Amazon.com In evaluating a children's dictionary， there are two test words we always check first: "e-mail" and "iguana." After all， if "e-mail" doesn't appear in a dictionary， how up-to-date can it be? And iguanas， well， what kid doesn't want to read all about this "very large tropical American lizard with a ridge of tall scales along its back"? We are happy to report that this fine dictionary is above and beyond our gold standard. Not only are there definitions for each of the test words， there are illustrations for each， as well! This 912-page illustrated dictionary is packed with great information， including world maps on the inside covers， an easy-to-use how-to guide， and a reference section with facts and maps of the continents， pictures of flags from countries around the world， U.S. presidents and vice presidents， pronunciation guides， signs and symbols， and lots more. Sandwiched between this wealth of facts and figures are 846 pages of definitions with DK's trademark crisp， clear photographs illustrating many of the words. One of the handiest features in this volume is the 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 terrific reference guide! (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter Book Description Dorling Kindersley and Merriam-Webster define a new standard in dictionary reference for home and school. Designed for children 8 and up， the Dorling Kindersley Merriam-Webster Children's Dictionary combines the lexicographic excellence of America's most trusted and prestigious dictionary publisher with Dorling Kindersley's world renowned design and visual flair. Far more than just a collection of definitions， the Dorling Kindersley Merriam-Webster Children's Dictionary is also a powerful resource for language learning. Works of art and graphics provide instant visual definitions and deepen understanding of the text， while eye-catching illustrated reference features offer in-depth information on an amazing variety of subjects. See all Editorial Reviews