Cutting-edge and "big-picture" in perspective, this popular introduction to cognitive development focuses on both the fascinating nature of children's thinking and the excitement and change in work in this area. Using an integrated topical approach, it explores the developmental aspects of social cognition, perception, memory, and language. Theoretically balanced, it considers the full spectrum of approaches—from Piaget's developmental stages, to information-processing (including connectionism), dynamic systems, contextual, theory-change, neo-Piagetian, evolutionary, neuroscience, and constraint approaches. Infant Perception. Infant Cognition. Representation and Concepts. Reasoning and Problem Solving. Social Cognition/Theory of Mind. Memory. Language. For anyone interested in child development, including parents, students, and those in psychology, social work, education, etc.
A good introductory text. I referred to this when I was called as a Sunday School teacher to 10, 5, 6, 7, and 8-year olds (in that order). Covers the major theorists. I would recommend instead getting Miller's "Theories of Developmental Psychology."
This is the greatest book on the subject I have yet to read. I've read it straight through years ago, but I continue to use it to find theories, designs, and references of previous cognitive research. It's helped me write several lab reports. Fabulous book!