This edition of the Essential Pediatrics marks the completion of more than 25 years of its existence as a beacon of art and science of pediatrics in the country and beyond. Essential Pediatrics began in 1982 with Dr. OP Ghai as its lead author and founder editor. He directed and steered this book until his sudden passing away in May 2008. Dr. Ghai was actively involved in the preparation of this edition, which continues to bear an indelible imprint of his creative instinct and scholarship. The present edition comes at a time of unprecedented focus and investments on child survival and health in the country. There is a heightened interest in child health education and training and a global endeavour for improving child health. It also comes at a juncture when subspecialties of pediatrics are taking root in the country. The coming years will mark a transition of pediatrics from the existing priorities such as nutrition and infectious diseases to emerging areas such as genetics, adolescence, intensive care and care of children with chronic systemic diseases. This edition upholds and advances the traditional core values, focus and scope of the book even as it encompasses significant changes. There are major revisions in most chapters, aimed at meeting the contemporary needs of undergraduate and postgraduate medical and nursing students and pediatricians. The chapters on growth and development have been rewritten with inclusion of fresh illustrations and WHO growth norms. Chapters on nutrition and neonatology have been completely revised with emphasis on practical and evidence-based management of common conditions. The chapter on infections has also been rewritten keeping in view their relevance for physicians practising in developing countries. The chapters on hematological, endocrine, nervous system and renal disorders have been thoroughly updated and reorganized. New sections on hypertension, interventional cardiology, newer vaccines, poisonings and accidents, national and WHO guidelines on management of common conditions and IMNCI are incorporated. The inclusion of multiple diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms shall serve as a useful educational resource. Fresh chapters on skin and ocular disorders, practical procedures and rights of children provide a comprehensive review on issues pertaining to the care of children. Some of the best-known academics have contributed to Essential Pediatrics and we are indebted to them for their scholarly writings. They all have a remarkable understanding of the learning needs of the students and their chapters reflect the essence of their knowledge and experience. We are grateful to Dr Aditi Sinha for meticulous work at every stage of the preparation of this edition. Through tireless effort, she ensured accuracy of contents and quality of presentation of this edition. Mrs Veena Arora accomplished the composing with great patience. We thank the technical team at our publishers, CBS Publishers & Distributors, for their tremendous effort in improving the presentation of this book. Humbled by the faith reposed by the successive waves of our readers, we are ever conscious of our responsibility in ensuring this book’s relevance in the changing health scenario and in the backdrop of the advances in knowledge. We hope this edition would succeed in continuing to make a genuine and lasting contribution towards the health and well-being of children.