This book is about young children who are gifted. It aims to change perceptions, build understanding and spread practical ideas and resources.

The main audiece will be teachers of children in the early years, defined here as from birth to 8 years old. Parents, policy makers, principals and researchers will also find the information and ideas helpful.

The book begins with the definitions and characteristics of giftedness in the early years. It then goes on to explore assessment, including examples of learning stories that illustrate gifted behaviour. A number of chapters address ways to support quality practice in early childhood and school settings. The final part is directed at the needs of those who are advocates for gifted children.

The authors are themsleves all passionate advocates for gifted children and have wide experience working in early years education. They draw on a range of overseas and New Zealand research evidence and literature and they share experiences from teaching and research on giftedness.

They hope to showcase what is being done effectively in Aotearoa New Zealand and to explore how to do things better so that young children who are gifted can reach their true potential.