For introductory courses in Early Childhood literacy. To answer the question of what reading and writing activities are best for young children, a well-known early childhood author has joined forces with a literacy expert to explore the development of literacy in the preschool environment and its ongoing support through kindergarten. The results is a pragmatic, research-based text whose paradigm shift focuses future teachers on the use of "cultural characters" from picture books as the keys to an entire curriculum of literacy activities. Based on the latest theories of naturally emergent literacy, this text examines ways to create a literacy-friendly learning environment, using music and art as natural languages, and even strengthening finger muscles for writing through other hands-on activities.