Merriam-Webster's Elementary Dictionary, 2014 copyright

Let me start by saying this is an excellent dictionary. The illustrations are wonderful, the book is sized just right for 3rd through 5th graders, and the words are defined appropriately. However, when I ordered this book, I expected it to contain adult words that were defined for children. This dictionary contains words only that a 3rd through 5th grader would know. For example, "exacerbate" (to make worse) and "susurration" (a whispering sound) were both not in this dictionary. I bought this dictionary for my friends third grader because she is reading books that use words such as this. She does read at a high school reading level, but some of these words were in books like Nancy Drew, which is not a high school level book. So, if you are getting this dictionary for a child whose vocabulary is that of a normal 3rd - 5th grader, I would highly recommend this dictionary. If you are getting a dictionary for a child who reads above their reading level, consider something else. This dictionary only defines books for a 3rd through 5th grade vocabulary. I still wanted something illustrated, because even a third grader reading at a high school level likes illustrations, so I went with the Oxford Illustrated Dictionary.

I purchased two of these. One for my daughter and the other for my niece, both are in first grade. I was expecting to receive a dictionary much like the one I purchased 18 years ago for my older daughter. I was a bit disappointed. The dictionary I purchased years ago had larger print and a lot more pictures. This book is extremely sparse on pictures. In most cases a two page spread contains a total of two to three pictures. I can understand limiting images in a dictionary published for adults, or even older children; however, smaller children are more engaged with images. Images also help with defining the word. There are a lot of words we use on a daily basis that our first graders don't understand. Reading a definition containing concepts they don't understand doesn't really help with defining the word. Putting an image with the definition makes it easier for young minds to grasp. It also helps it stick in their young memory banks. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't expecting an image for every definition; however, this book definitely needs more images.

I've given the dictionary to my daughter and she doesn't seem to care for it. I made a big deal out of how resourceful it is, how rewarding it would be to be able to look up words independently, how she could impress her teacher and friends by learning new words, etc. I even looked up words and animals that I knew would grab her attention. However, she was quick to put the dictionary on her bookshelf. Hopefully when I give my niece her book she will be more receptive to it. She's on a higher reading level and has a genuine thirst for knowledge.

I'll continue to search for a dictionary more like the one I bought 18 years ago for my daughter.

I am very pleased with the features in this dictionary, which I purchased for my 1st grade home-schooled child (who reads at about a 3rd grade level). I really like that they change guide word colors for each letter so it is easy to notice when the letters have changed. Also, they have the alphabet printed along the side of each page, thus eliminating the need to perpetually sing the alphabet song to determine which way to turn the page! This is a school-worthy dictionary - there are lots of words my child already knows and most of the words I expect her to encounter in 3rd-5th grade level reading books, which is the recommended age range. The print is fairly large and easy to read and there is at least one colorful picture or word history, etc. text box on every page. In short, this dictionary is interesting and nice to look at while remaining very functional.

Love!!! I was looking for a perfect dictionary to have for my 7&9 year old. I homeschool both and this is it ! The pages are easy for them to look up words, easy to read with larger print. And some pages have pictures, which is great. They love it and so do I !

Book lovers tend to love dictionaries and also tend to have a few different copies lying around the house. (Our family's current number is five. I know. It might be a sickness.) But a dictionary that contains a plethora of quotes from children's literature to help define the words? Guaranteed to become an instant favorite. [[ASIN:0877796769 Merriam-Webster's Elementary Dictionary]] (for kids aged 8 through 12 years) was an instant hit with my girls when they saw that quotes from books they've read and loved are used to help provide context for the definitions. This book never stays shelved. I find it lying all over the house. As a book-loving, book-pushing mom, this makes me so happy.

We wanted to start doing "word of the day" with our kindergartner and we all love this dictionary. It contains a variety of simple words, like "Matter", but also words a kinder boy finds interesting before Halloween, like "corpse" and so much more. Nice graphics on each page. Easy to understand. Great dictionary for probably four years through tweens.

This is a good dictionary for my 9 year old fourth grader. She is able to look up words with ease. However, the pages are a bit thin. It seems as though it wouldn't take much for the pages to rip if one is not careful. I would like to see thicker pages on future releases.

This is what I got! :( not look like a new book!

Just realized now that we are missing pages 694-697 and there is not way to return due to the return policy so clearly, I am frustrated. But, just so you know, check the number of pages so that if you are missing any, you can return the book.

I bought this for my son who is in 3rd grade so he can work on his spelling and learn what words mean. It is perfect for his age level and very nicely put together. Shipping was fast and product came as described. Very pleased with the purchase.