Drawing on research evidence from across the world, this book offers a wide-ranging perspective on the ways in which we understand and study young children. The book summarizes current debates in child development, and looks at different ways of understanding early childhood and the various methods used to gain understanding, featuring: (1) Personal memories of childhood; (2) Neuro-scientific and genetic interpretations of childhood; (3) Cultural perspectives; and (4) Chapters on history, health and child rights. This book concludes with an analysis of everyday practices in working with young children from across the world. It is key reading for early childhood students and practitioners working with young children. Following a preface, this book is divided into the following nine chapters: (1) Remembering Childhood; (2) Researching Reality; (3) Not Piaget Again; (4) Genes, Neurons and Ancestors; (5) On the Other Side of the World; (6) Past, Present and Future; (7) Children's Rights: A New Approach to Studying Childhood (Priscilla Alderson); (8) Hoping for Health (Val Thurtle); and (9) Practice Makes No Difference. A list of references is also included.