RED BIRD

Mitchell (Down Buttermilk Lane, 1993, etc.) makes the Nanticoke powwow near Millsboro, Delaware, an event that becomes a visual feast in Doney's eye-catching illustrations. The powwow is seen through the eyes of a young girl, Katie, whose family is of Nanticoke descent. Each September these city dwellers travel to the farm where the powwow is held. As Katie hears the beating of the drums, she feels her ``Katie'' self slipping away; she becomes Red Bird, Nanticoke daughter. As rendered by Doney, the participants of the powwow are plain folks who achieve a special dignity when dressed in native regalia. As is true of museum pieces, the paintings are best observed from a distance; the luminous colors will fill the eyes of young listeners at story hours. Katie's perspective makes the whole experience accessible in this readable, informative book. (Picture book. 5+)