Pocahontas
PocahontasISBN 0-345-40361-4 $6.99
Beginning prior to the arrival of John Smith and the first Virginia colonists in 1607, we meet Pocahontas, the favorite daughter of the great Chief Powhatan, as a young woman with questions about the natural world. Life is soon interrupted by warnings that the "white demons" have come, and Indian scouts tell amazing stories about the white man: "They speak with strange words," "They have canoes as big as mountains," and "When the white man pointed a glowing stick [musket] at a wildcat, it boomed!"
As the Indians plan to attack, Pocahontas decides to leave and encounters a friendly John Smith. But as they talk, the captain is wounded by an arrow and taken prisoner. When he is about to be killed, Pocahontas throws herself in the way of the hatchet and convinces her father to save John Smith. Soon contact is made with the white colonists.
This story then includes the less familiar but most important account of Pocahontas's conversations with Reverend Whitaker and of his witnessing to her about God's love for all people. When John Rolfe arrives in Jamestown and he and Pocahontas fall in love, she makes a full commitment to Christ and is baptized. Perhaps the most reassuring point for those of us living some 400 years later comes at Pocahontas's wedding to John Rolfe. "Surely, she reasoned, this marriage of two nations holds a promise of blessing."
Fully illustrated in a popular style, Pocahontas will appeal to children as it reminds them that genuine peace is the work of the ultimate Peacemaker.
Andy Holmes, the creator of Gerbert which TV Guide listed as one of the top ten shows for pre-school children is a frequent speaker and teacher. he has made numerous appearances on 700 Club.
Joan Broerman is a children's writer who thinks Christmas traditions are interactive.
