Book Review: The Montessori Toddler

Other Good Things

In her exceptional new book, The Montessori Toddler, Simone Davies sets out to set the record straight:

“Toddlers are misunderstood humans.”

The key part to this thesis, which is a subtlety that might go overlooked, is that toddlers are, in fact, human.

Insert smiling emoji here.

While this argument might smack of humor, Simone’s point is abundantly clear: it is us, as adults, who need to learn how to take toddlers more seriously. We need to work to better understand and support their natural, ongoing development.

Of course, that doesn’t mean working with toddlers can’t be tricky. It only means we need to equip ourselves with the right tools.

Society can be quick to judge, the community can be ill-prepared to meet their needs, and, as a consequence, toddlers can be perceived as less-than-human.

But, nothing could be further from the truth.

“People see toddlers as difficult,” Simone articulates. “There are not many good examples around us of how to be with toddlers in a loving, patient, supportive way.”

Until now.

Simone has done a marvelous job of offering us another way to think about toddlers, of offering concrete, practical, and relatable examples, in a way that is tender, kind and helpful.

“The key part to this thesis, which is a subtlety that might go overlooked, is that toddlers are, in fact, human.”

With practical advice, supportive tips, and encyclopedic wisdom, The Montessori Toddler presents a positive, respectful and informative appreciation of toddlers.

“It’s been my mission…,” she professes.

The Montessori community, and the larger online parenting community, has been waiting for this type of book to come along for quite some time. In truth, it’s a book that we’ve heard many people discuss writing, but now that Simone has done it, it probably doesn’t need to be written.

The Montessori Toddler is clear, insightful, and non-judgmental, offering something that is often sorely missing in this space: practical, approachable and informative advice.

“I hope to give you answers to your questions,” shares Simone. “To show you there is another, more peaceful way to be with your toddler.”

We highly recommend this lovely book.

Simone Davies is a trained Association Montessori Internationale teacher, mother of two children, and perhaps most widely recognized for her beautiful blog: The Montessori Notebook. Also, be sure to read our Spotlight with Simon here.