Your Clever Baby

In this fascinating book Dr. Carol Cooper argues that cleverness is not just about achieving a high I.Q. score or doing advanced math. It is also about emotional intelligence— that mix of common sense and social skills which helps a baby grow into a well-balanced child and positive young adult. She starts with How Babies Develop and Learn, which explains that all children do better with the right style of parenting and schooling, then looks at development from birth to age 3. The New Arrival includes tips on feeding, holding and handling, and baby massage. Getting to Grips (3–6 months) advises on talking to babies and helping them to master movement. Sitting up (6–12 months) promotes psychological as well as physical nourishment. On the Go (12–18 months) focuses on language skills and understanding the world. The Independent Spirit (18–24 months) turns the spotlight on emotional intelligence. Problem-solving is devoted to 2- and 3-year-olds, with sections on mathematical skills, drawing and writing, language, and thought. Each stage is beautifully illustrated with Daniel Pangbourne’s photographs.