Reference Books
These provide some of the theory behind the Montessori method as well as practical advice for parents and teachers.
Child of the World
Child of the World: Montessori for Ages 3-12+ (Michael Olaf's Essential
Montessori series)
by Susan Stephenson
Child of the World  $6.95
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Like The Joyful Child (see above), this book started out as a catalog and it has become one of the
most trusted references for parents and teachers alike. The top half of each page contains a running
dialogue on child development. The bottom half of each page presents products you can purchase
relevant to the discussion. So yes, it is a catalog, but no, it is not like any catalog you have ever seen
before. If an electronic copy is all you need, you can download one for free at
www.michaelolaf.com/CWcontents.html. If you'd like the hard copy, you can order it here or directly
from Michael Olaf. The cost is used to cover printing. Contents are divided by age. For 3-6 years there
are sections on Balance, Food, Toys, Games, the Earth, Plants, Animals, People, Music, Art,
Language, and Math. For 6-12 years there is an introduction and sections on the Earth,
Plants/Animals, History, Arts, Language, and Math. For 3-12 years there is a section on preparing the
Learning Environment and a section for Parents/Teachers.

This will become one of your most trusted reference books. I highly recommend it and have
purchased many of the products for my own children. It is truly an essential parenting aid and the
products offered are created by responsible businesses with the child's true interest at heart.
The Joyful Child
The Joyful Child: Montessori for Birth to 3 Years (Michael Olaf's Essential
Montessori series)
by Susan Stephenson
The Joyful Child:  $5.95
This book began as a catalog offering developmentally appropriate products for sale and has grown
into one of the most respected parenting resources in print today. The top half of each page contains a
running dialogue on child development. The bottom half of each page presents products you can
purchase relevant to the discussion. So yes, it is a catalog, but no, it is not like any catalog you have
ever seen before. If you prefer an electronic copy, you can download it for free at
www.michaelolaf.
com/JCcontents.html. If you'd like the hard copy, you can order it here or directly from Michael Olaf. The
cost is used to cover printing. The text is divided by age. For Prenatal and the first year, there is a
special section on the Senses. For the first year there are sections on Reaching out (the hand), Sitting
up, Crawling/Pulling up, A Gentle Beginning, and Unique Development, For Ages 1-3, there are
sections on Family Life/Care, Family Life/Food, Toys, Puzzles, Music, Language, Art, People,
Plants/Animals, Physical Science/Math, Preparing the Child's Environment, and Resources for
Parents/Teachers.

I can't recommend this text strongly enough. I give it to all of my friends with children and have
purchased many of the products they offer for my young son. It is truly an essential parenting aid and
the products offered are created by responsible businesses with the child's true interest at heart.

Here's what Angeline Lillard (author of
Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius) has to say about
this book:
    This book provides a clear introduction to Montessori and has gathered together for purchase
    an excellent array of materials to implement Montessori philosophy in the home and
    classroom. A great resource for the Montessori parent or teacher.