This study provides an introduction to the everyday life and emotional needs of hospitalized children, their families and hospital staff. Although written primarily for professionals working in a paediatric setting, it has much relevance for parents as well. It combines an up-to-date review of current research literature with the personal experience of the author, who has been associated with one of the world's leading children's hospitals for more than 20 years. After an opening historical section, there are chapters on what children understand about their illness and treatment, play, pain, dealing with life-threatening conditions, dealing with stress in patients, families and medical staff, and ethical and legal issues.