Carol provides the reader with a thoughtful, personal, humorous, and important look at a variety of early childhood topics near and dear to the early childhood community. I appreciated her personal history and teaching background, as well as reflections on her own teaching experiences over the years. As we look at today's ever increasing focus on leadership, accountability, testing, assessment, evaluation, and why we even want to get into the field of supporting the growth and development of young children and their families, Carol brings a number questions for us to consider. The questions are even provided at the end of each chapter! I highly recommend this book, particularly to early childhood education directors and administrators, I think it will be an enjoyable read, an opportunity to reflect and reconsider the topics and issues of the day. Bravo!

Mooney’s honesty is both refreshing and engaging. Here’s a director unafraid to share her mistakes and blind spots to help the rest of us learn. In bite-sized servings, Mooney serves up a scrumptious table of lessons learned, foibles overcome, and rich opportunities to share laughter, tears, or both. Swinging Pendulums is sure to spark spirited discussions in director support groups, book clubs, and classrooms.