The aim of this paper was to examine the different resources available to younger students and how they relate to the learning process. This has been accomplished by examining English teaching material donated by seven different educational publishing companies here in Sweden. This paper has examined the material from three different viewpoints: language acquisition and second language learning; the pedagogue; and the student. The methods used in this research paper were the gathering and compiling of facts concerning developmental processes and textbook criteria, as well as a survey given to selected students in grades 1 through 6 to determine their perspectives on teaching resources. The most important finding from the survey was that students were taking responsibility for their own learning in accordance with the National Curriculum. In conclusion, the criteria for a “good” textbook include adherence to the acquisition and learning processes, stimulating, challenging and thought provoking texts and guidance and support for today’s pedagogue.