By exploring the key issues, arguments and messages that exist in the field, Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Early Childhood provides an international, comparative look at aspects of early childhood education and care. Pedagogical practices, learning cultures and the professional development of practitioners are considered within the wider political agenda of different countries. Pertinent policy and practice issues, such as numeracy and literacy, are carefully examined. Theodora Papatheodorou and Janet Moyles highlight how important it is to engage with and listen to children, to provide positive learning encounters.