Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Maclagan and Buckley describe infants' language-learning process in a detailed, easy-to-understand book that's sure to be a handy reference tool for new parents, grandparents, and anyone curious about language and how it is learned. The book begins with a reference chart describing key language-learning milestones and directing readers to applicable chapters to learn more. Throughout, graphic inserts address key questions, such as "What does science tell us?" and highlight relevant facts. What makes this book so appealing is its focus on parental involvement. Rather than simply detailing language acquisition, the authors explain how to actively engage in sections such as "Talking and Reading Times." These sections include tips for each stage and helpful "try this, not that" suggestions or questions to prompt activity or ideas. The tone is light and includes funny and memorable "The Things They Say" highlights. For anxious new parents, the authors provide the occasional reassurance. An FAQ section is included at the end, as is a brief list of book recommendations and websites for further information. This is a useful reference and valuable addition to the new baby library. (Nov.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
In this puddle-jumper from down under, child language development lecturer -Maclagan and speech-language therapist Buckley set forth a just-technical-enough look at how children acquire language and how to best support its development. Beginning with infancy, the authors encourage parents to talk, talk, talk, about anything and to leave time for "response" (anything the baby does is her "turn" in the conversation). They do an excellent job of explaining why language and motor development often coincide (first sounds happen after six months when babies become vertical and the tongue is no longer "flopping against the back of the mouth"), and further details what language acquisition parents can best support at that time, such as "performatives," which are words associated with gestures (e.g., "bye bye"). Librarians would do well to follow and suggest the authors' reading recommendations, such as choosing books with rhythm and rhyme for infants so they can focus on voice, and then moving on to books that stimulate gleeful recognition of everyday life (bedtime, bathing, block play) for one- and two-year-olds. VERDICT This commendable title provides exactly what parents need without becoming bogged down in research and academics. For all libraries. © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by School Library Journal Review
In this puddle-jumper from down under, child language development lecturer -Maclagan and speech-language therapist Buckley set forth a just-technical-enough look at how children acquire language and how to best support its development. Beginning with infancy, the authors encourage parents to talk, talk, talk about anything and to leave time for "response" (anything the baby does is her "turn" in the conversation). They do an excellent job of explaining why language and motor development often coincide (first sounds happen after six months when babies become vertical and the tongue is no longer "flopping against the back of the mouth"), and further details what language acquisition parents can best support at that time, such as "performatives," which are words associated with gestures (e.g., "bye bye"). Librarians would do well to follow and suggest the authors' reading recommendations, such as choosing books with rhythm and rhyme for infants so they can focus on voice, and then moving on to books that stimulate gleeful recognition of everyday life (bedtime, bathing, block play) for one- and two-year-olds. VERDICT This commendable title provides exactly what parents need without becoming bogged down in research and academics. For all libraries.-Julianne Smith, Ypsilanti District Library, MI © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
