TTYB Top six recommended books

TTYB has found these books particularly interesting and useful. You can order these books through the National Literacy Trust bookshop.

	The Cradle of Thought by Peter Hobson (2002) is subtitled 'Exploring the Origins of Thinking'. Professor Hobson's view is that what gives us the capacity to think is the quality of a baby's exchanges with other people over the first 18 months of life. Human thought, language, and self-awareness are developed in the cradle of emotional engagement between infant and caregiver; social contact has vital significance for mental development. Published by Macmillan. More on brain development.
	Everyday babycare: Learning to talk (2004). A practical, user-friendly guide answering the key questions parents ask about their child's language development. Covering speech development from early babbles to complete sentences and beyond, this brightly illustrated book is packed with expert tips on useful topics like television and bilingualism. Written by Professor James Law for Dorling Kingsley publishers and Johnson's. More on supporting early language development and communication skills.
	The Human Voice: The Story of a Remarkable Talent by Anne Karpf (2006). A highly readable exploration of all aspects of the human voice, the key to communication and our ability to read between the emotional lines. This stimulating book covers the vital role the voice plays in the bonding of mothers and children, and goes beyond childhood to look at the voice's psychological, social, emotional and cultural significance. A book for anybody interested in the power and detail of communication. Published by Bloomsbury. More on attachment.
	The Social Baby by Lynne Murray and Liz Andrews (2000). An engaging book full of delightful and detailed photographs of very young babies, showing extraordinary early communication between adult and child. Even in their first weeks of life babies show highly organised social responses, and this book shows parents and professionals how to understand and value these simple yet complex signals and cues. Published by CP Publishing, Richmond, Surrey. (The Social Baby is also available as a video with breathtaking footage including Ethan communicating with his parents just moments after delivery). Produced by the Children's Project and NSPCC. More on attachment.
	The Science of Parenting by Dr Margot Sunderland. Based on over 700 scientific studies into children's development, BMA award-winning author and child psychotherapist Dr Margot Sutherland explains, in a very direct way, how to develop your child’s potential to the full. While most parenting books are based on a combination of personal opinion, received wisdom, and anecdotal evidence, The Science of Parenting represents the cutting edge of scientific research. Published by Dorling Kingsley. More on brain development.
	Why Love Matters: How Affection Shapes a Baby's Brain by Sue Gerhardt (2004). A lively interpretation of the latest findings in neuro-science, psychology, psychoanalysis and biochemistry explains why love is essential to brain development in the early years of life. The author vividly shows how early interactions between babies and their parents have lasting and serious consequences for emotional well being. Published by Brumer Routledge. More on brain development.