My First Dictionary: 1,000 Words, Pictures, and Definitions

Sharp, brightly hued photos that effectively leap off the page combine with detailed drawings to make this large-format, paper-over-board volume a visual treat for youngsters. Preschoolers can keep busy identifying the two dozen or so objects, concepts and actions illustrated on each spread. Older readers can tackle the concise definitions accompanying each bold-faced word and picture. Root emphasizes familiar and more exotic animals, as well as activities, playthings and locations (supermarket, school, park) that are pivotal to a child's world. She does an admirable job using words and pictures to present tough-to-describe adjectives (double, expensive). The author also includes entries and photos representing numerous cultures, and writes her definitions from a child's perspective without being at all condescending (``A man is a grown-up boy''). A welcome addition to this well-balanced reference is a concluding section devoted to ``dictionary games'' that challenge memory, spelling and deduction skills. Ages 4-up. (Aug.)