Highly readable and chronologically organized, this new edition discusses topics in development from prenatal issues through middle childhood, omitting a discussion of adolescence. The book brings children to life with real examples that illustrate the diversity of children in the U.S. and worldwide. Solidly grounded in the most current research, it features an excellent multicultural emphasis and provides outstanding coverage of current social issues regarding children and their families. This book unites theory, research, and applications and maintains a first-rate pedagogical program to help readers master and think actively about the material. All essential topics are consistently followed across the age sectors of the book, providing readers with a continuous perspective on developmental change. The topics of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development are effectively integrated as well.