Book excerpt: This new 2007 edition of the Oxford Junior Illustrated Dictionary features over 10,000 entries in alphabetical order, in a clear and accessible design, with many new photographs and illustrations. Each page is colourful, clear and accessible: simple, easy-to-read numbered meanings, and wordclasses. There are also panels that focus on overused words, words belonging to the same family and key language features such as connectives or apostrophes.Another unique feature is the example sentences by well-known children's authors, such as Dick King-Smith, Jacqueline Wilson and Roald Dahl. These show the words actually in use to reinforce meaning but they also hook children in to using language effectively. Unique to Oxford, they take childrenbeyond looking up a word for spelling or meaning - and into thinking about reading and writing independently.The full alphabet appears on every page with a coloured tab on the letter of the page - plus the dictionary quartiles are picked out in a vibrant colour. Together, these are invaluable navigation tools for the child practising their alphabet skills. Guidewords also appear on every page.Extra material at the back is accurately levelled for the curriculum at this age. It includes information for spelling success, punctuation, simple grammar, key overused words (with alternatives) as well as word origins, prefixes and suffixes.