Since 1978, the editors have collaborated on several research projects and spent many hours at conventions discussing research, graduate education, and patient care. The idea for this volume arose when we both concluded that the area of behavioral pediatrics needed a "how to" book. Several important scholarly re views had recently appeared. They presented excellent summary information concerning the general assumptions and theories underlying the area of behav ioral medicine with children. But these volumes devote very little attention to the application of clinical methods. What was needed, we thought, was a book that would allow graduate students and practicing clinicians the opportunity to peer into the minds of eminent practitioners and understand their thinking. Thus the book was conceived. Editing books represents a special kind of challenge. One has to "sell" an idea to a group of distinguished colleagues. They have to believe enough in that idea to devote the considerable time and effort necessary to bring thought into reality. In this case, there were two ideas we tried to sell to our colleagues.
