This book represents the outcome of the joint activities of a group of scholars who were concerned about the lack of international research in play for children from birth to 3 years. The authors are members of the Organisation Mondiale pour l Education Prescholaire (OMEP). For further information, see http: //www.om- ong.net/. The idea of carrying out a research project internationally was born at the OMEP s World Congress in Melbourne, Australia 2004. All member countries were invited and 10 countries decided to participate, of which three have withdrawn d- ing the process. The reason for...