Evaluates the extent to which Smith's work adds to the theoretical and evidentiary basis for the role of playgrounds in children's education and development. Finds the basic construct of "risk" as presented in the book to be unfocused, and suggests that to make inferences from the work about the value of risk for children is premature. (HTH)

Reviews Cannella's book which questions assumptions of early-childhood education and child development. Asserts that children develop in a progressive, stage-related fashion that blends with adulthood rather than being separate from it. Considers the quality of the theoretically rich investigation and reconceptualization of early education. (JPB)

Reviews "Contexts of Early Intervention: Systems and Settings." Maintains that the book's strengths include its discussion of how macrosystems reflect the overall context of early intervention, funding issues, and the comprehensive description of family child care. Suggests that not all chapters are equally strong in emphasizing research…

Considers Boysson-Bardies' book a thorough and thought-provoking description of early language development and the research related to how infants learn to talk and respond to speech. Notes the value of the book's discussion of cross-cultural variation in vocabulary development and individual differences related to special education. (JPB)

Suggests that Corsaro's well-written book has a number of especially useful sections, specifically those on the history of childhood, social problems, and children's cultures. Notes that segments from Corsaro's and other researchers' work and numerous photographs and figures contribute to the book's accessibility. Problems noted include the…

Maintains that the primary contribution of Wolfberg's book is its integration of various research literatures and its rich case studies, though its noncritical stance toward prevailing diagnostic paradigms for autism might be a shortcoming. Suggests that the book's reference to developmental stages is remarkably traditional for a text that…

Notes that second edition of "The Hundred Languages of Children" emphasizes rethinking images of adults as teachers, parents, and citizens; highlights the role of documentation; and adds chapters offering reflections related to negotiated learning, professional development and policy, and cultural assumptions about children and society. Identifies…

Reviews Goldstein's book exploring the contributions feminist thinking could make to early-childhood-education practices, particularly the role of love in teaching. Considers the value of descriptions of classroom interactions to be teacher-friendly and accessible, and Goldstein's assertion that love alone is not enough but must be supplemented by…

Maintains that Gottman and DeClaire's work offers valuable guidance and research-based information to adults who parent, care for, or educate children, focusing on the Emotion Coaching technique. Summarizes important components of each chapter. Notes that individual chapters are well organized and that the author's style reaches a broad audience.…

Maintains that "Beyond Quality in Early Childhood Education and Care" is the most far-reaching exploration to date of the implications of postmodern thinking for early childhood education. Notes that the book's great strength is its careful construction of an alternative way of thinking about early childhood and its institutions, and…

Maintains that Tabors' edited work is the most comprehensive and practical book on the topic available and an essential part of the knowledge base for early care and education professionals. Highlights the book's practical suggestions, concrete examples to illustrate language principles, and recommendations for teachers. Asserts that the content…

Maintains that Schorr's provocative book omits consideration of the basic question raised: whether the social reform the book seeks is possible without a sea change in national politics. Suggests that the book's insights should spur policy makers, nonprofit sector leaders, agency officials, community builders, and philanthropists to use resources…

Describes "Studying Children in Context" as a reader- friendly book that situates studying children within the process of conducting qualitative research. Notes strengths including discussion of ethics and methods of data generation and organization, and inclusion of case studies that illuminate researchers' struggles. Notes limitations…

Maintains that Gallas' book exemplifies her talent for and commitment to teacher research and that it richly documents students' social worlds. Asserts that two aspects of the investigation are problematic: the use of a male/female polarity that sometimes reifies stereotypes, and the consistent disavowal of racism in children. (Author/KB)

Notes that variety and difference in writing styles, methodology, and theoretical perspectives are both the greatest strength and greatest limitation of this book containing articles on child, adult, and animal play written by authors from education, psychology, anthropology, and sociology. Suggests that readers can gain theoretical and…