A Picture Dictionary for Children
Garnette Watters and S.A. Courtis
📚 Genre
Children's Non-fiction, Educational Reference
🏢 Publisher
Grosset & Dunlap
📅 Publication Year
Circa 1939-1945
🔢 ISBN
None (Pre-dates ISBN system)
About This Book
An educational reference book designed for young children beginning to read. It features simple definitions for basic vocabulary words accompanied by black and white illustrations. The cover depicts a young boy lying on his stomach reading a book, set against a green background with red horizontal bands.
Book Details
Language
English
Pages
480
Edition
Early Hardcover Edition
Series
Standalone reference work
Target Audience
Children (Elementary school age)
Collector Information
Condition
Fair to Good. Visible shelf wear on the edges, significant fraying/rubbing on the spine and corners, and some surface staining/soiling on the front cover. The red cloth spine shows fading.
Estimated Value
$15 - $35
Rarity
Uncommon. While widely printed in its era, many copies were destroyed by heavy use in classrooms or by children. Finding copies in high-grade condition is difficult, but the book itself is not considered rare in the rare book market.
Historical Significance
One of the early influential 'picture dictionaries' of the mid-20th century, using specific educational methodologies from the University of Michigan to foster early literacy in the United States.
Collector Notes
Collectors should look for the 1939 first printing or early 1940s editions with intact spines. Value is heavily impacted by the condition of the red cloth spine and internal markings (scribbles/coloring). Store upright in a cool, dry place to prevent further degradation of the acidic paper common in this era.
Similar Books
The Golden Dictionary by Ellen Wales Walpole, Richard Scarry's Best Word Book Ever by Richard Scarry, My First Dictionary by DK Publishing
Notable Features
Includes 480 pages of simple words with pictures; authors held academic positions (Director of Language Dept, Hamtramck, MI and Professor of Education, University of Michigan).