1


                                                                    Exhibit 23.1

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement of
The Learning Company, Inc. (formerly known as Softkey International Inc.) on
Form S-8 of our report dated March 27, 1997, on our audits of the consolidated
financial statements and financial statement schedule of valuation and
qualifying accounts of The Learning Company, Inc. as of January 4, 1997 and
January 6, 1996 and for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended
January 4, 1997, which report is included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.



                                           /s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
                                           -----------------------------------  
                                           COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.



Boston, Massachusetts
January 28, 1998