Berk, L. E. (2001). Awakening children's minds: How parents and teachers can make a difference. New York: Oxford University Press. Written for parents and teachers of young children, this book provides an overview of current theories of child development, straightforward advice for child rearing, and suggestions for concrete practice. Moreover, the author stresses the importance of parents in teachers in the development of competent, caring, and well-adjusted children.

Frith, U. (2003). Autism: Explaining the enigma (2^nd ed.). Malden, MA: Blackwell. Provides an overview of the history of autism, myths about the disorder, and relevant research. This updated edition also contains new diagnostic criteria for assessing autism.

Gonzalez-Mena, J. (2001). Multicultural issues in child care (3^rd ed.). Mountain View, CA: Mayfield. Presents cultural differences in child care, including daily caregiving routines, objectives emphasized in various settings, and practical concerns of caregivers. The author stresses the importance of cultural sensitivity and communication when addressing multicultural issues in child care.

Tolchinsky, L. (2003). The cradle of culture and what children know about writing and numbers before being taught. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum. A compelling look at young children's acquisition of written language and numeric skills. The author argues that preschoolers understand that writing and numerals are distinct even before receiving formal training.