"...this book delivers on multiple perspectives with sections on the cognitive, ecological, and sociocultural viewpoints well represented. Particularly helpful are the commentaries after each section, which review the salient points and integrate the information and the issues....This is a rich resource for those involved in teacher and parent education programs as well as for early childhood and literacy educators. Recommended at all levels."—CHOICE"This book is not merely an excellent source for experienced scholars, but should be a good source of knowledge for doctoral students learning the issue from 'all around'. It is also a book that I would recommend to teacher training departments in Universities and colleges, not to mention teachers already working in the field of early childhood education."—TASP Newsletter"This text offers stimulating insight into the relationships among early play behaviors and practices and the child's acquisition of literacy. In addition, readers will more fully understand that play, itself, is a zone of proximal development (to borrow from Vygotsky) and, as such, is a learning opportunity that invites children to expand their physical, social, emotional, and intellectual boundaries."—Journal of Childhood Education International"An important building block and next step in constructing theory and a knowledge base on literacy and play. The research and theory contained in this volume represent a second-generation look at the issues and serves to expand our thinking."—Catherine KurkjianCentral Connecticut State University