In early childhood, the most important period of learning and human development, young children often achieve developmental milestones in a short time. Learning from Young Children: Research in Early Childhood Music presents research on the importance of fostering musical growth during this period. These studies discuss:·applying brain research to young children's musical growth· music in the home and child-care contexts· musical characteristics of the young c...

Snake scientist Suzy Ehret's study of banded rock rattlesnakes has provided valuable information for the conservation of this species.

This part of Robert's story is, as he has grown up and thinks about his past. He decided to move to his sisters house and takes his baby, Karen, to start a new life. As he travels there, he meets Natalie in a restaurant, and there is something about her. He is able to get her telephone number, and eventually when he is settled at his sisters house, he calls, and finally they meet. Robert is struck by the spirituality in Natalie and wants to know more about her. Eventually, Robert decides t...

In ***Fig Jam,***Darren's and Lisa's steadfast belief that kids cannot cook is demonstrated by their incredulous reaction to the discovery that Finian, their good friend, fancies himself as a cook. Their disdain at the thought of Finian being a cook only increases when he claims to cook things as exotic as Fig Jam. An intriguing invitation results in Darren and Lisa reevaluating their prejudices about kids, cooks, and food.

In Luke's Flute*,* a positive exchange between June and Luke about Luke's flute is interrupted when a mean-looking kid approaches them. Both June and Luke are convinced that the intrusion will end up in a fight between the intruder and Luke. But both June and Luke are taken aback when the intruder reveals an unpredictable truth about himself.

In A Fort in the Park, when Gabriel explained to Maisie and Eric why he could not meet them at the fort in the park, they could never have imagined the reason for his decision. Gabriel's story is a cautionary tale that reinforces the reality that misbehavior can result in negative consequences. However, Gabriel's story also provides the rationale for being good.

In ***No Bike, No Hike, No Dice,***when Jacob's mother announced Jacob's bedtime, he came up with things he would rather do than go to bed. But when his mother did not get on board with his suggestions, he resorted to other creative tactics to avoid bedtime-including one that involved "rolling the dice." In the end, Jacob succumbed to his mother's entreaties and made a responsible decision.

In ***No Bike, No Hike, No Dice,***when Jacob's mother announced Jacob's bedtime, he came up with things he would rather do than go to bed. But when his mother did not get on board with his suggestions, he resorted to other creative tactics to avoid bedtime-including one that involved "rolling the dice." In the end, Jacob succumbed to his mother's entreaties and made a responsible decision.

In ***Fat Cat and Lap Dog,***because Jack was missing several of his treasured belongings, he concluded that his sister Jen had stolen them. However, Jen's proclaimed innocence was confirmed when she proved that the real culprit was standing nearby in plain sight.

In ***A Net, a Sack, and a Pet,***Ted and Kim meet on the dock to catch frogs. When Ted is successful and catches a frog, Kim becomes jealous and steals the frog. Once Ted discovers that the frog is missing, he asks Kim if she took his frog. Kim lies and tells Ted, "No." Later, sick with guilt, Kim returns the frog to Ted, and he is so grateful to have his frog back, he does something special for Kim.

In The Cat, the Rat, and the Bat, Ben loved his toy rat, toy bat, and cap and was bereft when his cat ruined them. His empathetic father suggested that the cat would not be able to ruin Ben's things if they were put away. Ben discovered that following his father's advice could bring about positive results for everyone.

In A Coil, a Coin, and a Pipe, Tony and Juanita think they are better off playing together on their own. But they soon learn that excluding other people is not as productive and beneficial as it is to include them.