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Hi - I'm looking for a good standard dictionary that would also be interesting or easy for DS4 to use. I just realized that I always had a decent dictionary at workplaces, but always had to leave them there, and now I'm without a dictionary. I was thinking of skipping the whole kids' dictionary, but if in your collective experience you think a kids' dictionary is really the way to go, please give me your suggestions on those too. Thanks!

I really like the Garfield Dictionary that my ds8 has - it has garfield cartoons using the words on a particular page. My ds just sits and reads it; I know he's mostly reading the cartoons but I know he also drifts along and reads the words and definitions as well; it is a decent level of words too. I think we got it when he was 7 and he is still using it as a reference.
The preface from the guy who writes Garfield is about how many letters he's received from folks whose kids learned to read by reading Garfield. And really, I think the best way to really understand the meaning of a word is in context; the interspersed cartoons provide that and, at least for my ds, really pulled him into the enjoyment of just reading the dictionary for fun.

This is not what you are asking, but an online dictionary I love is Merriam-Webster.

www.m-w.com

I like the Macmillan Dictionary for Students. It's not too "kid"-ish, has plenty of words that you might actually have to look up, and for bonus points, etymological notes. I'm a big fan of etymology, especially for learning to spell.

Thanks everyone! I think what Erica is describing sounds like what I'm looking for. I do use the m-w.com for quickies, but my new speller needs something to flip through.

Sorry, hope I didn't make the Garfield dictionary sound too kid-ish. It is appealling to kids, with the cartoons, but from what I can tell picking it up just now and re-reviewing it, it's a pretty standard, 65,000 entry dictionary. Merriam-Webster, etymology, appendices such as geographical names, handbook of style, etc.
"for everyday use in the home, school or office".
http://www.amazon.com/Merriam-Webster-Garfield-Dictionary/dp/0877796262

Unless your son is diametrically opposed to Garfield, you might still check it out for both of you ~

Oh! thanks for clarifying and thanks for the link. That looks good too. Now I have to choose. (and actually I never really cared for garfield, but DS likes him in the sunday funnies).

Thank you - I will get off my rear and head to the bookstore. Good idea.