Child Pedagogy Books

In this article you'll find a list of interesting and useful books on child pedagogy.
Child Pedagogy Books
María Matilde

Written and verified by the pedagogue and trainer María Matilde.

Last update: 27 December, 2022

Here’s a list of child pedagogy books that both professionals and parents can read in order to better understand the way children develop. As a result, they can provide little ones with a more positive education and learning environment.

Child pedagogy books

Child pedagogy aims to study children’s education and the acquisition of skills through their development.

There are books that help us understand the study of child pedagogy as a science by analyzing its epistemology. However, we’ve also found books that include studies, experiences, reflections, methodologies and useful advice. These are the ones we would like to highlight in this article, as they can offer guidelines to help improve children’s education and development.

The Grammar of Fantasy: An Introduction to the Art of Inventing Stories

In this book, author Gianni Rodari talks about the need to help children invent their own stories. He shows different techniques and creative resources to tell stories. Through storytelling, imagination and creativity are awakened and encouraged from an early age.

The Cause of Children

In her book, Françoise Dolto shows the world from the children’s perspective, stating that this is the only way to understand them. She also talks about the school environment and focuses on the importance of play as a means to learn about existence.

Child Pedagogy Books

From a psychoanalytic perspective, she makes a historical and critical analysis of children’s condition. This leads to a better communication with newborns, which she considers to be important for children’s future.

5 Days to a Perfect Night’s Sleep for Your Child

In this book, Eduard Estivill explains, in a clear and simple way, the scientific treatment to teach children to sleep. This treatment is based on rigorous rules recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

The author explains the steps to follow in order to end children’s sleeping problems and their consequences: irritability, sleepiness and problems of sociability. He states that good sleep is essential for physical and mental development, as well as family stability.

The Secret of Childhood, one of the best child pedagogy books

This is a very important book to read, like every book written by Maria Montessori. Other fundamental readings to understand children’s behavior are her developments based on her studies.

The author suggests an approach to children’s education by releasing their innate talents. This must occur in an environment free of obstacles and observing their sensitive periods.

The Whole Brain Child

In this book, Daniel and Tina explain scientific advances of the brain, such as its constitution, development and function. As a result, this information helps parents and teachers understand conflicts that occur at different ages in children.

This guide teaches children self-discipline, responsibility and problem solutions.

The author Jane Nelsen is also a teacher, psychologist and mother of 7 children. She believes that positive discipline isn’t a punishment, but mutual respect. Children should be educated with firmness and tenderness, focusing on their virtues rather than on their flaws. She also thinks that people should teach children how to think – not what to think.

Child Pedagogy Books

Lo mejor de nuestras vidas: desde la experiencia de mi profesión y la sensibilidad de mi maternidad (The Best of Our Lives: From My Professional Experience and Maternal Sensitivity)

This is a book about parents’ and children’s emotions. Author Lucia Galán Bertrand focuses her analysis on the discovery and explanation of her emotions after she became a mother.

Happy Parenting

This book refutes traditional education myths. Rosa Jové, author and psychologist, states that a happy upbringing is possible. And, for that to happen, it’s important to develop a healthy bond in the family.

How Children Succeed

Paul Tough explores the latest discoveries in neuroscience, education and psychology. As a result, he proves that success doesn’t depend on intelligence. Thus, it’s important for children to develop other qualities, such as perseverance, self-control, curiosity, meticulousness, resourcefulness and self-confidence.

Final considerations regarding child pedagogy

Child pedagogy books are equally important for teachers and parents. These are practical and theoretical developments that help us understand the complexity of childhood. As a result, we can develop a more complex and comprehensive education to suit children’s needs.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Dolto, F. (2004). La causa de Los Ninos. Ediciones Paidos Iberica.
  • Estivill, E., & de Bejar, S. (2004). Duermete Nino (4th ed.). Debolsillo.
  • Montessori, María. (2013). El Niño. El secreto de la infancia, Ámsterdam, Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company.
  • Rodari, G. (1999). Gramática de la fantasía: introducción al arte de inventar historias (Vol. 2). Ediciones Colihue SRL. Recuperado de  https://books.google.es/books?hl=es&lr=&id=SS_MytaVcl0C&oi=fnd&pg=PA5&dq=gramatica+de+la+fantasia&ots=KUJ8aZHmvI&sig=LAcrP-TVCxgQyJ829e833dN5f9s#v=onepage&q=gramatica%20de%20la%20fantasia&f=false
  • Rocha, E. A. C. (2000). A pedagogia e a educação infantil. Revista Iberoamericana de Educación22, 61-74. Recuperado de https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/41564399.pdf

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.