POCAHONTAS

Whenever the d'Aulaires choose an American subject, I feel a distinct sense of disappointment. This is no exception. They have taken a hackneyed theme and done almost nothing to make it come to life. Pocahontas, her kindness to John Smith, her marriage to a white settler, her Indian background and the story of the Virginia colony are many times told tales, but safe merchandise. The illustrations in soft crayon lithographs have a static quality that offsets the essential drama of the story. But the d'Aulaires have a market, so don't overlook the book.