Reviews: For your shelf

The authors stress the importance of a whole-child approach to teaching communication, language and literacy, by introducing learning experiences in a positive way for children and their families.

The book considers how children develop and learn, and it emphasises the importance of practitioners' knowledge about child development in order to best support individuals. There is also information on recent brain research.

This is an accessible book, with more than 100 photos, aimed at teachers, teaching assistants, all Level 3 practitioners and childminders in all settings, from home learning environments to children's centres.

Promoting children's wellbeing: policy and practice, Edited by Janet Collins and Pam Foley (Policy Press, ú19.99, ISBN 9781847420596)

This accessible textbook analyses and examines the policies, services and practice skills needed for collaborative, effective and equitable work with children.

It examines the wide-ranging and growing number of policies and practices that are intended to contribute to children's wellbeing. Topics covered include:

- the development of children's identities

- the value of play in the lives of contemporary children

- the promotion of children's health

- risk and staying safe

- family law.

This book would be relevant to students, practitioners and academics working in a wide range of children's services across the UK.

Grief in Young Children: A handbook for adults, By Atle Dyregrov (Jessica Kingsley, ú9.99, ISBN 9781843106500)

This book tackles the common misconception that pre-school children are not capable of experiencing grief in the same way that older children do. The author uses case studies to explore young children's reactions to death and loss, and looks at how they can be effectively supported.

Practical advice includes keeping children in touch with their memories, answering their questions and exploring their fears through play.