This book questions some of the ideas about play that are held dear by many in early childhood education. For many early childhood professionals play is viewed as the essential aspect of children¿s development and learning and play is often promoted as a universal and almost magical `fix¿ in the early years. Although play does have many benefits for children, there are other sides to play that are not so romantic, natural, or even particularly educational. 'The Trouble with Play' challenges such taken-for-granted understandings of play in early childhood education and shows how play is not always innocent or fun, that it can be unfair and unjust in the interactions children have with each other and with staff in early childhood settings.

In addition to encouraging early years professionals to have new ways of seeing and thinking about play, the book also explores new approaches to pedagogy and the role for the teacher, including the use of 'play' as a powerful strategy for teaching and learning, as well as practical and productive strategies for bringing a critical perspective to issues around play.