First Spanish Dictionary (DK First Reference)

K-Gr 5--A mostly pictorial dictionary for English-speaking children learning Spanish. Previously published in 2005, this new edition features a few visual updates but remains largely the same. The first section is organized by topics such as shopping, transportation, and weather. Each attractive photograph is accompanied by a Spanish word in bold, its pronunciation, and its English translation. The page on jungle animals may be confusing, as it depicts creatures that children may encounter in their own backyards, such as a butterfly, a spider, and a moth. The next two sections list English or Spanish words alphabetically with their translation (many of these terms can be found in the first section). The book also offers a pronunciation guide, lists of verbs and numbers, and useful phrases. Though most of the vocabulary here is universally used throughout Spanish-speaking countries, a number of words reflect a more localized usage: for instance, el chubasquero (raincoat), las katiuskas (rain boots), la cometa (kite). VERDICT Collections that don't already own the first edition will find this a solid offering. Recommended for school or public libraries with Spanish-language learners.--Lucia Acosta, Children's Literature Specialist, Princeton, NJ