The life and nature of language itself is breaking down under the adverse pressures of modern society, argues author Michael Rose. In Living Literacy, he maps out the threats to literacy - from inappropriate electronic media to fundamental flaws in the educational system - investigates the nature of literacy and how it relates to child development, and examines what really works in preparing for and teaching literacy. His wise and thoughtful book will help teachers and parents to prepare children for the transition to literacy through conversation, story, song and play and then introduce reading and writing formally in a relevant and living way.