D Is For Drums: A Colonial Williamsburg ABC

Publishers Weekly

An abecedarian tribute to the historical city, D Is for Drums: A Colonial Williamsburg ABC by Kay Chorao brims with period-influenced artwork and historically appropriate vocabulary (starting with "A is for Apothecary shop"). In the corner of each spread, children bend their bodies to form each letter; the overall effect is one of finding a cherished primer from a bygone era. A glossary provides an explanation of each term in this attractive volume, published in association with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

Gr 1-4-Chorao has created a large, visually charming, and fact-rich look at Colonial Williamsburg. Endpaper maps of the city's streets show everything from a shoemaker's shop to the Governor's Palace. Each page in between displays a huge capital letter decorated with drawings that showcase an alliterative list of words, e.g., "B is for Blacksmith, Broom, Beds, and Baskets." In addition, a Hotch Potch figure, or "Posture Master," poses to form each letter with his body, as was done in Colonial primers. From frock coats and fans to "necessary" and necklaces, Chorao selected items to foster chuckles and amazement. Her pen-and-ink and watercolor drawings of children and animals add energy to the stunning layouts. Three pages of glossary entries elucidate the significance of each word chosen. Students will pore over this exceptional book and perhaps be inspired to create personal volumes about their own time or towns.-Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

Another themed alphabet book, this one features the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area in a large, attractive format. One letter per page is illustrated with children and adults demonstrating each activity or item names, e.g., A is for Apothecary shop and Aprons; Q is for Queen, Quoits, Quills, and Quilt. In the lower left corner is a Hotch Potch man, an 18th-century figure who represented the alphabet by miming and posturing the shape of the letter. Softly colored illustrations detail the items of colonial times while a three-page glossary provides explanations for each object named, together composing a glimpse into the past. Better than a travel brochure for preparing children for a visit to Williamsburg, this abecedarian treasure hunt will also be useful as an introduction to a view of early American life. Proceeds support Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. (author's note) (Picture book. 5-8)