This is an observation of one child and her relationship with print, from birth until she goes to school. The author, who is the child's grandfather, documents the stages of her development and explains what it can teach teachers and parents. This book is testimony to the importance of repeatedly reading books to young children, giving them opportunities for writing, singing nursery rhymes and songs and for attending to environmental print and looking at letters in context. Through his research the author illuminates the processes which motivate and enable a child to read and write; indicates the contribution certain kinds of books make to learning to read; shows teachers in preschool and reception classes what children might already know and he makes clear what will most help preschool and school children to move towards literacy.