What World Book does

World Book, Inc. is a privately held educational publishing company headquartered at 180 North LaSalle Street, Suite 900, Chicago, Illinois, with a 251-500 employee base and a history of more than 100 years. The company produces encyclopedic reference content, children's educational books, and standards-aligned workbooks for the K-12 and family learning markets, organized by grade band (Pre-K through Grade 9+) and subject matter (mathematics, science, language arts, history, geography, social studies, and STEM). Its flagship product, the World Book Encyclopedia, is published as an annual print edition priced at $1,349.00 and is positioned as the only general reference encyclopedia still in print today. The portfolio includes a large number of sub-brands such as the Building Blocks series (Mathematics, Life Science, Computer Science, Physical Science, Geography, Biology, Finance, Human Body), Basic Not Boring middle-grade workbooks, Common Core-aligned math and language arts series, Animal Lives, Dinosaurs!, Enigmas of History, Learning Ladders, Aha! Academy, Star Students, Oodles of Activities, and themed sets like the NASA-collaboration Out of This World series. World Book Online provides 24/7 digital encyclopedia access via subscription across multiple devices, and newer digital offerings include ClassMate by World Book (a teacher-focused literacy solution) and Early Learning by World Book (an interactive early-reader digital product). Distribution operates on a hybrid model: direct-to-consumer e-commerce through worldbook.com (priced in USD, with workbooks ranging from $4.99 to $24.95), institutional sales targeting schools and public libraries, and a Global Partners program for international reach. The revenue model blends one-time print sales with recurring digital subscription revenue, and marketing relies on the website, free educational resources, digital catalogs, and newsletter engagement.

Name

World Book

Legal name

World Book, Inc.

Website

https://worldbook.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1917

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

World Book, Inc. is a privately held Chicago-based educational publisher producing the annual World Book Encyclopedia, standards-aligned workbooks, children's book sets, and digital platforms (World Book Online, ClassMate, Early Learning) for K-12 schools, libraries, and families.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Educational Publishing

NAICS

Book Publishers (513130)

SIC

Books: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2731)

akta.pro primary industry

Children’s Reference & Informational Series Publishing (MPAJAFAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Children’s Educational & Curriculum Publishing (MPAJAFAF), Children’s Activity & Workbook Publishing (MPAJAFAG), K–12 Textbook Publishing (Core Curriculum) (MPAJABAA), Children’s Nonfiction Educational (Science, History, Nature) (EDAGAIAC), Children’s Activity & Practice Books (Workbooks, Puzzles, Handwriting) (EDAGAIAE)

Keywords

• Educational publishing
• Encyclopedias
• Children's books
• Digital learning
• Educational materials

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Print Book Sales: Physical encyclopedia sets, children's books, and educational workbooks sold directly through worldbook.com and through distributors to schools and libraries.
2. Digital Subscriptions: World Book Online subscription service providing 24/7 access to encyclopedic content across multiple devices. Subscription-based recurring revenue model.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

World Book publishes and sells encyclopedias, children's books, and supplementary educational materials for schools, libraries, and families. Its offerings span print books (encyclopedia sets, workbooks, activity books) and digital subscriptions (World Book Online, Early Learning, ClassMate), covering subjects from mathematics and science to language arts and social studies for grades Pre-K through 9+.

Product overview

World Book is an educational publisher offering a comprehensive portfolio of print and digital products. The core offerings include the World Book Encyclopedia (annual editions from 2022-2026) and the Discovery Encyclopedia for younger readers, available both in print and through World Book Online digital platform. The product portfolio spans multiple sub-brands including Building Blocks series (Mathematics, Life Science, Computer Science, Physical Science, Human Body, Geography, Animals and Plants, Finance), the Basic Not Boring workbook series, Common Core aligned math and language arts resources for grades K-8, and specialized series like Dr. Birdley Teaches Science, Aha! Academy, and Star Students. Children's educational offerings include Animal Lives, Dinosaurs!, Learning Ladders, Enigmas of History, and ClassMate literacy solution. The company also publishes reference works like People and Places encyclopedia, The Presidents commemorative volume, and the Discovery Science Encyclopedia. Products are organized by grade level (Pre-K through Grade 9+), subject matter (Mathematics, Science, History, Language Arts, Geography, Animals), and format (print books, digital, workbooks).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• World Book Online: Digital subscription service providing online access to encyclopedic content
• World Book Encyclopedia
• Building Blocks Series
• ClassMate by World Book
• Aha! Academy
• Star Students
• Oodles of Activities
• Basic Not Boring Series
• Discovery Encyclopedia
• Bolt
• World Book Bright Connections
• Building Blocks of Life Science

Products and services

• World Book Encyclopedia The only general reference encyclopedia still published today, providing authoritative content on almost every topic to learners of all ages with tens of thousands of index entries, colorful photos, illustrations, and maps.
• World Book Online Digital encyclopedia platform providing encyclopedic content accessible 24/7 on multiple devices, available through subscription.
• Discovery Encyclopedia A beginner general reference A-Z encyclopedia designed for elementary, ESL/ELL students, and reluctant readers that promotes comprehension, knowledge retention, and research skills.
• ClassMate by World Book Transformative literacy solution that enables teachers to engage every student across every subject with personalized attention.
• Early Learning by World Book Digital product featuring interactive environment with topical content worlds, guided reading program with Lexile levels, and read-aloud options for early learners.
• Building Blocks of Mathematics Six-volume series of mathematics books for grades 3-5 using comic-book style characters to introduce basic math concepts including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and numbers.
• Building Blocks of Life Science Eight-volume series of life science books using comic-book style to teach human body systems including circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine, skeletal, and nervous systems.
• Building Blocks of Computer Science Graphic-novel style series covering computer science concepts from hardware to artificial intelligence.
• Basic Not Boring Series Workbook series for grades 6-8 covering math, science, history, geography, language arts, and reading comprehension with high-interest themes and carefully researched skill sequences.
• Common Core Math Grade Series Activity workbooks aligned with Common Core State Standards for mathematical practice across grades K-8.
• Common Core Language Arts and Literacy Series Activity workbooks aligned with Common Core English Language Arts State Standards covering grades K-8.
• Animal Lives Seven-volume series introducing main animal groups and teaching principles of scientific classification, covering amphibians, birds, fish, insects and spiders, mammals, mollusks, and reptiles.
• Dinosaurs! Four-volume series for grades 4-8 explaining origins and features of over 100 types of dinosaurs with scientifically accurate illustrations.
• Enigmas of History Series exploring mysteries and secrets of history and folklore for students in grades 4-8, including topics like King Arthur, Stonehenge, Easter Island, Maya civilization, Atlantis, and the Trojan War.
• Learning Ladders Ten-volume series for children ages 3-6 featuring colorful illustrations, fun facts, and easy-to-understand sentences about nature, science, and communities.
• Aha! Academy Engaging series for young learners covering biology, chemistry, physics, and math with colorful design and real-world applications.
• Star Students Graphic novel series following a class with a transforming spaceship featuring puzzles, mazes, and interactive content for students.
• Oodles of Activities Activity series featuring quirky creatures helping students learn standards-aligned academic content through various projects.
• Use It! Don't Lose It! Series Daily practice series for language arts and math skills with five problems per day across 36 weeks, designed for grades 1-9+.
• Dr. Birdley Teaches Science Series developed by science teacher Nevin Katz using cartoon personality Dr. Birdley to introduce key science concepts and vocabulary.
• People and Places Seven-volume encyclopedia covering all world nations with information about geography, economy, history, culture, and migration patterns.
• Out of This World Series developed in collaboration with NASA covering space exploration, scientists, and innovations with Inventor Challenges.
• Engineering in Action Series showing possibilities of engineering careers following fictional engineers and their robot friends.
• Discovery Science Encyclopedia Comprehensive science encyclopedia for elementary and middle school students covering plants, technology, human beings, animals, earth, matter, and energy.
• Building Blocks of Human Body Series using cartoon guides with humor and fact-filled text to teach about the human body, including COVID-19 and public health topics.
• Building Blocks of Physical Science Budding scientists series covering physics fundamentals including energy, force and motion, magnetism, and sound.
• Building Blocks of Finance Financial literacy series using colorful graphic novel format to teach earning, saving, and managing wealth.
• Robots STEM-focused series covering history, current applications, and future impact of robotics.
• Cool Tech Nonfiction series examining newest technology across consumer, military, industrial, and other spheres.
• The Presidents: A Commemorative Volume Companion to World Book Encyclopedia 2026 exploring American presidents' lives, personal and political journeys.

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Encyclopædia Britannica: Direct encyclopedia competitor to World Book with both print legacy and digital subscription products (Britannica Online). Closest one-to-one comparable given shared reference-publisher heritage and overlapping institutional and consumer customer base.
• Scholastic: Major children's book and educational publisher selling to schools, libraries, and families through direct and institutional channels. Comparable in customer base (K-12, families) and content mix (children's nonfiction, workbooks, book clubs/fairs).
• DK (Penguin Random House): Publisher of illustrated reference and children's nonfiction titles. Directly comparable in the children's reference/informational segment and competes for shelf and library dollars alongside World Book Encyclopedia sets.
• Highlights for Children: Long-running children's educational content brand spanning books, magazines, and learning products for families. Comparable in brand-led, family-targeted educational publishing with a multi-decade operating history.
• Carson-Dellosa Publishing: Workbook and supplemental educational materials publisher for classroom and home use. Directly comparable to World Book's Basic Not Boring, Common Core practice, and activity book lines in price point and channel.
• Teacher Created Resources: Publisher of classroom and educational activity materials sold through school supply channels. Comparable as a workbook and activity-book peer selling into the same teacher and school purchasing motion.

Broad incumbents

• Pearson: Global educational publisher with significant K-12 and digital learning offerings. Competes with World Book for institutional school budgets and represents the larger-scale digital incumbent World Book must contend against.
• McGraw-Hill Education: Major K-12 textbook and digital curriculum publisher. Direct competitor in Common Core-aligned curriculum and assessment, with broader distribution and deeper institutional relationships than World Book.
• Houghton Mifflin Harcourt: Major K-12 educational publisher with textbooks, digital platforms, and reference content. Competes with World Book across school curriculum purchasing, particularly for Common Core-aligned core subject materials.

Emerging players

• National Geographic Kids: Children's nonfiction and reference content brand with both print and digital presence. Comparable in children's educational nonfiction/reference category and increasingly relevant in libraries and classrooms.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/world-book
• Xx.com/worldbookinc
• Facebookfacebook.com/WorldBook

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about World Book