First Children's Dictionary: A First Reference Book for Children (DK First Reference)

K-Gr 3--DK is the king of making children's topics both understandable and easy to access; this picture dictionary is no different in that approach. With more than 4,000 entries, this title contains words that some other children's dictionaries may not (for instance, it defines "Allah" and "Jew," though not "Jesus"). Definitions are very short and concise, and the part of speech is given (though if a word can be several parts of speech, usually just one usage is listed). "Internet" is not here, but "digital" and "computer" are, and in this work, a "tablet" can be both a small computer and a "small solid piece of medicine." In addition to adding new words relating to technology (such as "smartphone"), the second edition also lists pronouns, articles, and prepositions. Sample sentences are updated for a more contemporary flavor, and words are added to reflect cultural diversity ("Eid" and "Holi"). This volume is limited, to be sure, and images are helpful (albeit stock); some beginning and end matter is included on collective nouns and interesting units of measure. VERDICT Colorful, engaging, but only an additional purchase if needed.--Sharon Verbeten, Brown County Library, Green Bay, WI