Merriam Webster Children's Dictionary [Hardcover]

DK Publishing (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 20, 2005 | Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

Designed for children 8 and up, the Merriam-Webster Children's Dictionary combines the lexicographic excellence of America's most trusted and prestigious dictionary publisher with DK's world renowned design and visual flair. Works of art and graphics provide instant visual definitions and deepen the understanding of the text, while eye-catching illustrated reference features offer in-depth information on an amazing variety of subjects.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

In evaluating a children's dictionary, there are two test words we always check first: "e-mail" and "iguana." After all, if "e-mail" doesn't appear in a dictionary, how up-to-date can it be? And iguanas, well, what kid doesn't want to read all about this "very large tropical American lizard with a ridge of tall scales along its back"? We are happy to report that this fine dictionary is above and beyond our gold standard. Not only are there definitions for each of the test words, there are illustrations for each, as well! This 912-page illustrated dictionary is packed with great information, including world maps on the inside covers, an easy-to-use how-to guide, and a reference section with facts and maps of the continents, pictures of flags from countries around the world, U.S. presidents and vice presidents, pronunciation guides, signs and symbols, and lots more. Sandwiched between this wealth of facts and figures are 846 pages of definitions with DK's trademark crisp, clear photographs illustrating many of the words. One of the handiest features in this volume is the multicolored alphabet running down the outer edges of every single page, with the featured letter highlighted for easy reference when flipping through. So get out there and e-mail all your iguana friends about this terrific reference guide! (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2–5—Including a reference guide to letter pronunciation at the bottom of each spread, this work also includes an alphabet locator on the side of each page. Clear guide words and extensive use of cross-references enable users to locate definitions and synonyms. Clearly captioned color photographs and some drawings, including the relevant definition as needed, bring the entries to life. Homographs are identified, and word histories are included throughout, adding to the interest level of the work. Each definition includes examples, and guidance such as variant spellings and usage labels ("often cap") are provided where necessary. A closing reference section includes a spread for each continent, color images of the flags of the world and of U.S. states, significant data on each state, a chronological listing of U.S. presidents and vice presidents, and common abbreviations. The book concludes with a listing of signs and symbols and a comprehensive index to all pictures in the work. The clear, easy-to-read print and bright pictures of varied type and source make this work easy for second or third graders to use, while fourth and fifth graders will appreciate the depth of the entries.—Sara Rofofsky Marcus, Yeshiva Har Torah, Little Neck, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 912 pages
• Publisher: DK CHILDREN (June 20, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0756611431
• ISBN-13: 978-0756611439
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.2 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (98 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #676,215 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

134 of 138 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars High Quality Children's Dictionary, January 4, 2002

By 

R. Watson (Gladwyne, Pa USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: DK Merriam-Webster Children's Dictionary (Hardcover)

Comprehensive, well illustrated, and written to be understood by children aged 9 - 12. The definitions of most words searched have been easily understood by my nine year old son. Some definitions have necessitated my participation to provide a more simplified explanation. A further noted weakness of the dictionary is that a significant number of words fail to provide an example of its use in a sentence. A more consistent usage of this feature would have resulted in a 5 star rating. These faults, however, are minor and should not deter the reader from purchasing this dictionary. Some noteworthy unexpected strengths of the dictionary was the inclusion of a reference section containing maps of the world and seven continents, illustrations of the flags of the world, a list of the 50 states and their capitals, and a listing of the Presidents and Vice-Presidents of the United States. A recommended companion to the dictionary is The American Heritage Children Thesaurus.

69 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great reference tool for youngsters, August 2, 2000

By 

christy - See all my reviews

This review is from: DK Merriam-Webster Children's Dictionary (Hardcover)

DK is the absolute best when it comes to non-fiction books for children. This illustrated dictionary is no exception. DK's style is clean, simple, and well-illustrated with color photos of the actual objects. Not only does this dictionary serve as a great reference tool, many children would enjoy sitting down and flipping through it just for fun. The illustrations will hold children's attention. If you don't already have a dictionary for your child, this is the one to get. And it is priced VERY reasonably. I work in a bookstore and recommend this one often.

60 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Illustrated Dictionary for children, January 18, 2003

By 

Buzz - See all my reviews

This review is from: DK Merriam-Webster Children's Dictionary (Hardcover)

I bought the second copy in 6 months a week ago and gave it to a friend as a gift to their children. And they really loved it.

Its DK! Yes that matters. DK has mastered the art of making dictionaries. I have used DK Oxford American Illustrated dictionary. Dk made it so wonderful that when I sit with it I spend atleast 15 minutes. Wesbter knows how to convey the meaning of a word.

So you combine the best of DK and Webster you get this masterpiece. The salesrank for this book is less than 2000 and that tells you how popular this book is. I would just go ahead and buy it if I am thinking of buying 'a' book for children.

For children this book is a treasure from which they can learn new words seeing lots of pictures. If a kid wants to know what a fruit is he looks at fruit here he will also be able to learn all about fruits and types of fruits like dry fruits, etc. he turns the pages to fruit and finds the pictures of all kinds of fruits and that makes him recognise what a fruit is and what all fruits he eats.

There are 4000 pictures. Other books boast of 2000 pictures but they arent even close and all they got are bad and small pictures. All they carry is a small picture of an apple or something while explaining fruit. Also if you see letters XYZ alone you will see lot of pictures in this book. Its the best book rated in America and I have seen all children's dictionaries recently.

I had an option of choosing between this one and World children's dictionary which costs less. But I realised that a bad dictionary is no better than not having one. So I chose this one and its a perfect gift for my cousins. So if you are looking for a book to gift some kids, grab this one.