Brenda Ashford's book is part memoir, part history lesson, part recipe book and part parenting guide. Her presentation is gentle and inspiring but not afraid to be opinionated. In her 62 years on the job she's earned the right to tell parents how they should raise happy, healthy children and she knows how to pass along her knowledge. 
 
While it would be cliche to say that this is a "must-read" for any new parent, I would say that it certainly is worth it. If even one parent remembers to just sit on the floor and play with their child because of Ashford's careworn wisdom then the world will be a better place. Just plain exceptional.