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Pocahontas
First published in 1946 with the d'Aulaires's beautiful lithographic prints, this tale of the first colony at Jamestown is told from the perspective of the princess daughter of the mighty chief Powhatan. When the Natives judge the white man's magic as evil, John Smith is condemned to death only the intervention of Pocahontas saves his life and a tentative friendship is established between Pocahontas's tribe and the new colonists. The King of England sends a crown, rich robes and a royal bed to honor Powhatan and he is pleased, but the white man's insistence that the Indians give them corn to sustain them through the long winters threatens their tenuous relationship. Pocahontas's ultimate marriage to John Rolfe, the birth of their son, their voyage to England and presentation to the King and Queen is the stuff of fairy tales except that it is one of the great true stories of America's earliest days.
45 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1946
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711 people want to read
About the author
Ingri d'Aulaire
47 books166 followersIngri d'Aulaire (1904-1980) was an American children's artist and illustrator, who worked in collaboration with her husband and fellow artist, Edgar Parin d'Aulaire. Born Ingri Mortenson in Kongsburg, Norway, she studied art in Norway, Germany and France, and met Edgar Parin d'Aulaire when she was a student in Munich. They married in 1925, and immigrated to the USA shortly thereafter, settling in Brooklyn in 1929. After pursuing separate careers initially, the couple turned to illustrating children's books together, releasing their first collaborative effort, The Magic Rug, in 1931. They settled in Wilton, Connecticut in 1941, and lived there until their deaths in the 1980s. Awarded the 1940 Caldecott Medal for their picture-book biography of Abraham Lincoln, the d'Aulaires published other children's biographies, as well as some notable works on Greek and Norse mythology. (source: Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 16, 2012
Useful in a college class on racism and sexism.
Not suitable for today's child.
Not suitable for today's child.
September 21, 2012
Bad enough that my six year old found a copy of the Disney Pocohantas history mash-up somewhere, and that she is obsessed with long-haired princesses. Disney we know about. But this lamentably-lauded book was granted automatic credibility from living in her school's library.
One star is one too many. A quick glance is enough to see that it is full of derogatory depictions, as well as imprecision and straight-up lies (which is ironic, given Pocahontas is reported to have confronted John Smith about the lie of his "death," and to recognize it as a common trait among "his countrymen").
Worse than its factual distortion, in my opinion (although also via it), this book reinforces negative self-image for non-white children and, perhaps unintentionally, bolsters white supremacy. To whit: "The other Indian girls all envied Pocahontas her beautiful beads. But to her nothing seemed much fun after her white friends had left." The Indians are depicted as (eerily identical in a Wonka-remake kind of way) fierce, unsmiling, magic-wielding savages, with both text and illustrations demonstrating the authors' (European/American society's) utter disrespect for indigenous religious ceremonies and practices. And of course, there is the ubiquitous, self-congratulatory rebuke of indigenous labor division, with the "squaws" (yes, they actually use that word) being worked like mules from childhood while little boys get to swim and make merry (as if there was/is somehow gender equity in current/historical Western societies).
The text also implies throughout that the Indians are all (with the exception of Pocahontas post-encounter) idiotic, materialistic, and superficial. The "ugly" and "fierce" Powhatan, a leader skilled enough to unite 30 tribes into a confederacy, supposedly claims John Smith as his "son" because Smith impresses him with reports of vast British wealth, rather than because Powhatan was attempting to broker some peace or even just secure an ally among people who were invading his lands. Those who betrayed Pocahontas to the British settlers who took her prisoner are made to seem foolish as well as avaricious, supposedly selling her for a shiny (!) copper kettle (a familiar story to those of us who grew up with textbooks claiming Indians traded their land and sovereignty away for shells), when historical resources reveal that these supposedly individual betrayers were representatives of another tribe attempting to strengthen their ties to the British as a way to improve their political/strategic position in relation to the Powhatan. As were the British who held her captive and demanded that Powhatan return their prisoners of war (hardly the minor material goods implied by "all he has taken from us") in exchange for her release.
Powhatan is described as unwilling to fulfill settler demands to give them (more) corn when the people he led were also going hungry, but miraculously moved to generosity through the proffering of royal gifts and flattery. Even in its supposed advancement of "true" nobility, the book rhetorically betrays its bias: Pocahontas "held her head as high as though she had been born in a snow-white palace" and is "proud" of being the daughter of a man elsewhere in the book revealed as having been unwilling to "buy her back" from the settlers who had kidnapped her.
Enough said. This book is enough to make one vomit. In an age when quality books compete for space on the shrinking real estate of library (especially school library) shelves, librarians should make way for more history-as-history, less myth-as-history. Send this one to the dustbin.
One star is one too many. A quick glance is enough to see that it is full of derogatory depictions, as well as imprecision and straight-up lies (which is ironic, given Pocahontas is reported to have confronted John Smith about the lie of his "death," and to recognize it as a common trait among "his countrymen").
Worse than its factual distortion, in my opinion (although also via it), this book reinforces negative self-image for non-white children and, perhaps unintentionally, bolsters white supremacy. To whit: "The other Indian girls all envied Pocahontas her beautiful beads. But to her nothing seemed much fun after her white friends had left." The Indians are depicted as (eerily identical in a Wonka-remake kind of way) fierce, unsmiling, magic-wielding savages, with both text and illustrations demonstrating the authors' (European/American society's) utter disrespect for indigenous religious ceremonies and practices. And of course, there is the ubiquitous, self-congratulatory rebuke of indigenous labor division, with the "squaws" (yes, they actually use that word) being worked like mules from childhood while little boys get to swim and make merry (as if there was/is somehow gender equity in current/historical Western societies).
The text also implies throughout that the Indians are all (with the exception of Pocahontas post-encounter) idiotic, materialistic, and superficial. The "ugly" and "fierce" Powhatan, a leader skilled enough to unite 30 tribes into a confederacy, supposedly claims John Smith as his "son" because Smith impresses him with reports of vast British wealth, rather than because Powhatan was attempting to broker some peace or even just secure an ally among people who were invading his lands. Those who betrayed Pocahontas to the British settlers who took her prisoner are made to seem foolish as well as avaricious, supposedly selling her for a shiny (!) copper kettle (a familiar story to those of us who grew up with textbooks claiming Indians traded their land and sovereignty away for shells), when historical resources reveal that these supposedly individual betrayers were representatives of another tribe attempting to strengthen their ties to the British as a way to improve their political/strategic position in relation to the Powhatan. As were the British who held her captive and demanded that Powhatan return their prisoners of war (hardly the minor material goods implied by "all he has taken from us") in exchange for her release.
Powhatan is described as unwilling to fulfill settler demands to give them (more) corn when the people he led were also going hungry, but miraculously moved to generosity through the proffering of royal gifts and flattery. Even in its supposed advancement of "true" nobility, the book rhetorically betrays its bias: Pocahontas "held her head as high as though she had been born in a snow-white palace" and is "proud" of being the daughter of a man elsewhere in the book revealed as having been unwilling to "buy her back" from the settlers who had kidnapped her.
Enough said. This book is enough to make one vomit. In an age when quality books compete for space on the shrinking real estate of library (especially school library) shelves, librarians should make way for more history-as-history, less myth-as-history. Send this one to the dustbin.
September 6, 2014
This children's picture book was originally written in 1946 so granted it has that historical stamp on it. The lithographs held my five-year-old's attention through the whole story. This is not a short-paragraph-on-each-page book, so I was surprised.
Is the the true story of Pocahontas? I'm sure there are many versions of that story depending on who told it and when and to whom.
I wanted to share a story of bravery with my daughter and this was a good read. It will not be the only encounter she or I have with Pocahontas but it was a good course correction for future studies.
My favorite page was the paragraph about Pocahontas's grandmother and her wisdom - stories, healing methods, spirituality, etc. I believe we disregard the experience of older generations far too quickly now. I appreciated the depiction of Pocahontas's respect for her elders and what they have to offer.
The art was a new style for her to see and we talked about the depictions of the different peoples and their choices. Who knew a book about Pocahontas would begin a discussion with my daughter about taking and demanding what we want without listening to others? She could easily see in a new light something her parents have been saying for a long time: that fighting didn't help either group feel better or reach their goal.
Is the the true story of Pocahontas? I'm sure there are many versions of that story depending on who told it and when and to whom.
I wanted to share a story of bravery with my daughter and this was a good read. It will not be the only encounter she or I have with Pocahontas but it was a good course correction for future studies.
My favorite page was the paragraph about Pocahontas's grandmother and her wisdom - stories, healing methods, spirituality, etc. I believe we disregard the experience of older generations far too quickly now. I appreciated the depiction of Pocahontas's respect for her elders and what they have to offer.
The art was a new style for her to see and we talked about the depictions of the different peoples and their choices. Who knew a book about Pocahontas would begin a discussion with my daughter about taking and demanding what we want without listening to others? She could easily see in a new light something her parents have been saying for a long time: that fighting didn't help either group feel better or reach their goal.
April 29, 2025
Great introduction to Pocahontas. The D’aulaire are 5 star authors.
March 22, 2023
2023: Probably my fourth time reading this, and maybe my final time since it was with my youngest student. It’s like an old friend at this point.
2021: Read as a free read with my Year 1 student. She found it engaging and enjoyable. I appreciate that it’s not dumbed down but remains appropriate for young children.
2021: Read as a free read with my Year 1 student. She found it engaging and enjoyable. I appreciate that it’s not dumbed down but remains appropriate for young children.
July 19, 2013
We are fans of D'Aulaire books and this classic story of Pocahontas. A great introduction for early elementary kids. Read this with your children before exposing them to the Disney version.
January 16, 2014
D'Aulaire books have always been my favorites for biographies. The illustrations along with the written for children history is fantastic.
December 30, 2016
Read this book a couple of times years ago. Part of our beautiful feet pkg. We love all the d'Aulaire books!..krb 12/30/16
May 5, 2020
I read this aloud today. It worked out well. It was a book choice both in Simply Classical Level 3 Writing Book 2 and in 3/4 American Studies. I enjoy the switch back and forth of color to black and white images. The story is solid and detailed. Both my girls enjoyed listening aloud but my son wandered off.
AppleBlossom (9.5) thinks that it is an energetic and adventurous story. The Princess (7.5) says she doesn't know what to say.
The book via the D'Aulaires is copyright 1946. It is not offensive or derogatory in any way of a historical text. It was how things were written and perhaps the political correctness has changed. I do not find this in poor taste and wouldn't hesitate to let my children read it. They are learning about history and the truth that not all history aspects are something to be proud of, however, some good may always be found within the evil of man's actions end results.
AppleBlossom (9.5) thinks that it is an energetic and adventurous story. The Princess (7.5) says she doesn't know what to say.
The book via the D'Aulaires is copyright 1946. It is not offensive or derogatory in any way of a historical text. It was how things were written and perhaps the political correctness has changed. I do not find this in poor taste and wouldn't hesitate to let my children read it. They are learning about history and the truth that not all history aspects are something to be proud of, however, some good may always be found within the evil of man's actions end results.
June 30, 2017
This is a great book that should be read with some guidance and explanation from the parent.
This book contains a lot of outdated racial references. For example, the Native Americans are referred to as "red skinned" throughout the book. So I think that children need some explanation from the parent when reading this book. Parents also need to explain that some of the common anecdotes told about Pocahontas's life may be more myth than fact.
I still rate this book with four stars because the illustrations are beautiful and worth buying the book to study them alone. I also feel like there is some value in children being made aware of certain popular American history myths since they are so often referenced in films, books, and popular culture. (Example: George Washington cutting down a cherry tree.)
This book contains a lot of outdated racial references. For example, the Native Americans are referred to as "red skinned" throughout the book. So I think that children need some explanation from the parent when reading this book. Parents also need to explain that some of the common anecdotes told about Pocahontas's life may be more myth than fact.
I still rate this book with four stars because the illustrations are beautiful and worth buying the book to study them alone. I also feel like there is some value in children being made aware of certain popular American history myths since they are so often referenced in films, books, and popular culture. (Example: George Washington cutting down a cherry tree.)
January 5, 2016
Thirty or so years ago, this would have rated 4 stars. Now that I am more sensitive to depictions of Native Americans, I did squirm in several places. That's why I read the books before I give them to the kids. I still like the art, and there's a lot of decent history here. When reading this with kids, I'll modify some of the sentences, and we'll "wonder" about some of the things we read, which should lead us to other more recent sources.
December 19, 2019
Note: Native American girls wear clothing that does not always cover their torsos, but they are not depicted in any way that is sexual or inappropriate. The few adult women that are shown without tops to their dresses are shown from the back.
May 24, 2019
Beautifully illustrated. Author's description and attention to detail bring her to life as a mother, explorer, and woman
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June 15, 2020CURRICULUM: BFB Early American History Intermediate
July 10, 2009
This was a nice, gentle introduction to Pocahontas. The illustrations were good, but I would have liked to see more clothing on her (even if it's not historically accurate). The story briefly touches on Jamestown and Captain Smith, but you'd need to read another book in order to fully cover that topic. I wish that it had told why she died instead of just saying "she never returned to her land".
This would be all you need (along with a Jamestown book) for K-2nd or 3rd grade. After that you could use this, but might want something more substantive.
I asked my boys how they liked the book and they replied "it's for girls" - but that didn't stop them from sitting right in front of it while I was reading and I later found tons of drawings of Indians and Jamestown and such.
This would be all you need (along with a Jamestown book) for K-2nd or 3rd grade. After that you could use this, but might want something more substantive.
I asked my boys how they liked the book and they replied "it's for girls" - but that didn't stop them from sitting right in front of it while I was reading and I later found tons of drawings of Indians and Jamestown and such.
March 9, 2014
The brief life of Pocahontas from favorite daughter of the Powhattan to British nobility is drawn in pictures and words. John Smith, the Jamestown settlement, her kidnapping, marriage to John Rolfe, birth of her son and trip to London are all included.
This is a rather rosy telling. Sensitive children are spared knowledge of her death at the age of 22 (this was confusing and unsettling for our students that knew "the rest of the story"), the death of her son, and her complicate relationship with John Smith.
An enjoyable read that needs some supplemental source material. Recommended.
This is a rather rosy telling. Sensitive children are spared knowledge of her death at the age of 22 (this was confusing and unsettling for our students that knew "the rest of the story"), the death of her son, and her complicate relationship with John Smith.
An enjoyable read that needs some supplemental source material. Recommended.
February 2, 2023
It may not be 100% accurate depending on which sources you are looking at (they disagree), but you can fill that in verbally (ie by saying something like - here's what some modern scholars think of xyz). Also, there are some "dated" references to the natives that are going to disconcert some of the woke police, but kids are fully capable of understanding historical ways of writing and/or thinking about Native Americans, etc. via a parent's explanation.
I absolutely adore the illustrations. :-)
This is a good book for younger kids who aren't ready to delve deeply into history and need a rosier story without all the death surrounding Jamestown, etc.
I absolutely adore the illustrations. :-)
This is a good book for younger kids who aren't ready to delve deeply into history and need a rosier story without all the death surrounding Jamestown, etc.
July 23, 2011
This is a fascinating account of Pocahontas's life. It's a short story, but includes enough details to be a fairly comprehensive overview of her background, family, and adventures. There aren't many illustrations in the book that we borrowed from the library, so we may borrow the book with the colorful illustrations. We borrowed this as part of a kit with an audiocassette narrated by Frances Sternhagen and paperback book. We enjoyed listening to the story as we followed along with the book.
November 30, 2010
This book would be useful to incorporate during a unit on Jamestown, as it not only provides information about Pocahontas and her influential role in the colony's success, but it also contains information about the other key players in the colonization of Jamestown, such as John Rolfe and John Smith.
October 4, 2016
Another excellent book from the d'Aulaires!
Spiritual life of the Native Americans and the "magic" was one thing we needed to discuss further after reading this...but the kids & I enjoyed this very different sort of princess tale!
Spiritual life of the Native Americans and the "magic" was one thing we needed to discuss further after reading this...but the kids & I enjoyed this very different sort of princess tale!
February 10, 2011
We really enjoy the D'Aulaire books. They are beautifully illustrated and are full of information. A good biography of a very interesting character.
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April 6, 2015X2
February 2, 2014
my son and I loved it!!!
May 23, 2014
The art is beautiful.
I am not familiar with the story of Pocahontas, but this was well written and interesting and kept the interest of my children (7 & 5.5).
I am not familiar with the story of Pocahontas, but this was well written and interesting and kept the interest of my children (7 & 5.5).
July 23, 2014
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January 29, 2018
Beautiful book! Love this author's books!
March 22, 2019
Loved the pictures and the story. Kept the kids' interest. I just wonder how accurate it is...
October 31, 2025
Beautiful book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews