Book excerpt: FIRST STEPS IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION is an interactive handbook designed to assist those preparing to teach religious education in early years' classrooms. It also provides a sound general introduction to religious education in the Catholic primary school context, with a focus on early years' settings. Both authors have been highly experienced and successful teachers of religious education in Catholic schools, and are effective teacher educators in the discipline. This book is infused with their experience and knowledge. Through a balance of theory and practice, the reader-participants are led to consider the nature and purpose of religious education, and to begin to develop a personal vision of themselves as teachers of religious education.