wayfaring_witch's review against another edition
5.0
An absolutely essential book for all parents. I picked this up because I wanted to learn more about why my pre-teen students are coming to me lacking basic skills. Stamm does a great job explaining the brain's development. I was engaged and constantly babbling facts off to my partner (who started getting nervous about the baby talk!). If I do have children in the future I will definitely re-read this book, highlight, circle, and cover it in post its. It doesn't give you a strict day to day guideline, but things to do at the grocery, how often to change toys, etc. Most of it I was happy to learn I would have done anyways.
Will be giving this to my mommy-to-be friends!
Will be giving this to my mommy-to-be friends!
hannah8ball's review against another edition
5.0
This book did a great job discussing the science aspect of learning and brain development on the lay level. Author Jill Stamm did a great job aggregating the results of many scientific studies and putting together a list of activities you, as the parent or caregiver can do to help foster this development. I only wish I'd come across this book a few years ago! That being said though, the author emphasized over and over that its never too late to start your child on a healthy developmental path - so never give up!
stuhlsem's review against another edition
5.0
I liked this a lot. There was concrete information about what the research shows, and Dr. Stamm also explained how the recommendations make sense based on neuroscience. I especially appreciated the lists of useful activities divided by age, with explanations on how to make the most out of your infant, baby, or toddler's experiences.
loudandlittle's review against another edition
4.0
Out of the baby books I've read so far, this book was the most fun, filled with interesting information about infant brain development and early learning. What is going on in the baby's head is rather tremendous and fascinating. Very fun read for parents. The writer also suggests games to play with baby as well as books to read to baby.
ini_ya's review against another edition
I started reading it soon after my niece was born. I haven't got around finishing it. I liked what I read. I may pick it up later but unlikely to go through the whole book.
mayalaurent's review against another edition
2.0
I have read a bunch of baby/parenting books and I just wasn't that impressed with this particular book. There were some interesting facts about how a child's brain develops and some good activities to do with your child to develop these areas. However, I have read about almost all of these in other books as well. I just wasn't that impressed with the material covered in the book.
howifeelaboutbooks's review
4.0
Stamm has a developmentally disabled daughter whose birth inspired her to start researching neurological development of infants. The book was written so that anyone can read it, and it was really interesting to see how babies’ minds work and develop, as well as what parents can do to help. This book exposed the myth of having kids listen to classical music and watch Baby Einstein-type shows, and encourages attention, touch, communication, and simple activities you can make and do around the house.
katemcelf's review
3.0
I listened to the audiobook, and I couldn’t stand the voice of the narrator! Her voice was a bit too sickly sweet, and it made me hate everything she suggested. Maybe the book would be better if I read it rather than listened to it. Still, I don’t think I needed a whole book on how to play with a child
briannastw's review
3.0
A bit repetitive and a lot of common-sense stuff that you could probably figure out on your own, but I like that the author asserts that any parent can do these things, no matter what their level of experience is or what resources they have available. Her suggestions are practical and easy to implement.
brendak's review
5.0
Bright from the Start by Jill Stamm is a great source for understanding how a babies brain develops and what activities can be used to help the development process. She breaks down activities by age and gives tips on what to look out for in development during the age range.
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