This Fourth Edition of Language and Literacy in the Early Years has been fully revised and updated to reflect current professional interests and the latest developments in the field. The book provides comprehensive coverage of issues in language, literacy and learning, focusing on the age range from birth to eight years. New material covers theory of mind, key persons, and social and emotional dimensions of learning. The author has added material on difficulties with language development; phonics and the new literacies. Key terms, further reading and a revised layout make the book accessible to students.