The Kingfisher First Dictionary (Kingfisher First Reference) [Hardcover]

John Grisewood (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: Kingfisher First Reference

Packed with pictures, this dictionary is a visual treasure trove just right for children who are ready to begin using reference books on their own. Because it's fun for kids to use, this is an ideal first reference. It is the only dictionary for this age level to include word games and activities that entertain as they reinforce dictionary skills. Additional vocabulary words are featured on generously illustrated pages covering such high interest topics as animals, colors, flowers, games, and planets. Accessible and authoritative, this dictionary also explains confusing words, many word origins, and all the basic information about how we use words. Special Features: Over 1,000 appealing, colorful photographs and illustrations. Over 1,500 headwords and simple sentences provide examples of word usage and clear and easy-to-understand definitions. Includes word games and activities. Vocabulary carefully chosen for the 5-8 year old reading level. Includes spelling tips and pronunciation guide.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Colorful illustrations and photographs contribute to a highly accessible design in First Dictionary, edited by John Grisewood. Underneath each boldfaced large-print word, a clear definition appears, along with an example sentence. Other features include word origins, word games and activities, plus spelling tips. Another attraction: an occasional illustrated page focuses on a theme, such as dinosaurs, planets and flowers; specific names, additional details and clear labels take readers deeper into each subject.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Created for children ages 6^-8, this dictionary contains more than 1,000 color drawings and photographs illustrating more than 1,500 words from everyday life. Typical entries contain the word in boldface, the definition in sentence form, an example sentence, and a picture. Word origin, other verb forms, singular and plural forms, and multiple meanings may also be detailed. Some special areas receive highlighting. "Spelling tips" are occasionally located within an entry in a yellow box, for example, "Another word that sounds like 'hear' is 'here.'" "Wordplay Boxes" contain puzzles. Picture pages are specially bordered full pages offering various aspects of a word; for example, "Aircraft" shows jets, helicopters, gliders, and captain and crew. After the Z words are found lists of days of the week, months of the year, money, distance, weight, liquids, and definitions and examples of various parts of speech.

Many "first" dictionaries are available. My First Dictionary [RBB D 1 93] is another example of a colorful large-format work that is done in the Dorling Kindersley style. My First Dictionary (HarperCollins, 1990), with 4,000 definitions, is for a slightly older child as it does not have the same picture appeal for the very young. The Macmillan First Dictionary (Macmillan, 1990) contains 2,200 words, and the American Heritage First Dictionary [RBB S 1 94] has about 1,700. The Kingfisher First Dictionary is filled with photographs of kids wearing brightly colored shirts, uncomplicated color illustrations, and definitions of words used in daily living. Preschool and primary-grade children will find this an engaging introduction to dictionary skills. Recommended for children's collections that need another dictionary for this age group. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 180 pages
• Publisher: Kingfisher; First American Edition edition (October 25, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1856975770
• ISBN-13: 978-1856975773
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,956,238 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Appealing and informative first dictionary., April 21, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Kingfisher First Dictionary (Kingfisher First Reference) (Hardcover)

This first dictionary has an attractive and easy-to-read format, loaded with full color photographs and drawings. Each word is in large bold type, followed by its definition and sometimes an example of its usage. Illustrations help early readers locate the word they are looking for. The book also includes some large full page charts, such as the human body with outer parts labeled (limbs and facial features- not internal organs) and a page of dinosaurs. But one will not find many specific types of dinosaurs or whales here, just the basics. Eventually older kids will need to move on to a dictionary with more specific words.

5.0 out of 5 stars very good kid's dictionary, January 3, 2012

By 

dealseeker - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kingfisher First Dictionary (Kingfisher First Reference) (Paperback)

Very nice kids' beginner dictionary with all illustrated pictures for all the words listed.
My 6 year old daughter loves it.

4.0 out of 5 stars They use it in my son's Kindergarten class..., March 24, 2007

By 

Mom of Books (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Kingfisher First Dictionary (Kingfisher First Reference) (Paperback)

They use it in my son's Kindergarten class, which is why I ordered it for his birthday. The pictures are crisp clear colorful and interesting. He loves sitting and looking at it and looking up words (and I never would have thought he'd be such a book worm!). There are a few words that he wanted to look up that were not in there...cheetah, for intance. But it is a good starter dictionary and since we have 3 children, I am sure it will get passed down even if he moves on to something more complex quicker than we thought.