The Magic Years

the long version

The Magic Years is almost 40 years old, yet this book still offers a wonderful way of looking at how kids think, and why they act the way they do based on their cognitive and emotional abilities. The Magic Years refers to the psychological sense of discovery and magical power a young child feels. This book is used in many child development courses, but is a good read for anybody wanting to understand the young child's mind as he grows, acquires knowledge, and moves into more logical thought patterns. Selma Fraiberg's respect for children radiates from the pages. Take a little bit of time with this book; as Fraiberg says, "It is the quality of our understanding...that provides us with the right method at critical moments."