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Curious George's Dictionary

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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.

233 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 2, 1900

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About the author

American Heritage

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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for Maeve.
2,633 reviews26 followers
June 1, 2017
Picture dictionary.
Profile Image for Victoria.
7 reviews
February 17, 2025
Really simple easy dictionary for kids. Focus on one word with related pictures and sentences. Great dictionary.
15 reviews
June 14, 2012
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.

15 reviews
April 26, 2015
Curious George’s dictionary. (2008). Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Citation by: Bonnie Blevins

Type of Reference: Dictionary

Call Number: Ref 423

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.

102 reviews1 follower
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May 20, 2019
A great way to start teaching my kids longer sentences but I think Curious George just gives them ideas?
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

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