$10.98Save 58%

Reference price: ~~$25.99~~

Price checked: Nov 13, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

The timeline format can help readers place events from different eras and regions in relation to one another.
Visual material and compact explanations offer an approachable way into broad historical topics.
Themed spreads on major movements and children's lives add options for browsing beyond a straight chronological read.

Technical specifications

13 specifications

Book details
Publisher	DK Children
Publication date	August 19, 2013
Edition	Illustrated
Language	English
Print length	320 pages
ISBN-10	1465414185
ISBN-13	978-1465414182
Reading age	8+ years, from customers
Grade level	4 - 7

Dimensions and installation
Weight listed	3.15 pounds
Dimensions	8.9 x 0.98 x 11.14 inches

Coverage and features
Timeline coverage	Updated timeline spanning prehistoric times up until 2018
Image count	Over 1500 images

What to know before buying

Listing details to confirm

The listing describes the timeline as updated through 2018, so it does not cover later events. It also gives different age guidance: the description targets ages 9 to 12, while the details list an 8+ reading age attributed to customers. The displayed publication date is 2013 despite the description mentioning an updated volume, so confirm the edition and timeline before purchase.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Children interested in illustrated, broad-coverage world history and timelines.
Parents, homeschoolers, or educators seeking short sections and visual reference material for discussion or browsing.
Readers who want to explore historical periods through both major events and examples of children's lives.

Less suited to

Buyers seeking coverage of world events after 2018.
Readers looking for an advanced, in-depth academic history text rather than a visual children's reference.

DK History Year by Year: Illustrated World History for Kids · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.8 / 5 · 3,432 ratings

5 stars86%86%
4 stars10%10%
3 stars3%3%
2 stars0%0%
1 star1%1%

Customer feedback describes the book as engaging and educational, with colorful illustrations, short sections, and broad historical coverage. Customers also report using it for homeschooling and classroom learning. These impressions fit the listed timeline and visual-reference format, though they are opinions rather than confirmation of the book's historical accuracy or depth. Aggregate ratings are mostly five-star, but a smaller portion are lower, and star ratings alone do not explain why.

Positive themes

Customers praise the engaging, educational presentation and illustrations.
Feedback highlights concise sections and broad historical coverage.
Customers mention using the book in homeschooling and classroom settings.

Frequently asked questions

What period does the book cover?

The listing says its timeline runs from prehistoric times through 2018. It therefore does not represent later events.

Who is the book intended for?

The description targets ages 9 to 12. The details also show an 8+ reading age attributed to customers, so the listing's age guidance is not fully consistent.

What makes the layout useful for browsing?

The description presents a shared timeline, themed feature spreads, concise explanations, and visual material such as images, maps, and graphics.

Is this a current edition?

The listing gives a 2013 publication date and says the timeline was updated through 2018. Confirm the specific edition and coverage if those details matter.