Did you know that natives of the Northwest used dried sharkskin to sand totem poles? Or that horses were called medicine dogs, because dogs had been used to aid in hunting before horses were introduced by Europeans? In "D is for Drum: A Native America Alphabet," readers will get an A-Z introduction to the many customs and cultures of the first people of this beautiful land. Bison, teepees, Kachinas and dugout canoes will all help to paint a fascinating picture of the more than 500 indigenous tribes inhabiting the Americas. Kindergarten-Grade 4–This title presents elements of Native American culture, arranged alphabetically. Rhyming text meant to be read aloud is paired with side panels offering more information on each topic. Earth-tone paintings of indigenous Americans in traditional dress accompany each topic. Unfortunately, most of the faces lack individuality and some are oddly distorted. Some topics, such as Osage Orange Tree, seem to have been selected more out of convenience than logic. The poetry is clunky, and no pronunciation guide is offered. Moreover, listeners may have difficulty differentiating between the many Native cultures if exposed to the rhyming text alone. Some side-panel explanations are confusing, most notably the description of potlatch. Cursory mention is made of modern nations, but the focus is clearly on elements of traditional culture. –Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Having been involved in education for more than 30 years, Dr. Michael Shoulders travels extensively, visiting schools and speaking at conferences across the country. In addition to authoring the companion title, Say Daddy! , he has written several books for Sleeping Bear Press, including G is for Gladiator: An Ancient Rome Alphabet . Mike lives in Clarksville, Tennessee. Debbie Shoulders has been an educator for many years, and currently teaches computer technology. She also writes a weekly column about new children's books for her local newspaper. Irving Toddy, along with his wife and six children call Arizona their home. He is the oldest son of famed Navajo painter, Beatien Yazz. Irving graduated from Utah State University, where he studied painting and illustration. His work is held in collections by both private and institutional collectors, and sold in galleries across the Southwest. He has also illustrated numerous children's books, book covers, and articles for children's magazines. Irving was awarded the "Best in Show" prize at the 64th Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial in Gallup, New Mexico.