Amazon.com

No matter what you thought of Phantom Menace, you just have to love its visual effects and props. Episode I was absolutely radiant with special effects, making use of some 2,000 of them, dwarfing that of previous Star Wars installments and even the CGI-happy Titanic with its now-paltry 500. And the low-tech effects, the physical props of Star Wars, have always been unbelievably detailed, from Luke's scuffed-up speeder to Vader's slightly dinged-up helmet (don't pretend you didn't notice). Phantom Menace continues this tradition proudly, whether it's with Amidala's baroque headgear or the intricately machined (and deadly) armament on a droideka.

A page-turning droolfest, Episode I: The Visual Dictionary stops the film and zooms in on all this eye candy. As he did with the first trilogy in Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary, author-archaeologist David West Reynolds once again elucidates and itemizes with glee, combining witty, pseudo-scholarly prose with clear movie stills and excellent closeup photos of actual props and characters. Every personality and group of note gets its due in this well-labeled, picture-packed book, from the Jedi High Council to the podrace crowd to the sea monsters of Naboo. Craving a closer look at Maul's double lightsaber? Wish you could tell a Neimoidian's rank by the hat on its head? Need some ideas for filling out your podracer toolkit? This is the book for you. --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (42)

A visual treat for Star Wars fans
"Star Wars, Episode I: The Visual Dictionary" combines text by David West Reynolds with a wealth of excellent full-color photographs. Rather than rely on shots from the film, the book primarily uses still shots that appear to have been purposefully taken for a project like this. This was, in my opinion, a wise choice, since I have noticed that the photos in other movie tie-in books can sometimes be a bit murky. The photos here are crisp and colorful, and really allow you to analyze and enjoy the details.

The text comes in the form of easy-to-digest nuggets. The book covers characters, ships, weapons, clothing, robots, animals, and other elements from the movie. The text offers intriguing little tidbits of info about the SW universe (although I imagine that more devoted fans may argue about how "canonical" this info is).

A nice aspect of the book is the fact that barely glimpsed elements in the film are given loving attention here. For example, you can "meet" the members of the Jedi Council more intimately. I liked the comparative size chart of Naboo sea monsters. And the fashion-oriented will have a great time exploring the ornate costumes worn by Queen Amidala and others. Overall, this book is a lot of fun.

DK Strikes Back!
The Dorling-Kindersley Visual Dictionaries are all top-notch products, fascinating not only for children, but for adults, as well. The STAR WARS, EPISODE I addition to this line does not disappoint, with page after page of wonderful, detailed photographs of the people, things and places featured in the film. Everything, from lightsabers to battle droids to Darth Maul, is examined closely and exhaustively labeled.

The fun doesn't stop with the photographs, however. Written in close concert with Lucasfilm, the book provides greater insight into the film by providing information about even minor characters with little screen time. As a result, the next time readers watch EPISODE I, they'll find themselves recalling these tidbits, and enjoying the movie even more than they did before.

Readers, adults and children alike, will find this Visual Dictionary a delight, and it will rarely stay on the shelf. Fun to read cover-to-cover, or just to leaf through, the book is an excellent addition to any STAR WARS fan's collection, and comes very close to being a must-have.

Also a good book
This book likewise its similar for the classic Trilogy, is a good buy for a Star Wars Fan. Depicts everything that appears in the movie, except the starships, the only thing I missed, but it is not a major problem.

Jar Jar Okiday!
The comprehensive dictionary of the first prequil is full of detail that even the movie didn't cover. Big, bright and easy on the eye, we are introduced to nthe characters that would be and influence in this up and coming prequil series.

A better read than the original Star Wars dictionary as that edition had to compress down into one volume all three of the trilogy.

Wonderful Visual Treat!
This slim volume, published in 1999 to coincide with the release of Episode I, is actually a treasure for Star Wars fans who are interested in the details of the characters, lifeforms, and technology from that "galaxy far, far away...." Lavishly illustrated and wonderfully written by David West Reynolds. Also worth getting are The Star Wars Visual Dictionary and the Star Wars Episode II Visual Dictionary. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Now including terms such as DVD, browser, rap ("noun, A type of song in which the words are spoken in a rhythmical way to a musical background"), and almost 200 other new entries, this freshly updated version of the perenially popular Scholastic Children's Dictionary continues to keep up with children's rapidly shifting day-to-day world. Easy-to-understand pronunciation guides, sample sentences, word histories, cross references, synonym boxes, illustrations, photos, and language notes all make this a dictionary any child will be sure to use regularly for schoolwork--or even peruse for fun! (Check out the detailed illustrations and definition for space shuttle.) Included also are maps of the U.S. and the world, Braille and ASL alphabets, flags of the world, facts about the 50 U.S.states, and a list of American presidents. This colorful, accessible, illustrated dictionary was designed for real kids living and learning right now. (Ages 8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (21)

a top-notch dictionary
I bought one copy of this dictionary, mostly for its pictures. I plan to buy about 30 more copies. I plan to use them for 5th graders whose primary language is not English I found that the pictures were heavily weighted in animals, which is okay for my purposes. There are special "boxes" for prefixes and suffixes, which will also be useful for us. The word histories are interesting as well. In addition, certain words are listed throughout the book in those special "boxes" and they are entitled, "synonyms." Then, 4-7 synonyms are given for that word. This may come in handy, as synonyms are an area of study that these students currently need to review. What I think is missing from this dictionary is any type of grammatical hints, lessons, or instruction in the book's index. I feel some type of text on grammar should be added because it is a children's dictionary.

good for 3rd grader
When my third grade daughter started to have a daily word to look up as part of her homework, we quickly discovered that the various adult dictionaries we had at home were not suitable. The print was too small and the definitions often had other words she did not know. We also had a "children's dictionary", but it did not have any of the words that she was assigned.

Since she uses the Scholastic Children's Dictionary in her classroom, I suspected that any words she brought home would be in it, since I assume that the teacher checks that dictionary before assigning them. So the fact the ten words I checked were in this dictionary, but not in some other children's dictionaries in the stores, does not necessarily mean that this one is more complete.

But I do like the layout and typefaces used. My daughter, who is slightly dyslexic, can find words reasonably easily. One flaw is that it lacks a page to indicate how far down the edge to look for the "thumb index tab" markings for a given letter. The book suggests looking for the "ninth red tab" for the letter "l", but I don't find that a practical way to find a section. A useful addition would be cutouts on the edge for these letters (seen on some adult dictionaries) even though that would certainly increase the price.

The sample sentences for each word help give an idea of word usage. And warnings about homonyms are also helpful. The definitions are simple enough for an 8 year old which is perfect for our current needs, but I'll want to buy a more advanced dictionary for my daughter in a couple of years.

Not A 'Complete' Dictionary
I purchased this Dictionary for my daughters thinking it was a thorough complete dictionary that would meet all of their needs when searching for a word. I have recently come to learn that this book definetly falls short of a complete dictionary,..as it simply does not contain many words you would find in any other complete dictionary. Several times my children were searching for a word and gave up not being able to find it in the book, so I had to get MY dictionary so they could find the definition! Very disappointing!

not so great!
This dictionary WAS good up until my child was in 1st grade. Ever since then, we are unable to find words in this dictionary!! It is a very frustrating experience for a child to actually use the book and then find this book does not have the words they need!! Only use this book for the early reader.

Terrific!!
GREAT reference item for a kiddo in 3rd to 5th grade!! Very informative; great illustrations and explanations. Even includes brief info about the states, presidents, a world atlas and flags info! I HIGHLY recommend this book! ... Read more

Amazon.com

In evaluating a children's dictionary, there are two test words wealways check first: "e-mail" and "iguana." After all, if "e-mail" doesn't appearin a dictionary, how up-to-date can it be? And iguanas, well, what kid doesn'twant to read all about this "very large tropical American lizard with a ridge oftall scales along its back"? We are happy to report that this fine dictionary isabove and beyond our gold standard. Not only are there definitions for each ofthe test words, there are illustrations for each, as well! This 912-pageillustrated dictionary is packed with great information, including world maps onthe inside covers, an easy-to-use how-to guide, and a reference section withfacts and maps of the continents, pictures of flags from countries around theworld, U.S. presidents and vice presidents, pronunciation guides, signs andsymbols, and lots more. Sandwiched between this wealth of facts and figures are846 pages of definitions with DK's trademark crisp, clear photographsillustrating many of the words. One of the handiest features in this volume isthe 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 terrificreference guide! (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Excellent for kids of all ages
This is a great addition to any child's library. It's packed with pictures and simple definitions. It give enough information to be very helpful but not so much detail for one word that the child's eye's glaze over! The most amazing thing to me is the number of times that my daughter has picked it up for casual reading! The pictures are that engaging!

This dictionary is a great value and a wonderful tool.

must have
I have a 6 and 8 year old who love this book! My boys are able to look up words and understand the definitions without it being "too easy". The illustrations are great too!!

Best Illustrated Dictionary for children
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.

High Quality Children's Dictionary
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.

Awesome picture and Lots
Very good book with lot of pictures.
Buy it asap. ... Read more

Book Description

This kid-friendly dictionary has more than 15,000 perfect, imperfect, and slang rhymes for the student poet or songwriter. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

YO........Yo................check it
Thanks to this book, I finally got a record deal.
I'm sign to "Boy don't walk through thte scrren door records."
I was really lacking lyrical skills at first.
I would rhyme, but wouldn't make sense.
I would make sense, but wouldn't rhyme.
Than I found myself by reading this book.
I found out you can make anything rhyme by adding "izzle" at the end.
I even wrote a poem.

Title: A Tree that grew from the sidewalk

tree that grewizzle/
than people knewizzle/
the key to the lockizzle/
people could not walk in the sidewalkizzle/
my spirit's within my treasured heartizzle/
than the man looks out the windowizzle/
searching for the moonizzle/
than the man saidizzle/
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(sudden pause)
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"oh baby" "oh baby" .....Hot Shizzle!!!!!!!

Wonderful Beginners Rhyming Dictionary
With over 15,000 words, it has enough for an aspiring poet to be very useful without overwhelming a reader. Although more advanced poets should turn to Sue K. Young's other rhyming dictionary, The New Comprehensive American Rhyming Dictionary, it is perfect in a classroom. I originally bought this book from my 7th grade literature teacher and immediately found good use. For the past five years, it has been of great convenience and has been one of the books I keep at the side of my desk.

When writing a poem for school assignments or merely to express my own emotional state, or convey a story, it has definitely come in handy. Although I am currently looking for a new, more comprehensive rhyming dictionary, this book is great for beginners.

A great book for poets of all ages
I bought this book to use when I teach poetry to children, and ended up using it for my own poems, too. This book is useful and lots of fun.

Good for poems
When you need to make up a poem, a story, a song, a rap, a slogan, or a greeting card, this book comes in handy!

A more useful reference book than you'd imagine...
Wow! I was really surprised with the quality of this book - It is a very well organized book of rhyming words, which is a handy thing to have around! The rhyming words are listed alphabetically by number of syllables. I bought 3 of these for friends of mine who are going into University journalism courses, and they were thrilled. These things aren't just for "ages eight and up" as it states on the back; everyone can have fun with a rhyming dictionary!

It's also really fun to just read the rhyming words out loud quickly in front of a group of people. It's an excellent "coffee-table book" in that sense! More fun than a barrel of monkeys! ... Read more

Book Description

Designed especially for the needs of the middle-grade and junior high students, this revised dictionary contains 70,000 entries, more than 1,000 revised illustrations, abundant word history paragraphs, synonyms paragraphs and example sentences. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

MUST HAVE BOOK
Great gift from Grandmother. Children love this book. It's a great book for anybody learning the English language. EVERY class should have this book. This is a gift that everybody appreciates. Get the book down for the child to look at and learn. Great teaching tool! Exceptional pictures! I always buy two--one for the new grandchild, and a copy goes to the school, when they start school. You have my vote for the VERY BEST.

Eye-catching dictionary that promotes learning
Learning should be an interesting and fun-filled exercise be it at home or at school. This excellent dictionary promotes that. It serves as a good resource not only for children, parents and new learners of English but also for adults that need reinforcement. Highly recommended.

Best for Second Graders
We needed a good dictionary for our second-grader. This fit the bill. Our cover looks slightly different (e.g., "DK" instead of "Darling Kindersley"), but it is the same ISBN. I looked at ALL the appropriate dictionaries, probably 40 in total, and this was the best. There are 5,000 main entries (related words bring the total to 12,000 words), including most of the ones that our child uses in class -- he wanted to make sure they were there. The alphabet runs down each page with the current letter highlighted in color. Each word tells what type it is (noun, adverb, etc.), but it is unobtrusive. There are 2,500 pictures, which many of them being incredibly descriptive -- good pictures for words like "lose", "guess", "shrug", "zigzag". Many of the words not only have the definitions, but a sample sentence that uses the word clearly. This is definitely a best-buy for our second-grader.

Why can't all dictionaries be this much fun?
Young readers will not only love the 2,500 full-color photographs and illustrations, they will find this dictionary easy to understand. When you look up the word "wave" you not only find the description, you will also find a picture of the wave.

Not all the words have pictorial explanations, but in many cases the word is used in a sentence. For example, "every" would have a sentence using the word and state: "Every" space in the parking lot was full.

The 12,000 word entries are explained through clean definitions, examples and usage. This is an invaluable reference book for young readers and writers. It was developed in consultation with experts in the teaching field. The vocabulary lists are up-to-date and includes entries such as compact disc, biodegradable and word processor.

The introductory section encourages dictionary skill. This book will help to build a child's understanding of language and will help them to improve spelling and grammar skills.

Now, could they please make a dictionary for adults that is this fun! :)

The Dorling Kindersley Children's Illustrated Dictionary
The DK Children's Dictionary is the best dictionary I have used in working with students in our school's ESL (English Second Language) program. Often, in working with ESL kids, word explainations are not enough, you need a picture. This dictionary provides quality pictures and lots of them. This is a great resource! ... Read more

Book Description

This guide to idioms provides the student with an opportunity to bring color to their speech every day. Included are idioms from Native American and African American speech as well as the Bible, Aesop, and Shakespeare. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

I LUV THIS BOOK!!!!
Back in around 97 or 98, I was crazy about these two guys in a movie and started setting up funny situations in a roleplay where one guy would use idioms and the other would take them all literally. I was sooo happy to find this book to use as an idiom reference!!! I tried a couple of other idiom books, but this one is by far the best! ^_^ So warm and friendly, and I luv the cartoon kids who host the thing :) I am totally hooked on this book! ^_^ Buy it, BUY IT!!!

A Masterpiece!
Finally, a book that explains idioms in a way my son can understand-clearly and unambiguously. Because he has an autistic spectrum disorder, he tends to be very literal. He has read this book from cover to cover and is starting to incorporate idioms, usually correctly, into conversation. In addition, the author presents the history (if known) of each idiom, something children(mine) who enjoy factoids love.

This book should be required reading for speech therapists, teachers, the language-delayed, and those learning English as a second language.

Excellent book to aid kids understand grown-up talk!
My husband and I often unconsciously speak in idioms to our kids. Now, when we say things like "don't burn your bridges"; "I'm tickled pink"; or "snug as a bug in a rug", and the kids can find out what we are talking about! ... Read more

Book Description

Based on the newest edition of America"s favorite college dictionary, The American Heritage® High School Dictionary, Fourth Edition, contains more than 7,500 new words and senses, along with 2,500 photographs and illustrations. Expert usage guidance from the renowned Usage Panel and extensive special features such as notes on synonyms, regionalisms, and word history make this the ideal reference for any student or family. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Never lost!
My young daughter was forever losing the paperback dictionary in our home. I purchased this book for her birthday. She nows enjoys looking up words and this book can take her through middle school, high school and into her college years. Plus, it is difficult to misplace such a substanial book.

Dictionary to see my son through college
I was looking for an Amarican dictionary that could see my 7 year old son through college. I scanned the Amazon and read in detail about all available dictionaries and made this choice. Now I am using it myself also.

It presents works broken into syllables and the pronunciation key is provided on every page. This makes correcting pronunciation easy.

It is partially illustrated. This makes it pleasant to read.

Although it is thick, it is light. This is an important consideration for students.

The binding is strong, so is the paper. I am sure it will see my son through college. ... Read more

Book Description

Designed for middle school and early high school students, this new edition leads the market in content, features, and design. Now in full color, it has been completely revised and updated to reflect our changing world, with more than 3,000 new words and senses in all areas of vocabulary.
• More than 65,000 boldface entries, thoroughly updated on every page
• Bright new full-color design, with 2,000 informative photographs and drawings
• Expert usage guidance based on the American Heritage® Usage Panel ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Homework Help Found!
When I started school this year, the dictionary I had had writing that was hard for me to read. This dictionary is perfect for middle school students. It has all the middle school words, with easy to read print.

Good reference for young readers
The American Heritage Student Dictionary contains concise, easy to read definitions and helpful pictures, mostly of animals, historical figures, and illustrations of abstract concepts. The pictures are in black and white, but for the age that this reference tool is focused, I believe color pictures would have made the pages come to life more. The dictionary includes periodic table, taxonomy chart, historical era chart, and weights & measurements charts spread thoughout the book. I would have preferred these charts all at the beginning or end for easier usage. ... Read more

Book Description

This award-winning book contains these essential features:
• More than 13,000 main entries, fully updated for the twenty-first century
• Hundreds of Word History, Language Detective, Vocabulary Builder, and Spelling notes
• More than 1,000 full-color photographs and drawings
• 26-page appendix including separate thesaurus, phonics and spelling,
measurement, and geography sections ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Well laid out. Good for the younger students.
There are many things I love about this dictionary. Number one is the way it is put together; easy to read text, plenty of eye-catching pictures and artwork, guidewords conspicuously typeset to make locating entries easier, homographs, inflected forms, and example sentences that show use in context.

Even my SLD students are able to use this book. It has been an excellent source in helping them to learn how to use a dictionary as it is less intimidating that the old black and white texts.

Not good enough
My daughter is a 4th grade girl. She could not find a word "hypothesis". Also, she had a difficult time to understand the meaning of a new word. It was a kind of redundant explanation. We decided to buy a new dictionary "Macmillan Dictionary for Children", which has a word "hypothesis" and better explanation of the word she could not understand in the American Heritage Children's Dictionary.

early elementary only
I bought this dictionary at the end of First grade, thinking it would last through Elementary school Now, he's in 3rd grade, and this year, he's been unable to find 3 words. Last year, he couldn't locate two words. It's aggravating because I want him to learn how to look words up, and spell them correctly. But, he can't find them in the dictionary! I do not remember what the words were, but I doublechecked with him and they were typical words in a third grader's vocabulary, but not in the dictionary. I am now seeking a new dictionary.

The initial excitement waned
The kids were excited when the dictionary arrived. My nine year old son decided to look for a word - tenacious. We could not find the word. We've only had it one day - hopefully we'll find everything else from here on.

Loved this Dictionary
My daughter's class uses this dictionary in their first grade class. We bought one for the home for consistancy in her learning. This is an excellent dictionary for the young child. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Designed as a transition dictionary for readers in late-elementary school, Webster's New World Children's Dictionary bridges the gap between simple, picture-based dictionaries and the dull-but-necessary ones we all reach for when faced with unknown words. The medium-sized text, example sentences that accompany most definitions, and the miniature pronunciation guide on every page all work nicely together to ensure that kids will understand correct usage without getting overwhelmed with detail. Also included are maps, history and geography pages, and an introductory thesaurus. Especially helpful for younger users is the 10-page guide to dictionary usage, which covers synonyms, homonyms, and the ever-important ways to look up a word when you don't know how to spell it in the first place.

In general, the definitions are easily understandable for children ages 7 to 12, providing accurate answers without being verbose. In Webster's New World College Dictionary, "rebel" is described as "one who engages in armed resistance against the established government of one's country." In this version, you'll find the more kid-friendly definition "a person who fights against any kind of control or authority." --Jill Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Dictionary For Kdidzz!
This dictionary is highly recommended for children from age 8 & above, quick reference, clear printing, bold letters, pictures & graphical illustrations where required these are some of the features that makes this dictionary perfect for childrens! ... Read more

Book Description

These DK books are a convenient, affordable source of information that fits perfectly in a knapsack or a briefcase or as ready reference on a desk. The DK Concise Encyclopedia is an illustrated guide to the world around us and the DK Dictionary/Thesaurus offers definitions plus synonyms for thousands of words. For those interested in foreign languages, DK Spanish Dictionary and DK French Dictionary offer a world of homework and conversational help! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Short and Sweet, But not quite Perfect.
I was immeadiately drawn to this book's pleasing asthetic appeal. Tired of newsprint paged, miniature typed editions, the DK Concise Dictionary/Thesaurus was an attractive competitor. I brought this book as my first thesaurus and since then have found it helpful in writing letters and papers. Its a perfect hand-held size and the medium weight pages are also a nice quality. The format makes the book great for quick reference.
However the book is truly lives up to the description of concise. At times I felt frusterated because it seemed almost too limited. I recommend this book for younger writers and students. I have recently graduated from highschool and although I will take this book with me to college, I out grew the text early in my highschool career.

DK Dictionary Thesaurus
This is a fabulous combination dictionary/thesaurus all in one. The text is easy to read and the book has great visual cues. Many other books we looked at had type that was really small and hard to read. It is easy to carry, not too heavy. A must for middle school. ... Read more

Book Description

Bringing the amazing world of words to children ages five and older. With over 700 illustrations designed to attract young children and 4,000 age--appropriate vocabulary words, the DK First Dictionary sets a new standard in linguistic reference for children six and up. Many entries include opposites, similar words, and word origins, alongside phonetic spellings and easy--to--follow definitions. Word Detective" games and "Word Banks" help children expand their vocabulary while having fun." ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Easy read for beginner reads lots of pictures too
I bought this book for a 5 year old. I wanted to teach my 5 year old how to look up words. This is the best children's dictionary I have ever read. Now I purchsed 2 others but this is the easiest book for any child to use and the most fun. I love the photos and the simplicity. ... Read more

Book Description

Designed for students in grades five through eight, this illustrated dictionary of the English language contains more than 50,000 definitions as well as pronunciation guides, word origins, synonyms, maps, and other features. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Children's dictionary
Excellent buy.
Great dictionary for school-aged children. Easy to read and understand definitions.

Wonderful.
Just what we needed. Perfect for teaching children.

A Dictionary for all Ages
A good dictionary will enable you to understand a word without having to look up alot of other ones in the process. This is a good dictionary for all ages. ... Read more

Book Description

Ever wonder how to remember that dessert has two s's? Think of Something Sweet! This and more than 150 other clever tricks will help kids spell with ease. With an alphabetical listing of over 15,000 words, useful rules, and an index of commonly misspelled words, this guide can help any student conquer the spelling dilemma. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great for beginning writers
I got this for my 6 year old daughter and it has given her so much independence in her writing homework. It has cut down on "mom, how do you spell....." It is an excellent reference for any child. Very easy to use. It's a great confidence builder too!

easy learn how to spell
This book is a big help for my child to learn words and to learn how to spell the words, so it's very useful ... Read more

Book Description

This is the definitive thesaurus for middle school and high school students. No other book at this level offers as many synonyms, example sentences, or features.
• 6,000 main entries, with more than 70,000 synonyms in all
• Clear example sentences for every meaning of every entry word
• Word Group features include related vocabulary for words with no true
synonyms ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Just what we needed
As a homeschooling mom I was furstrated with the old edition we were trying to use. This one has been perfect though I know we will have to get a more advanced one as the kids get older.

If you teach children you must have this book!
This book is an amazing resource for children. My children literally fight over who gets to use the book next. I highly recommend it for any classroom grades 4-7.

If you teach children you must have this book!
Teaching fifth graders English is a large task. It is hard to find meaningful resources to assist in the writing process. I highly recommend this thesaurus for any teacher wanting to improve student vocabulary and teach reference skills. My children literally fight over who gets to use the book next! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Old fashioned
I thought the language was very adult and archaic - some of the definitions might have been right in the 1950s or 1960s but are not appropriate now - see the definitions for colored or hippy. I would not buy another MW dictionary after seeing this.

A pretty good dictionary
I had originally gotten this book for my 8yr old but it was a little too advanced for her. The text is small, more like an adults dictionary as opposed to a child's dictionary. The definitions are not easy for younger children to read on their own. It is however very clear so she did understand the definitions after having them read to her. All in all it is a very good choice. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Respected educational publisher DK partners with the world's leading online search engine Google to create the innovative e-encyclopedia, a hefty, heavily illustrated hardcover reference book for young scholars that also refers its readers to their exclusive, kid-friendly web site. Featuring more than 2,000 full-color images, the book covers nine major subject areas: Space, Earth, Nature, Human Body, Science and Technology, People and Places, Society and Beliefs, Arts and Entertainment, and History. Each of the 600 entries provides illustrations and brief, easily digestible tidbits of information about everything from why the Rhine River is so important to Europe to what the brain is made of. If a grey "e" button is visible on the page, that means a treasury of online resources will be available when you search the DK/Google web site for the designated keyword--links that include animations, videos, sound buttons, virtual tours, interactive quizzes, databases, timelines, or real-time reports.

Say you want to learn about rockets. You look it up in the index and find it called out in bold for page 101. Here you'll see a photograph and a brief description of a rocket and how it works. You'll also find the gray "e" button, signaling you to type in "rockets" as a keyword into the given web site. Once you do that, you'll find the following kid-friendly links: 1) How do you launch a rocket from a spinning planet? 2) Launch the space shuttle into orbit beside the ISS, and 3) Visit a rocketry and space flight gallery. Children are also directed towards downloadable images and more directories of related links. Subjects such as metamorphosis provide less-satisfying results, as the page gives the briefest of explanations and a ladybug larva-adult diagram, but no keyword link to the special web site. Still, this useful book offers the possibility of hours of browsing, both on and off-line, giving kids a rich, multimedia learning experience while assuring parents of a kid-safe Internet zone. (Ages 8 and older) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (3)

If you know google, you don't need this book
This is a book for parents and children who are completely in the dark about google. It's the largest, most used search engine out there. Quite frankly, who doesn't know about Google at this point in time. Also, the links mentioned in this book that will be "maintained" and "monitored" and etc.--shouldn't parents be monitoring the sites that their children visit? Does anyone know the involvement and the amount of manpower this will take for a company to monitor ALL of these links? Next to impossible..yet only time will tell. What happened to good-old-fashioned Make Way for Ducklings? What about time away from "the web". DK is really for youngsters who can't read. YES, DK books are full of gorgeous pictures, but that's about...this is a hyped up title. You don't need it. Two stars for effort...I guess they are trying to keep up with technology?

Keywords for finding information are highlighted
This unusual 'e.encyclopedia' highlights any subject where you can get extra information on the web - reports, video footage, and even sound recordings. It's organized so keywords for finding such information are highlighted, making it easy for students to use this e-dictionary in conjunction with the computer - but the visual displays and color paired with the basic facts are plenty to also make this stand along as a superior reference. Highly recommended: a visual and practical treat illustrating the positive marriage between reference book and Internet.

An Innovative Encyclopedia
"The key aim with e.encyclopedia is to give kids the best resources on paper and online." ~Sue Grabham

Since 99% of public schools in the United States claim to have internet access and more than half of all school-age children are using the internet for homework, e.encyclopedia takes homework to the next level.

This book presents information on everything from Space Observatories to Philosophy. There are annotated maps, charts and timelines. It also has "information keyword buttons." They are little gray dots with white words or white words highlighted in gray. They are easy to find and are blended in all over the pages. When looking at information on volcanoes, I find a button with the word: volcanoes and a highlighted word: Lava.

By entering the site URL to a special area of the DK/Google site, you can find more detailed information. Then, you type in the keywords to find additional information, real-time reports, satellite images, virtual tours and databases. There are also downloadable images and just about everything kids need for homework and projects.

So, say you are researching Ancient Greece and have traveled through this book arriving at say pg. 376. There, you will find a picture of The Parthenon, information on amphitheaters and even a picture of an Athenian coin. To access additional information, you go to the "DK/Google" site and type in the keyword: "Ancient Greece." This takes you to a page with more options.

Explore everyday life in Ancient Greece
Important sites in Ancient Greece
Find out more about the Ancient Greeks
Examine Ancient Greek Artifacts

Then you click on "Explore everyday life in Ancient Greece" and are transported into a page from the history channel. So, in this way, you can find information super fast. It does seem they have made every effort to make links to only reputable sites so parents won't have to worry about children encountering inappropriate material. There are links to more than 1,000 useful sites.

So, do you have to pay extra to use the e.encyclopedia website?

No, it is free. The website address is located on the first page of the book. Once you purchase the book, the website is free.

This book covers a wide variety of subjects including: Earth, Nature, Science and Technology, People and Places, Society and Beliefs, Arts and Entertainment, History and the Human Body.

I think they have gone out of their way to make this kid friendly, however, even adults might be interested in finding many of the links. I found the section on seeing how an embryo develops in the womb to be rather fascinating. The section on new materials was quite interesting. Could seaweed be used to make a new plastic? Apparently there is material called "Seagel" that is made from agar and is the lightest solid.

You will also find answers to the following questions:

Are mountains still growing?
What causes tides?
How do scientists use the Quantum Theory?
Why is a swimming pool deeper than it looks?
Who were the first philosophers?
How are Musical instruments categorized?
What is a nanomachine?
Who really invented the World Wide Web?
How does the Internet Work?

DK excels in the illustration department. You will find a toucan peering out of the page on pg. 233 and beautiful full-color illustrations on every page.

Picture highlights: The picture of the Hindu Marriage. What a dress! Loved the picture of the nanorobots and the pictures for the diatonms were rather pretty. Also, who knew a pollen grain was so beautiful. The photography is spectacular.

DK & Google have joined forces to make homework fun. There is so much information here, I could spend hours just looking through page after page. e.encyclopedia will give your children a basic overview of our life on earth. Not only will children find these facts intriguing, once they find a subject of interest, they can take their knowledge to the next level by continuing their research online.

What a brilliant idea!

~TheRebeccaReview.com ... Read more

Book Description

For readers of all ages, a peerless guide to the magic of Narnia that will provide endless hours of fascinating exploration.

Companion to Narnia is an adventurer's passport to the enchanting world of C. S. Lewis's beloved classic series The Chronicles of Narnia. From Asia, the Great Lion of Narnia, to Zardeenah, the mysterious Lady of the Night, this comprehensive work contains hundreds of alphabetically arranged and indexed entries covering all the characters, events, places, and themes that Lewis magically wove into his fictional world. Bringing the reader a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Chronicles, Ford illuminates the philosophical, spiritual, and psychological significance behind each story, while explaining the symbolic and thematic threads that unify the series. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

More than just Cliff Notes
If you think that the Chronicles of Narnia ought to be required reading for children, then the Companion to Narnia ought to be required reading for us adults that fell in love with Narnia as children. Yes, I'm sure that if you had to write a paper or do a report on any of the Chronicles for school, this book would be invaluable. But the fact is, it goes far beyond that to a much broader audience...

C.S. Lewis's Chronicles represent some of the finest high-Fantasy novels ever written, period. But for most of us, at least at the first reading, this is all they were. As we grow older, and read the Chronicles again and again, we begin to discover more of the meaning behind the writing; this book guides you further along that path of discovery. It is well-organized and very thorough; I have had little difficulty finding any of the references I wanted to explore.

If you want a person to love the Chronicles, buy the series for them when they are a child. If you want them to appreciate it the way you do, buy them the Companion when they grow a bit older...

An Excellent Traveling Companion
I first entered Narnia as a child, simply pushing the fur coats aside and stepping through the wardrobe into the snowy world near the lamp post. I didn't need a guide book. Things just unfolded and I went with the flow of wonders. I came back for an extended visit when I was expecting my first child. There were concepts there that I had not noticed before as "concepts". I felt inspired and doubly moved by its beauty. Now, I'm at the "grandma" age if not yet in that reality. I've popped back in to visit old friends and this guide book is truly a "companion." I realize that the word "companion" in the title refers to the fact that this volume is a companion to the Narnia books, but for me the title has a double meaning, in that it is also my companion on the journey to Narnia, my tour guide, so to speak.
This book takes you by the hand and encourages you to look closer, gently pointing out the secrets of the locale that only the natives might know. It gives insights and provokes thought and dialogue. It is a neat holistic view that encourages an appreciation for the big picture by illuminating the subtle details. It is also the kind of tribute to the minute of one's heroes that all "fans" love to pour over. If you are a young person just let Lucy help you find your way into Narnia and I assure you that you will have a splendid time, but if you are a bit older I recommend this travelog and the company of this wonderfully helpful and insightful book.
This book also contains an insightful foreward by Madeleine L'Engle, author of "A Wrinkle in Time".

A mess of information.
I resold this book immediately, without even browsing all the way through it! The way it was typeset and laid out was awful - one section ran on forever. I thought it would be a cute, fun book to help me re-enter the Chronicles of Narnia world, but the book takes itself much too seriously. It offered no quick-n-easy summaries, rather long references to obscure characters. Very bad.

The Narnia Book's Page Numbers ...
corpus-callosum's [Amazon.com] review mentions "At the end of the articles, Ford has placed in parentheses an abbreviated reference to the specific book and page number that coincides with the topic being discussed. "

There are two numbers separated by a comma- the first is the tradepaperback/hardback HaperCollins or Harper Trophy page number, the second (after the comma) is for the Harper Trophy rack sized (mass market) paperback editions.

Examples from the Companion book listings to check pagination of the Narnia editions you have to see if they match up on the correct page:

Lion Witch Wardrobe: Hosea 11:10 "at the sound of his roar" 79,85
Prince Caspian:Isaiah 9:1"the people that lived in hiding" 72,75
Dawn Treader: Isaiah 6:6 "a little live coal" 207,224
Silver Chair: Psalms103:9 "I will not always be scolding" 236,250
Horse & His Boy: Daniel 4:24 "not a donkey!" 219,235
Magician's Nephew: Job 38:7 "stars themselves singing" 107,117
Last Battle: Deut.33:27 "between the paws of the true Aslan" 121, 134

I have the trade paperback Harper Trophy "full-color collector's edition of Narnia, boxed set ISBN: 0064409392 and the first number of the two (the one before the comma) matches perfectly in all the Narnia books.

Not Kid-Friendly
Although the description said for readers ages 4 - 8, there is no way this book is readable to any but the brightest 8 year olds. The book is probably great, but I was mislead by the description. (The rating of "1 star" was for these young readers, not for older kids or adults.) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great for kids of all ages!
My kids have all loved this book from the age of 16 months. Most toddlers love to find the "banana" (or many other items on each page) when asked to find the banana. Every year they will find some new picture that they never noticed before. My five-year old is into "pirate", while my 18-month old loves the "hundred" stars. There is so much to look at on every page! I will give this book as a gift to my nieces and nephews for years to come.

Great dictionary for young children!
The best thing about this dictionary is that it has a picture for EVERY word. It allows children who are not reading yet to identify the words by themselves. In addition, this dictionary is in alphabetic order. I have looked through numerous 'picture' dictionaries which group words in subject (i.e. science, nature, body, etc.) To me, this is confusing if you are trying to truly look up a word. As well as the other 'picture' dictionaries did not have pictures for every word. This is wonderful for my kindergartener to be able to look up words on her own. In addition, her school is working on letters each week and she is able to look up words for the letter of the week to get ideas of items she can bring in! I think this dictionary should be a required book for children starting school, it's GREAT! ... Read more