Merriam-Webster’s First Dictionary

Definition is not literal but expression. Lots of images kids can relate to along with noun, pronouns etc.

4yo (almost 5) grand kid... LOVED this book, wanted a dictionary like 7yo sibling... but that was much too complicated. Very happy with this purchase. Wish I had purchased earlier. This dictionary will definitely grow with grand children. The pictures are vivid, the words/definitions easy to understand and nothing bloody or gory/explicit. Very age appropriate!

This dictionary is filled with words like van, thirsty, tiger, water a lot of common words that an average 5-6 years old already knows what they mean. And a lot of other stuff that kids would need help with is missing. We almost always switched to a regular dictionary. Also pronounciation is not added you can learn a lot on that from any ladybird book. Waste of money.

Each of the vowel sounds are addressed on a single page, with combinations of vowel sounds. The art work is very realistic and colorful. There are fun things to talk about on each page. Jokes are linguistic. A very beautiful book. My 4 year old enjoyed the pictures and we discussed why the jokes were funny.

“Merriam-Webster’s First Dictionary,” compiled by the editors of Merriam-Webster Inc. and illustrated primarily by Ruth Heller, the popular author and illustrator of 23 fiction and nonfiction children’s books, is an excellent resource for children age five to seven. Conceived and executed specifically for beginning readers, this introductory reference features a “Preface” that explicates the premise of the work; an “Introduction to Teachers and Parents” that presents the work’s methodology; and “Here’s How to Use Your Dictionary,” which delineates the reference’s format and includes “Entry Blocks,” “Headwords,” “Word Functions,” “Related Words,” “Explanations,” “Example Sentences,” “Bonus Words,” “Word Histories,” “Stories,” “Poems,” “Head-Scratchers” (which provides “fun stuff about words”), “Look-It-Up Notes,” and “Jokes” (such as riddles and knock-knock jokes). Large-font alphabetic page headers that identify the first letter of the words included on that page and “Page Turn” symbols which indicate that entry blocks continue onto the next page provide clear visual directions for utilizing the dictionary. An entry block for each letter features a poem that outlines the sound(s) of the initial letters included in that section of the dictionary using sample words. Unfortunately, however, there is neither a pronunciation guide nor pronunciation symbols to facilitate learning word sounds. The parts of speech (noun, verb, adjective, adverb, interjection), however, for each word are clearly listed. Another criticism is that some words known and/or used by children are omitted from the dictionary. “Meow” and “cat,” for example, are included as is “dog,” but “woof” is omitted. A profusion of beautiful, vivid, full-color illustrations enhances the definitions and font color differentiation is used throughout the dictionary to distinguish categories of text. The dictionary concludes with sections on “words to help you with spelling” that includes “in-between words” (such as “about,” “against,” “because”), “words that point,” (such as “her,” “his,” “mine,” “their,” “which,” “who,” “you”), “Words about being and doing” (such as “are,” “be,” “been,” “could,” “might,” “should,” “would”) and “Numbers” that are listed numerically and in words. “More Spelling Words” includes “again,” “count,” “many,” “often,” “there,” “too,” “what,” “when,” “where,” and “why” among others and “Word Functions” explicates various parts of speech. Finally, “Timeline” features word etymology. Criticisms notwithstanding, this juvenile resource is admirably conceived, organized, delineated, and produced and is sure to appeal to youngsters and parents alike. The sturdy construction and heavy paper will withstand continuous use, the large format (8 and 3/4” x 11” x 7/8”) will be easy for small hands to hold, and the reasonable price is a bargain. This is a highly recommended resource, especially since most children’s dictionaries are intended for older readers.

Read it with my son every night , not only him I also learned a lot from this dictionary!