Offering a visual approach to spelling, vocabulary, and grammar, a dictionary features headwords grouping related words and illustrations and a handy reference section to hold young readers' attention while providing them a wealth of information.
It's hard to believe that summer has sped by and that back to school is right around the corner. DK Canada (always!) has some great books to help with any project or subject.
Little Guy and Gramma thought that the Children's Illustrated Dictionary(Canadian edition) looked like a book we would like to explore further. The pictures on the cover immediately caught his eye, but he didn't know what the knight was. Perfect - let's go find out.
There are many ways to 'read' this book. You could start at the beginning and go page by page. Or pick a letter to explore fully - it's easy to choose as the letters are on the cut edge and the current one is highlighted. But Little Guy has no interest in being methodical. Instead he just started in the middle and stopped whenever a picture caught his eye. At first it was the ones he recognized and we would talk about it, with Gramma taking a quick peek at the text accompanying the picture to see if there was any additional facts I could mention. Now, not every entry has a picture, but as an example, a page with eighteen entries had thirteen images. The images are a mixture of actual and drawn. I do think having all actual images would be more 'real'. The drawn images are accurate, but not as appealing to view.
The words chosen are of course not what you would find in an adult discretionary, but they are words that would be appropriate for learning and confirming for a variety of ages. The recommended age says 5-9. I do think that some nine year olds may find this a bit juvenile. The explanations are short and sweet, but do convey the meanings well. Little Guy will be able to grow with this book. Right now, some of the words are above and beyond his vocabulary, but the sheer volume of pictures and things he does recognize and can name greatly appeals to him.
As always, the book is printed on good quality paper, with full colour images and easy to read type, well spaced and inviting to look at. Appendices included are abbreviations, spelling guide, word building, facts and figures and countries of the world - these are most definitely for older readers.
This was a good introduction to a reference book. And it's one that keeps him interested while Mom is making supper.
Content/Scope: A dictionary targeted fro younger elementary students between the grades of Kindergarten and 4th grade or the age of 5 to 9 years old. This book is a 256 page dictionary that is great for younger students to look up words that are found when learning the Common Core Standards. The contents contain a section for grammar, spelling and punctuation.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: This dictionary goes with what most states are testing on which is Common Core Standards. This book is easy to guide through so it makes it easier for younger students to look up words.
Arrangement/Presentation: Arrangement is alphabetical. Included in the 256 pages their are new photos and new words added to this addition. The dictionary covers core vocabulary, colorful pictures with eye catching illustrations. This book is a great comprehensive guide with its unique illustrations that break up entries and help put the words in to context, which allows the students to be more engaged and find it more fun to use.
Relation to other works: There are many children's dictionaries available; this dictionary meets requirements for libraries that are needing research materials for younger elementary level.
Accessibility/Diversity: The illustrations include a diverse setting of many words. It supports the common core standards which is what schools across the country are wither at or being moved towards.
Cost: $17.99
Professional Review: Tuxworth, N. (2014). Children's Illustrated Dictionary. DK Publishing. New York, NY. 978-1465420206.
Time Machine A Great Kid's Dictionary!, February 27, 2005
This dictionary by Dorling Kindersley is just what a childs reference book should be. It is sturdy and brightly attractive and my 4 year old daughter often asks me to sit down with her and just look at the various pictures and tell her what word goes with them.
Beyond that I have found it to be a mommy life-saver because this same child --and now my son-- will ask me what something means and I find myself at a loss as to how to explain the word in simple enough terms. Wa-La, the DK Illustrated dictionary. Their explanations are short and perfect; and although it is not a comprehensive dictionary (you will not find words like impugn and insolent) it is certainly the best one that my hubby and I have found on the market.
There is no entry for cookie. Otherwise, my daughter was so happy about her new dictionary that we read it as a bedtime story. Clear, colorful pictures for each word and super easy to use. The reading level for the definitions is fairly high. Highly recommended for ages 6-9.