An opening part on child development and health promotion sets the tone for understanding later chapters on specific health problems, organised by age groups and body systems, in this book. The role and influence of the family in health and illness is emphasised whilst also providing a comprehensive presentation of pathophysiology to creat an understanding of the impact of disease on normal physiologic functions. The book also integrates play, safety, language, self esteem, nutrition, dental health, sleep, exercise, sexuality and other aspects of health into the appropriate age chapters to provide an overall view of the child and family.