This clear, thought-provoking close study of teaching practices invites us into the classroom of a Head Start teacher and her assistant as they confront the challenges of early childhood education. Through classroom scenes and dialogue, Catherine Wilson explores the role that reading to children plays in an early childhood program. Drawing on the recent knowledge base on childhood literacy, Wilson looks forward, highlighting and discussing a new set of questions about prevailing prescriptions for "developmentally appropriate practice" and emergent literacy. She focuses directly on story reading and the decisions that teachers make in using children's literature in their teaching as well as the impact of public policy on teachers, children, and families. This well-written volume will interest teachers, teacher educators, and anyone concerned with childhood literacy and improving classroom practices.