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The idea behind this book has lots of potential: creating a church environment that takes proper account of the way children learn and perceive.

The authors write engagingly on their considerable academic study of work with children. They dip their toes into psychology, physiology, history and sociology (and plenty more besides) at various points, while making it all sound like a discussion that could be had around a kitchen table. The practical, very personal experience that they also both have with children’s work is scored deeply into the grain of the book.

The first two sections describe the past, present and possible future of our understanding of children, with reflections on the types of children’s work currently running in our churches.

The final two sections practically address work with under 3s and then with three to seven-year-olds in churches. These sections deal with everything from session ideas and planning to resolving inter-child conflicts and forming helpful relationships with parents.

Overall, the authors manage to communicate on two main themes. Firstly, they provide a useful, basic understanding of the current thought behind work with children. Secondly, they convey their passion and encouragement to see effective children’s work in churches, which communicates the Gospel and empowers children.

This book has already had a considerable impact on my own session work with children. Its only limit is its exclusive focus on younger children. It is, however, a must-have resource, that I know I’ll be returning to regularly.

Jon Piper has spent many years working with children in churches. He is also sometimes mistaken for one