John Brierley's book was first published in 1987 and was very well received. It has now been re-issued in its second edition owing to a demand from students and teachers. The book represents the essence of many talks given to parents and teachers of nursery and infant children and teacher trainers. Evidence is used to demonstrate the young brain's potential, flexibility and resilience and to highlight the crucial importance of the pre-school and early school years to later development. The study supports the move for more and better opportunities for children in the crucial years from birth to seven.