The essay in this issue of "Insights" develops the theses that children's language environment is the key to their language development, that the school setting and language arts program contribute little to language development, and that greater use of the best of children's books could significantly enhance children's language development. The essay focuses on children's preschool and elementary school experiences and discusses using two specific children's books --"Diary of an Early American Boy" by Eric Sloane and "Watership Down" by Richard Adams--as starting points for instruction. (JM)