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                                                                 EXHIBIT 23.1


                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

   
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements of
The Learning Company, Inc. (formerly known as Softkey International, Inc.) on
Form S-3 (File Nos. 33-73422, 33-63073, 333-00145, 333-02385, 333-03271,
333-10009, 333-40543, 333-40549) and Form S-8 (File Nos. 33-75134, 33-92920,
33-92922, 33-61931, 333-00107, 333-02337, 333-04619, 333-40539, 333-42449,
333-43653, 333-45113, 333-45115) our report dated February 9, 1998 (except as
to note 12, which is as of March 6, 1998) on our audits of the consolidated
financial statements and financial statement schedule of The Learning Company,
Inc. as of January 3, 1998 and January 4, 1997, and for each of the three
fiscal years in the period ended January 3, 1998, which report is included in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.



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

    

Boston, Massachusetts
May 28, 1998