Brown, R. (1973). A first language: The early stages. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. A classic book that describes the language development of three young children: Adam, Eve, and Sarah.
Piaget, J. (1952). The origins of intelligence in children. New York: International Universities Press. Piaget's now classic presentation of the six substages of sensorimotor development. Based on abundant observations of his three children.
Pinker, S. (1994). The language instinct: How the mind creates language. New York: Morrow. This in-depth work on language development proposes that language is an instinct, wired into our brains from birth. The author, a well known linguist, answers questions such as how language evolves, how the brain computes it, and how children learn it. He discusses modern linguistic theory in a way that is easily understandable to the average reader.
Wilde, J. A. (1993). The child's discovery of the mind. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. According to Piaget, children have little understanding of the mind before age six. But in the last 20 years, Piaget's methods have been challenged and his conclusions revised. Here is a fascinating survey of the research in this area, studying the implications for children's intellectual and social development.
Brazelton, T. B. (1992). Touch points: Your child's emotional and behavioral development. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley. This comprehensive reference book by the pediatrician who developed the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale discusses and gives advice to parents relating to issues that come up during the first six years of children's lives. The author defines "Touch points" as universal spurts of development and periods of regression during childhood.
Eyer, D. D. (1992). Mother-infant bonding: A scientific fiction. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press. An engrossing historical account of the bonding "myth," showing how the idea that mothers and infants must be physically close immediately after birth gained scientific currency despite its lack of validity, how it fell from favor, and what its effect has been on women, infants, and hospital practices.
Kopp, C. (1994). Baby's steps: The "whys" of your child's behavior in the first two years. New York: W. H. Freeman. An authority in the field focuses on how development leads children to act the way they do. Special "Snapshot" sections give entertaining real-life examples, and there are suggestions for how you can help your own baby or toddler.
Kurcinka, M. S. (1992). Raising your spirited child. New York: Harper Collins. This book by an early childhood educator who is also a parent offers a reassuring and practical approach to working with children often called "difficult. " Cognitive relabeling of temperamental traits helps adults to see them as strengths, and to develop effective strategies for helping these children see themselves positively.
Webber, J. (1993). Children's medication guide book. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall. A mother and pharmacist is the author of this guide for parents who want to know more about the medications that are prescribed for their children and about nonprescription medications. Provides information on use, dosage, precautions, and side effects.