For educators, professionals, and parents, this reference provides A-Z entries in the first three volumes (with most entries pertaining to the U.S.). Volume Four contains narratives of current approaches to early childhood education in ten countries other than the U.S., providing an international approach to the topic. The countries are Australia, Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, France, Italy, Japan, South Africa, Sweden, and the UK; an introduction to each country's early childhood education is provided by one of the international editors. Several specialists contributed topical essays for each country section on issues such as access, theory, national curriculum, day care, and research, with bibliography provided for each. There are over 300 A-Z entries on subjects that include child care, leading organizations, curriculum, family and society, health, special needs, and professional groups and journals. Many entries are also provided on significant issues, trends, and controversies, and biographies. Cochran is at Cornell U., Ithaca, NY; New is at Tufts U. in Massachusetts. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)