The Little Drummer Boy [Paperback]

Ezra Jack Keats (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

A procession travels to Bethlehem, bringing gifts for the newborn baby Jesus. The little drummer boy comes along, although he is too poor to bring a present fit for a king. Instead, he plays a song on his drum for the Christ Child. Within the little drummer boy's seemingly simple gift lies the true spirit of Christmas. Ezra Jack Keats' vivid, jewel-toned artwork perfectly illustrates this classic holiday carol. Music for the song appears at the back of the book.

"Keats evocatively portrays this story." -Publishers Weekly

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Keats evocatively portrays this story of a boy who was so poor that his gift to Jesus was his drumming. Ages 5-9.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

reS-K-When commercialism threatens to overtake the season, this song reminds readers that a gift from the heart brings great joy to both the giver and the receiver. Rodanas's colored-pencil and watercolor illustrations depict a young boy in a tattered robe carrying a doumbek, representative of drums in the Middle East. The single line of text per page coupled with the richly hued double-page illustrations make this story ideal for sharing. The musical score and lyrics to all three verses appear on the last page. Even libraries that have Ezra Jack Keats's version (Viking, 2000) may want this one for its fresh interpretation of Bethlehem, the humble stable, and the range of emotion expressed in the boy's face and demeanor.-G. C.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (October 2, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140567437
• ISBN-13: 978-0140567434
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 7.5 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #211,814 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #13 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( K ) > Keats, Ezra Jack
  • #96 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Religions > Christianity > Ages 4-8

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sing it, Baby!, October 22, 2000

By 

mary mclaren (Brisbane, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Little Drummer Boy (Hardcover)

The Little Drummer Boy by Ezra Jack Keats is a beautifully illustrated book with the words to the popular Christmas song. Each page contains only one or two lines of the song and so is perfect for younger children. The song is about a little boy who is told to bring a gift for the birth of Jesus, but he replies "Baby Jesus, I am a poor boy, too" and so he plays his drum for him instead. This is a simple story about giving from the heart. Singing the words is a perfect way to interest a reluctant child in books and also perfect to coax reluctant dads (or mums) to sing to their children. The music is written out at the end of the story if you aren't familiar with the tune but it would be easier to listen out for it at Christmas. This book is one the most requested in our household and, of course, we sing it all year long.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Christmas Classic, November 15, 2005

By 

C. M. Parker "lit mom" (Tuscaloosa, AL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Little Drummer Boy (Hardcover)

This book's exotic pictures and mesmerizing tune holds my son's attention through several reads. Although the age recommendation is for older children, I think you'll find that younger children (my son's 23 months) enjoy the rhythm and the pictures enough to make it an instant favorite. I also appreciate that beloved Christmas personalities are depicted with darker skin and clothing that is not Western.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great book!, January 5, 2005

By 

travcat - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Little Drummer Boy (Paperback)

We like all of Keats' books, they are simple, yet powerful. This one is wonderful and not just for Christmas!! We read it at the library and had to buy a copy!