Scholastic First Dictionary is a true dictionary, with guide words, pronunciations, multiple meanings, and forms of the main entry given as well as definitions and example sentences. There are two columns per page; type is very large. Guide words are printed in blue, entry words in green; the headword and its variants are bolded. Most pages have two or three colored pictures, almost all photographs. Pictures are more consistently informative than in other dictionaries for younger users, but the choice of what to illustrate seems arbitrary. The intended audience is children ages six to nine, but definitions could be read to and understood by younger children. A two-page introduction explains dictionary use. The pronunciation system seems unnecessarily complex, and inconsistent with dictionary conventions. For example, ab-suhnt is the pronunciation for absenther-uh-wuhn for heroine The pronunciation of safe is sayf but that for hide is hide Accents are called stressed syllables. Concluding the work are very brief segments (one page or less) on word creation, plurals, homophones, parts-of-speech, and measurements. There is an index to picture labels. Word choice seems appropriate, with mostly concrete nouns and some verbs. Parts of speech are not labeled, although a back page ("How Words Work in Sentences") introduces the topic. Definitions and example sentences are clear. Other, similarly titled volumes, American Heritage First Dictionary and Kingfisher First Dictionary, are more elementary.

Gr 1-3--With a crisp layout, bright colors, and a large typeface, this dictionary is appealing and accessible. The 1500 main entries are well suited to use by young readers and writers. There are at least two full-color photographs on each page; they illustrate words such as "cash machine," "camcorder," and "headphones." The photos help children distinguish between a computer mouse and the animal, an audio and a video tape, and a floppy and a compact disc. Common animals are included, most with pictures. Each entry word is followed by phonetic pronunciation; a simple definition; an illustrative sentence using the word; and alternative forms such as plurals for nouns, comparatives for adjectives, and tenses for verbs. If there are multiple meanings for a headword, each definition is numbered. The introduction includes two pages that explain how to use the dictionary and a pronunciation guide. Following the dictionary proper is a page on prefixes, suffixes, and contractions. A two-page spread covers forming plurals, words that sound alike, and how words work in sentences. Lastly, there is a page on measurement and an index of pictures. The attractive format and appropriate contents will invite children to use the dictionary when needed and to browse for pleasure.--Priscilla Bennett, State University of West Georgia