Based on the latest academic research, this is the most comprehensive and practical book on the market to help parents enhance their child's language development. It covers pre-verbal signs and gestures and provides more information than any other book on the following topics: - How to nurture pre-literary skills - How to enhance speech and language skills from age 1 to age 7 - How reading to your child can enhance language development and literacy - How to use music to enhance language development - How to recognize warning signs of the most common language problems and what to do if you find them - What the effect of bilingualism is on language development and how to deal with the most common problems that arise Contains the most complete information on the benefits of reading to children, involving them in musical activities and word play. Positively responds to parents' most frequently asked questions regarding infant language development. The author's advice is thoroughly documented and based on the latest academic research, but her writing style is populist, not academic. Her style is clear and engaging to appeal to all parents.