The Little Drummer Mouse [Hardcover]

Mercer Mayer (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

During the holiday season, many of us can be caught humming along to the catchy and dearly loved Christmas carol "The Little Drummer Boy." Now Mercer Mayer revisits this tale of the first Christmas with a wonderfully endearing twist. In a quaint woodland setting that bustles with animals and activity, the timid little drummer mouse plays his acorn drum wherever he goes. Then, one night, a bright star leads him to a stable. To the mouse’s amazement, Mary invites him to play his drum for the new king. Children will relish the moment when the little drummer mouse realizes that no matter how small he is, he is a part of this exciting event.

Mercer Mayer’s glowing and friendly artwork brings enormous charisma to this cozy version of the Nativity, and parents will appreciate this retelling that makes the meaning of Christmas accessible to little ones.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3–The forest animals are told to get ready for the arrival of a royal family and the birth of a baby who will be the greatest king of all. Meanwhile, the little mouse plays on his acorn drum, too small and insignificant to take part in the preparations. When nobody shows up but a poor man and woman riding on a donkey, the animals assume that the royal family have changed their plans and go back to their homes. The little mouse, however, follows a bright star and encounters three kings who are looking for the stable. The small creature directs them and finds the baby and his humble parents surrounded by adoring shepherds and animals. The shepherds play a tune on their flutes, and the little mouse accompanies them on his drum. This retelling of the legend of the little drummer boy is too long for most group read-aloud occasions. While fans of Mayer's work will enjoy the anthropomorphic animals, Ezra Jack Keats's The Little Drummer Boy (Puffin, 2000) is still the best choice for most library collections.–Virginia Walter, University of California, Los Angeles
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About the Author

Mercer Mayer lives in New England.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Dial; First edition edition (October 19, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803731477
• ISBN-13: 978-0803731479
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,168,133 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Mercer Mayer has been writing and illustrating children's books for over 35 years. He began the popular Little Critter series nearly 30 years ago and titled the first book Just for You. His wife, Gina, has been co-writing the series since the early 1990s. The books in this series address the major issues of growing up through humorous storytelling.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very cute!, December 21, 2007

By 

A. Urman (Minnesota) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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

I purchased this book as a Christmas present for my five year old great niece, so I have not given it to her yet. I love the illustrations and think she will too!

4.0 out of 5 stars nice book, February 6, 2010

By 

Kimberly D. Vaughn "nature mom" (Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

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

I originally ordered this book to go along with the tape that I already had. It does not match up exactly to the tape, but it is a nice book. The illustrations are also very well done.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Never recieved, but charged!, December 3, 2010

By 

Sarrah Healy - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

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

I ordered this cute little book because we had read it at the library and loved it. I ordered it on the 1st of November and as of the 30th of November, I still has not gotten it. The seller said that it was their policy that after 21 days they would issue a full refund. So I am waiting for that. I was so disappointed and have to find my niece another Christmas present.