This article presents a review of "Investing in Kids: Early Childhood Programs and Local Economic Development" by Timothy J. Bartik. Timothy Bartik's timely book contributes to an important conversation about the role of government in promoting investments in children in the years before traditional public schooling typically begins. Until recently, public funding of preschool programs appeared to be the fastest growing category of education spending, but recent economic woes have caused some of the 38 U.S. states that offer state-funded preschool to reexamine their commitments to early education for 3- to 5-year-olds. The authors contend that it is an important book for both academics and policy makers to consider, but more work is required to turn Bartik's approach to economic development and early childhood education into reliable policy recommendations.