Hello, boys and girls, and welcome to the wonderful world of words! You've learned the basics—from apple to zebra—but what about all those mysterious new terms you've heard the grown-ups whispering when you were supposed to be tucked up snugly in bed?

What makes Mommy so bitter? Where does Daddy conceal the door to his secret S&M dungeon? And why is everyone laughing about Grandma's latest delusion?

My First Dictionary answers these questions, and includes many other useful definitions, such as:

A burden is a source of worry or stress. Old people are usually burdens.

Father is nostalgic. He is remembering the happier times before you were born.

A puppy is a young dog. Connie gets a puppy every time she agrees not to tell. Daddy calls them hush puppies.

A zigzag is a jagged line. We can tell that Mother has been drinking when she drives in a zigzag pattern.

Carry a copy of My First Dictionary in your schoolbag and you'll never be at a loss for words again!

Ross Horsley

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