There is a malicious extension of a Shavian aphorism that runs as follows: Those who can, do; those who cannot, teach; and those who cannot teach, teach teachers. But here comes Miss Gardner—the doyen of all teachers of teachers—to give this the lie. She has 'done' and she has taught, and with a wealth of personal experience behind her and the shining example of our one and only Susan Isaacs in front of her, she has produced this little book on the current approach to the teaching of little children. The new environment of learning is described in all its spontaneity, freshness, informality, and creativity; the world is caught with both hands and at first hand, not indirectly through the eyes of weary pedagogues. It is nice to think that psycho-analysis has played its part in infusing this wholesome spirit into modern education.

Much of the forthright personality of the author comes through in the writing, and in the end one is left with the impression of a teacher with a deep respect for the child and a sincere regard for his point of view.