In this book, the fundamental building blocks of the Montessori method are described, at school and within the walls of the home: The Secret of Childhood outlines, step by step and in a clear and exciting manner, the child's entire journey towards the awakening of his or her consciousness. In pages that continue to amaze for their modernity, Maria Montessori describes the instinctive and mysterious work done in our first years of life, the free growth of the spirit in youth, and does not fail to offer practical and loving advice to those who, from parents to teachers, are responsible for growing up and have the world of childhood at heart. It is a journey into the practical and emotional intelligence of children that allows us, amidst toys and lies, love and misunderstandings, to discover how childish the world of adults can be at times, and how profound the love and intelligence of our children instead.