Overview

This captivating visual book provides an accessible introduction to how laughter affects the holistic development and wellbeing of children from birth to five years. Written by a leading expert, it explores how the developing brain responds to laughter and love, arguing for an approach to early years education and care that is based on the best scientific evidence and celebrates curiosity, laughter, and self-chosen learning pathways. Snapshots of real scenarios with babies and young children laughing and learning in real homes and settings is the starting point for this unique book. Supported by images and links to film clips on the accompanying website, these cameos drive the narrative and enable readers to link theory to practice with ease. Chapters focus on different ages and stages of development and include clear explanations of what is happening in the body and brain at each ""stage,"" revealing the richness of the opportunities on offer and the adult’s role in facilitating it. With opportunities to dig deeper, full-colour photographs, and a fully integrated companion website, The Brain That Loves to Laugh is essential reading for all early years students and practitioners and all those with an interest in neuroscience and child development.

Full Product Details

Author:   Jacqueline Harding
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint:   Routledge
ISBN:  

9781032953915

ISBN 10:   1032953918
Pages:   242
Publication Date:   29 May 2026
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Tertiary & Higher Education ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Forthcoming
Availability:   Not yet available  
This item is yet to be released. You can pre-order this item and we will dispatch it to you upon its release.

Table of Contents

Part 1: The science of laughter. Really? 1. Juggling the theories 2. The look and sound of brains whriling around in hope, humour and human connection 3. Looking after little brains: Why hope, humour and human connection matters 4. Human connection: Getting in sync 5. The five 'C's of humour: Categories, contagion, content, curiosity and creativity Part 2: Health, Happiness and being human? 6. Humanity in progress 7. Human connection: Creating a culture of inclusivity 8. Being human is being real Part 3: Learning and laughter are happy companions: Perhaps humour is the brain's best kept secret? 9. Emotions and cognition are partners 10. The missing link of memorable moments 11. A creative leap: Hope strings eternal 12. How do you know that you know? 13. Time for change: Make way for Hope, Humour and Human connection! Part 4: Development 14. Birth to 12 months: Let the fun begin... 15. One to three years: Laughing all the way to learning 16. Three to five years: Playful pedagogy wins out 17. Five to seven years plus: Brains love to play Part 5: Real life 18. Joy: Just one of you 19. The Language of Hope: Essex case study 20. The Last Laugh: Summing up the book, research and findings

Reviews

""This uplifting book will transform the way you think about laughter, joy and humour in your Early Years settings and schools to improve authentic connection, social communication, learning and teaching. Dr Harding makes a powerful case for all adults to both see the child’s world through their eyes and then join them in using humour to learn, reduce stress and build positive attitudes to learning and life. An essential, profound and inspired book written for everyone who is seeking less stress and more joy in the education of young children."" - Kathy Brodie, Founder of Early Years TV

Author Information

Dr Jacqueline Harding is Director of Tomorrow’s Child and a visiting research fellow at Middlesex University. She is an internationally acclaimed child development expert with experience as a BBC education editor, headteacher, government consultant, and author of numerous books for and about children. Jacqueline also works in children’s TV production.

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