<p>This book is an invitation to discuss play materials as
the “right stuff” for supporting whole child development and well-being. It
offers developmental snapshots of the four stages of infancy, lists of
suggested play materials and books appropriate for each stage, and concrete
guidance on how and why to use these resources with infants and toddlers,
making it the perfect guide for infant and toddler teachers and families.  </p>

<p>—Diane
M. Horm, George Kaiser Family Foundation Endowed Chair and Director of the Early
Childhood Education Institute (ECEI), University of Oklahoma-Tulsa</p>

<p>This is a wonderful
overview of how to support children from birth to age 3 with a rich selection
of developmentally appropriate play materials. Each idea invites teachers to
engage the hearts and minds of young learners thoughtfully and responsively. </p>

<p>—Peter L. Mangione, Senior Director of Early Childhood
Strategic Initiatives, WestEd</p>

<p>Utilize this enlightening book and you
will experience much joy with children! It offers a full range of practical
play strategies, unique materials, and positive outcomes most appropriate for
healthy human development. Beautifully written and illustrated, this book is an
extraordinary resource for anyone seeking inspiring approaches to play and nurturing
happier, more well-balanced children.</p>

<p>—Walter F. Drew, Founder and Executive Director,
Institute for Self Active Education and Dr. Drew’s Toys</p>

<p>McMullen and Brody offer a
reflective and reader-friendly array of play materials, activities, and
practical suggestions for infant and toddler teachers that inspires quality
interactions and teaching practices. Helpful appendices include highlights of
early development, children’s books that correspond to developmental interests
and needs, and suggestions for further reading. This is an excellent resource
for new teachers! </p>

<p>—Susan L. Recchia, Professor Emeritus, Early Childhood
and Special Education, Teachers College, Columbia University </p>

<p>This thoughtfully crafted book outlines
the learning that happens during play for very young children, providing
readers with the perfect balance of developmental reasoning and application
strategies for immediate use. I will be using this book in my trainings for
infant and toddler teachers going forward. 
</p>

<p>—Jessi Beedle, Infant/Toddler Early Childhood Education
Specialist, Early Childhood Connections</p>

<p>McMullen and Brody offer clear-eyed
explanations of the <i>what</i> and <i>how</i> of materials
for supporting learning and development. Notably, they also establish <i>why</i> these
open-ended play materials and interactions are important across all areas of
development for infants, toddlers, and twos. </p>

<p>—Nancy File, Professor Emerita, University of
Wisconsin-Milwaukee</p>