Review of the first edition:

This book should be essential reading for every student of Early Childhood. Helen Penn is a highly regarded academic who has the rare ability to write simply and lucidly about complex issues. This eagerly awaited new edition provides a lively critical overview of the field. Highly recommended.
Professor Trisha Maynard, Head of the Department of Childhood Studies, Swansea University, UK

Understanding Early Childhood provides students with a clear, user-friendly introduction to a number of difficult concepts and theories in early childhood education. Drawing on research evidence from various countries and reviewing studies about children from different disciplines - including anthropology, economics, history, psychology and sociology - it offers broad and insightful perspectives on the ways in which we understand and study young children.

Revised and updated throughout, the second edition covers contemporary theories and debates in a concise and accessible style. Unique features include:

• A critical discussion of child development
• A broad interdisciplinary approach
• A general overview of theoretical approaches and research methodologies
• New coverage of global trends about childhood.
• An important new chapter on the economics of early education and care
• Updates on the relevance of neuroscience and genetic research to early childhood
• 'What to read next' at the end of each chapter
• The ability to be used by varying levels of students

The book concludes with a postscript on the theme of interdisciplinary thinking and a critique of current policy initiatives in the UK.

Understanding Early Childhood is key reading for early childhood students and practitioners working with young children.