Written from the perspective of a Montessori preschool director, teacher educator, and father, this book presents basic information on child development from the prenatal period through the school years, highlighted by stories of child development in different cultures. The book is presented in three parts. Part 1 focuses on the "explosions and transformations" during pregnancy, infancy, and toddlerhood, including discussion of the sensitive periods described by Maria Montessori. This part also discusses the importance of bonding and emotional support, aspects of infant care and the home environment, ways to record observations of the infant and toddler, the growth of independence and self-control during toddlerhood, and selecting a preschool. Part 2 focuses on the preschool period, with the primary themes of emotional and social development, the child's self-construction, and cognitive development. Part 3 deals with the school years and addresses working in groups, the transition to reasoning, the role of competition, parents' role, parent participation in children's schooling, and the home environment. (Contains 28 references.) (KB)