In its first edition, this highly anticipated textbook for the topically-organized child development course provided a fresh, non-encyclopedic approach, offering the latest, straight-from-the-research understanding of child development without overwhelming the student with inessential detail. The new edition brings those hallmark features forward, again providing a thoroughly contemporary, streamlined introduction to the study of child development that emphasizes fundamental principles, enduring themes, and important recent studies. Student-friendly pedagogy, a new chapter on gender, and an enhanced media and supplements package further enrich this accessible, engaging, and informative text.