Scholastic First Dictionary

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3--With a crisp layout, bright colors, and a large typeface, this dictionary is appealing and accessible. The 1500 main entries are well suited to use by young readers and writers. There are at least two full-color photographs on each page; they illustrate words such as "cash machine," "camcorder," and "headphones." The photos help children distinguish between a computer mouse and the animal, an audio and a video tape, and a floppy and a compact disc. Common animals are included, most with pictures. Each entry word is followed by phonetic pronunciation; a simple definition; an illustrative sentence using the word; and alternative forms such as plurals for nouns, comparatives for adjectives, and tenses for verbs. If there are multiple meanings for a headword, each definition is numbered. The introduction includes two pages that explain how to use the dictionary and a pronunciation guide. Following the dictionary proper is a page on prefixes, suffixes, and contractions. A two-page spread covers forming plurals, words that sound alike, and how words work in sentences. Lastly, there is a page on measurement and an index of pictures. The attractive format and appropriate contents will invite children to use the dictionary when needed and to browse for pleasure.--Priscilla Bennett, State University of West Georgia