This is an invaluable and original book edited by two renowned authors in the field of early childhood, Daryl Maisey and Verity Campbell-Barr. The edition focuses on the readers themselves and invites them to adopt a reflexive approach to their practice with young children and families. How do they apply different theories to their practice and draw on shared knowledge and experience? The book is written in collaboration with teachers in the field and includes a range of helpful case studies to contextualise the discussions. Readers are invited to know themselves as people and professionals. How do their individual approaches make a difference to children's development? The book is at once scholarly and accessible, with reference to recent international research and current practice in different contexts. This is a quality, unique edition emanating from a strong, European early childhood heritage like no other, the hallmarks of which are scholarship, social justice and compassion.

Sarah Cousins, Associate Professor, Early Years and Social Studies, University of Warwick, UK

This informative edited book for teachers brings together insights about child development from research, theory and practice perspectives and highlights practical, informed ways that teachers can help children and young people to develop physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually as happy, healthy learners for life in the twenty-first century.

Jane Murray, Associate Professor, University of Northampton, UK

A readable and accessible text which will support our students in their Child Development module ... Strengths are its readability, useful annotated biography, reflective questions and the strong links between theory and practice, exploring the relationship between the two. The window on research brings an additional currency for today's students.

Pam Wooding, Assosicate Lecturer in Primary Teacher Education, University of Derby, UK

A very useful addition to the core texts for understanding child development.

Wilma Irvine, Teaching Fellow in Primary Physical Education, University of Edinburgh, UK