by Deborah Albon and Penny Mukherji (Sage, £17.99, ISBN 978-1-41294-7220)
Reviewed by Fiona Hamilton-Fairley, principal, The Kids' Cookery School, London
This is a comprehensive and interesting book which explores many different aspects of young children's health and eating habits. It is a slender volume (just over 170 pages) but it covers a great deal of ground. There are a number of case studies in each of the chapters. If you are working with young children in any capacity, I am convinced that this book is worth reading to understand more about our children's diets and nutrition today.
It is clearly written and very well researched. There are eight chapters which cover everything from food policy, healthy eating guidelines, eating and emotion, food culture and identity, through to multidisciplinary working. This book seeks to demonstrate that what you eat and drink from a very young age can and will make a difference to your health and well-being over the course of your life. I like the authors' approach and tone, which are both informative and positive.
The reader is encouraged to be proactive throughout the book: each chapter contains activities and discussion points and additional resources for further research. My only criticism of the book would be the lack of colour or pictures. I feel that some upbeat illustrations would make all the hard work really come to life.
Inclusion, Equality and Diversity in Working with Children
By Sue Griffin (Heinemann, £15.99, ISBN 978-0-435402-40-2)
This very accessible book takes a holistic look at what it means to be an inclusive and anti-discriminatory setting. It includes many thought-provoking examples of how principles can be put into practice and provides a non-technical overview of the relevant legislation and policies.
Foundations of Literacy: A balanced approach to language, listening and literacy skills in the early years
By Sue Palmer and Ros Bayley (Network Continuum, £14.99, ISBN 978-1-84706-089-1)
Aimed at practitioners working with children aged from three to six years old, the updated third edition of this book includes:
- Creative ways to build handwriting skills
- Activities for young children to develop language, listening and phonemic awareness
- How to develop literacy skills through music, movement, song, role play, story telling and picture books.
