The brain is a marvelous and complex organ that takes decades to fully mature, and no stage in that long process is more critical than the one we call the “toddler” years. During this period—from about one year old to three years old—a child transforms from a helpless infant into a running, chatting, insatiably curious little person with distinctive traits and interests. So, what is happening in the brain during this metamorphosis? How do humans acquire the motor, linguistic, and social skills that define this vital childhood period?

In Welcome to Your Toddler’s Brain, neuroscientist Lise Eliot offers answers to these intriguing questions. Over the course of six lessons, Dr. Eliot guides you through each step of a toddler’s neurological progression. Building on the concept of neuroplasticity—the brain’s extraordinary ability to adapt to its environment—Dr. Eliot explains how toddlers are able to soak up information and quickly master the skills they need to make their place in the world. She also offers insights into the emotional outbursts that characterize this tumultuous period, giving a fresh perspective on the bright side of the “terrible twos”.

Development in the toddler years is defined not only by the “toddling” and tumbling of motor-skill growth, but also by rapid language acquisition, socialization, emotional regulation, and imitation. As you dive into the various ways a child’s brain absorbs and processes environmental cues, you’ll have the chance to see the world, in all its wonder and confusion, through the eyes of a toddler. And by tracing the emergence of your toddler’s selfhood, you’ll be better equipped to make the most of these magical, mind-expanding years.