From School Library Journal
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Booklist
Each page generally has three or four definitions and almost as many illustrations. Font size is large enough to keep early readers interested. Headwords are highlighted in a contrasting color from the definitions. Definitions include the elements one expects to find in a dictionary (though not necessarily one for this level)--parts of speech, synonyms, antonyms, usage examples, cross-references to related words, and word histories. The entry for the word fairy includes historical roots from Old French and Latin. In addition, there may be stories and poems. The Sleeping Beauty story is condensed to two sentences, each using the word fairy. The definition of science includes information on different branches of sciences; for example, "Chemistry is the science of what things are made of." There are dozens of corny word jokes and puns that children love scattered randomly through the book, such as the well-worn "Why are fish so smart? They travel in schools."
A "How to use the dictionary" page for readers is followed by a two-page preface for parents and educators. The back of the dictionary contains a section called "Spelling Words and Word Functions^B." A two-page time line describes the evolution of the English language,^B referring to words in the dictionary by highlighting them in bold print.
Children will want to skim the pages just to read and amuse themselves and will learn the mechanics of a dictionary without even realizing it. There is not a hint of condescension to the reader, and for that reason, the dictionary would work well in the special classroom for older children who may have reading delays. This is a charming work that has been put together with care and purpose. Recommended for public and school libraries. Terri Tomchyshyn
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
