The handbook contains forty-one original contributions exploring basic aspects of neural development, sensory and sensorimotor systems, language, cognition, and emotion. Aided by recent results in neurobiology establishing that the human brain remains malleable and plastic throughout much of the lifespan, the contributors also explore the implications of lifelong neural plasticity for brain and behavioral development.

Charles A. Nelson is Professor of Pediatrics at Children's Hospital, Boston.

Monica Luciana is Assistant Professor of Psychology and Child Development, University of Minnesota.