The world's most curious monkey investigates new words in this lively picture dictionary for young children.
Curious George's Dictionary is an engaging picture dictionary specially designed for children from preschool through first grade. Both entertaining and educationally sound, it features charming illustrations and reflects recent research in early childhood literacy, setting it apart from other picture dictionaries.
The main part of the dictionary is an A-Z section containing approximately six hundred words, six words to a page. Each word is illustrated with a full-color drawing, most of which have been created for this book by the popular illustrator Mary O'Keefe Young. More than half the illustrations include a sample sentence that puts the word in a familiar context.
A four-page illustrated story at the front of the book shows George learning how to look up words in his dictionary, drawing children in while introducing them to dictionary skills. At the end of the book, seven one- to two-page illustrations present groups of words related by simple themes such as colors, shapes, and numbers.
Developed in collaboration with educational consultants, the word list includes not only concrete objects but many more abstract concepts, like discover and enough, than do other picture dictionaries. Such words are essential for vocabulary development, and Curious George's antics bring them alive, making them easy and fun for children to learn.
2.Curious George’s Dictionary American Heritage. (2008). Curios George’s Dictionary. Boston, MS: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Reviewed By: Sarah Cherry Type of Reference: Dictionary Description: This book was designed for students in preschool through 1st grade and includes a picture of Curious George illustrating each term. Content and Scope: This dictionary includes 600 words, including some abstract words such as far and before. The book starts off with a short story explaining to students how Curious George uses the dictionary. Accuracy, Authority, and Bias- All Editors of American Heritage Dictionaries are trained lexicographers with a variety of interests in different fields. Most of the editors have graduate degrees and have studied at least one foreign language. All the editors familiarize themselves with vocabulary in their specific fields, collect material on new usages of terms, and strive to ensure publications are as accurate and up to date as possible. Arrangement- The dictionary has one main A-Z section with only six words to a page. This means that the dictionary is not overwhelming to primary age students learning to read. In the back there are some grouped together terms by theme such as shapes, colors, and foods. Relation to Similar Works: The American Heritage Picture Dictionary Cost: 5.18 Rationale for Selection: Many of the current dictionaries in our reference collection are preferred by upper elementary students. Picture dictionaries are for students learning word recognition and alphabetical order. I feel the book is arranged well and Curious George sparks student’s interest. I recommend the book because of the story at the beginning reminding students of dictionary skills taught in the library. Professional Review: This book was reviewed by Stephanie Farnlacher from Trace Crossings Elementary School in Hoover, Alabama. Her review appeared in School Library Journal.
Content/Scope: This dictionary is targeted toward K-3 students. This dictionary uses illustrations for each word. Many words also have sentences to put the word in its proper context.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt has been in business since 1880. This publisher provides educational materials for pre K-12. They also publish novels, nonfiction materials, reference resources, etc.
Arrangement/Presentation: This dictionary begins with a small, illustrated story which shows George learning to look up words in his dictionary. The main body of the book is arranged alphabetically and contains 600 words with six per page. The end of the dictionary has illustrations which relate words using a theme.
Relation to other works: There are many other dictionaries available in the school library, but not for the very young students. The one picture dictionary available is from 1970 and the only beginner’s dictionary is from 1968. This dictionary will take the place of the others so that they can be weeded from the collection. This addition will update the reference collection and give students a new, well-illustrated book to use for reference.
Accessibility/Diversity: This dictionary is meant for all young students, but can also be used by those who are struggling readers or ELL. The illustrations make it especially interesting to visual learners.
Cost: $12.95
Professional Review: Farnlacher, S. (2008). Curious George's dictionary. School Library Journal, 54(11), 104-105.