Arguing that in the first three years after birth, infants undergo a period of brain reorganization that is the critical period in brain development, during which children are most sensitive to environmental stimuli, a team of editors from the fields of child development, neurobiology, and psychology present 14 chapters offering perspectives on development and interventions in critical periods. After discussing basic conceptual issues, sections are devoted to the basic sensory systems, social and emotional development, and language learning and acquisition. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)