Drummer Boy

by Loren Long

In a wintry little town, a drummer boy appears on a child's doorstep. And when it is still and quiet, the drummer boy plays, boom pum pum boom pum, and warms the child's heart. But one day the drummer boy is accidentally knocked into the trash, sending him on a journey he never imagined--a journey on which he continues to play his drum, warming the hearts of others, from a rat to an owl to a snowman. And in a touching conclusion, his own heart is warmed as he plays to his most perfect the baby in a manger. Loren Long brings this story of an unforgettable little drummer boy to vivid life with his timeless and magical art.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday, Fiction, Music

40 pages, Hardcover

First published October 2, 2008

About the author

I grew up in Lexington, Kentucky in the 1970’s. We had no artists of any kind in the family. We didn’t know any artists. I liked sports, especially baseball. My mother read to me a lot. But I have to admit, my favorite subject in school was gym class. I also liked to draw. My parents encouraged me to keep drawing.

Reviews

[Mischenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated book about a little drummer boy toy. Emotional at times. A Christmas favorite.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated and written story book. I found it very engaging. Then on one particular page I felt particularly moved and got emotional thinking about Christmas, family and my past. I wasn't expecting that in a children's storybook. Then I flipped the page and as I read the words I struggled to keep my voice even for my children. They didn't notice my eyes were filled with tears. By the next page I'd controlled myself and managed to finish the book. It is a simple and beautiful story. The spirit of Christmas is most definitely imbued in this little book. I will be reading it again and again I'm sure.

[Nadishka Aloysius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many of us are familiar with the tale of the Steadfast Tin Soldier by Hans Christian Anderson. Like most of his fairy tales, it has a bitter-sweet ending. This Christmas tale follows a similar premise - a toy which is lost and has an adventure on his way home. The book is also inspired by the author's favourite Christmas carol "Little Drummer Boy".
In a wintry little town, a toy drummer boy appears mysteriously on a child's doorstep with the message "Open now and enjoy the Christmas spirit early." The child loves his new toy and the drummer boy reciprocates the only way he can by playing 'Boom pum pum Boom pum.' One morning the toy is left standing on the nightstand and he falls accidentally into the trash can. This is the beginning of his adventure. He meets a grumpy old rat and a hungry screech owl. He calms both animals down with his drumming. Then, he finds himself looking over the city that looks so lonely. He plays his drum and everything is at peace. In his adventures the toy also meets a dog, a snowman and a raccoon and brings them some warmth and friendship. He ends up in a cemetery where his owner miraculously finds him, having come there to visit his grandfather's grave. The boy takes him home and places him at the feet of baby Jesus in the crib. It is only then that the drummer boy himself feels a warmth in HIS heart, as he plays like never before.
I loved how the refrain from the drummer boy's playing permeates the entire story. It is repetitive, and actually has a calming effect in its steady rhythm. A parent or teacher could even get the kids to memorize the rhythm and drum along! The illustrations are beautiful and captivating, and provide a wonderful backdrop to the simple language of the story.
Although the setting is obviously Christmas time, the name 'Jesus' is not mentioned once in the book - He is referred to only as 'the baby in the stable.' Therefore, this is a book which is accessible by anyone regardless of religious affiliation. A Christian, of course, will have a unique perspective.
It is only when you get to the end of the book that you truly understand the message attached to the gift at the beginning - "enjoy the Christmas spirit." You realize that the true spirit of Christmas is one of giving and caring. This is a heart-warming tale about being unselfish even when experiencing hardship, sharing your talents with others, and bringing peace and love to the world around you. This book celebrates the true meaning of Christmas.
The book is suitable for children age 4 - 8.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations! The story does take some time getting where it's going, but it's a pleasant journey and the culmination is lovely. (My grandson pointed out the little hands, the second I turned to the last page...so sweet.)

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Christmas picture book! The lore of the little drummer boy, on a city-wide adventure, and coming back to the feet of Jesus. A must read!

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story about a little drummer boy toy and the boy who loves him. Inspired by the carol, so make sure your child knows that first.

[Art · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illustrated by Loren Long, graduate of the University of Kentucky!
Beautiful, well-illustrated, bright colors and what a story of a toy drummer boy at Christmas.
Ready to get this and read it to my Grandsons!

[A. Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute story with stunningly beautiful artwork. The last two pages of the book were exceptionally precious. ☺️

[Tanya Srivastava · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second best book from #Loren #Long and as usual illustrations are captivating that takes you through story and your heart can feel it's warmth. This story inspires us to do our job irrespective of whatever situation comes.

During onset of winter a package was left on the doorstep of no particular home with a note,"Open now and enjoy the Christmas spirit early." A boy opened the package and found a little drummer boy, playing his drum. The child loved the drummer boy and played with him all the time. One morning, dog's tail brushed him off and he tumbled right into a trash can, which was later emptied into bigger trash can and left outside. And it was emptied into big, loud truck which got emptied into the city dump. A little drummer boy found himself standing on a mountain of trash. Despite the rude greetings from old rat he continued to play his drum.

After a song, owl swooped down and flew with him out to countryside to her nest. Hungry owls stretched their beaks but he played his drum.

Boom pum pum boom pum,
Boom pum pum boom bum

Owls drifted to sleep and mother owl flew him to city leaving him on peak of bell tower. Night fell, and he was scared and alone. Hr stood talk and played his drum. The city listened and was more at peace. A big wind blew and he off the bell and landed in thorny bush. A thorn stabbed him. Ignoring the sharp thorn, he played drums for stars. A days g freed him from thorn and carried him off and dropped at the foot of a big snowman. He was there alone and he played his drum for him. A racoon carried him away. He didn't know where he was and he thought about child and the warm home, garbage dump, rat and the owl and the city. He felt lost but with heavy heart he played his drum. In the morning he was awakened by familiar voice. Boy saw when he placed flowers at his grandpa's grave. And he took the drummer boy home. After Christmas dinner, child sat quietly with the drummer boy. He rose and carried the drummer boy over to the mantel where the stable stood and placed him gently at the feet of baby. Drummer boy took a deep breath and began to play his drum as never before. Alas story comes to an end!!

It will always remain as treasure in Noa's book shelf and continue to be cherished as heart-warming bed time story.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the famous Christmas carol, "Little Drummer Boy."

Come thy told me

Pa rum pum pum-pum

A newborn King to see

Pa rum pum pum-pum

Our finest gifts we bring

Pa rum pum pum-pum

To lay before the king

Pa rum pum pum-pum

rum pum pum-pum

rum pum pum-pum

so to honor Him

Pa rum pum pum-pum

When we come

So when I saw this cute story about a drummer boy we had to check it out from the library. "Drummer Boy" by Loren Long is about a toy drummer boy that appears on a child's doorstep. When it is still and quiet, the drummer boy plays. But one day the drummer boy is accidentally knocked into the trash. Which sends him on a journey that will knock your socks off.





This is such a cute story that has a huge surprise ending. The illustrations in this book are AMAZING. They are full of details on every page that makes you wonder how it was done. The story line is somewhat complicated in how to say the drumming part but the kids really enjoyed helping me say the text. I loved how it comes all around and how the drummer boy goes on his journey to play his instrument for lots of things. This is such a sweet story with an amazing end that is sure to bring the Christmas spirit to your home.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely story beautifully illustrated. A little toy drummer boy is given to a little boy, but it accidentally got swept into the garbage one day. The drummer boy was carried from one place to another by animals, and everywhere he went he played his drum.
Sweet and happy ending to this story.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids and I enjoyed reading this book. I thought that the drummer boys adventure was cute and fun. this book had just enough repetition that the younger kids could get into it. I would recommend this book to others.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, atmospheric illustrations. Intriguing story with a repetitive drum beat that children will look forward to. The storyline offers several possibilities for topics to discuss with the readers.

[Skye Hegyes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute children's book. All around feel-good story about holding on to hope (albeit in a strange roundabout way).

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids and I enjoyed reading this book. I thought it was cute how the story ended. never give up!! I would recommend this book to others.

[Katrina Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely. Cute. Creative. <3

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story of a drummer boy toy who gets lost and carried all over only to be returned to his owner. All along the way he plays his drum and provides calm wherever he goes.

[Casey Rislov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely magical. The story and the illustrations. This is a book I gift for others at the holidays. I hope this story becomes a classic now and in the future.

[The Transmuted Tree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Red 3rd

[Nicole Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this as a gift to myself while in grad school. The illustrations are beautiful, and the story tender with a touching ending.

[Stanislav242 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really has hidden meanings, like going back home, and being lost(although many young adults are this way, not children)…really about being lost and found again. How the toys journey begins, he fights through situations, I mean afterall he is a toy soldier. An owl swoops him to the nest, and hungry rats are hostile, but he is able to calm it down with his drum sounds. It’s a nice story, with the drummer boy who soothes the souls and hearts of beings he finds along the way, like rats. Could be awesome to read on Christmas. Really kind of a twisting end, how a child wanted to honor a gravestone rescues the toy soldier.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated picture book of a small toy drummer boy who warms the heart of those he meets. The idea of a toy being dropped or carried through a landscape is vaguely familiar, and of course he ends up where he started. But kids will enjoy it, and the drumming refrain, "Boom pum pum boom pun" will allow them to participate. It is a Christmas book and the drummer boy visits the manger on teh mantel where he plays for Baby Jesus-tying us back to the familiar carol and the best gift we can give is ourselves and our talents.

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quick, fun picture book to share with young audiences during the holidays. The storyline is centered around the adventures of a toy drummer boy. The toy is moved around in a chain of "cause-and-effect" type events that eventually lead it back to its rightful owner. The illustrations are very colorful and pleasing, plus the text is lovingly spliced with onomatopoeia (boom, pum, pum, boom).

Perfect for storytelling events at libraries and in the classroom. Fine arts teachers may find it complimentary with teaching the song "Little Drummer Boy".

[Linda Lipko · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple tale filled with child-like delight. When a mysterious package arrives on the little boy's doorstep, inside he discovers a marvelous drummer boy. When by accident, the drummer boy is swept away in the garbage, the drummer boy makes a long journey, meeting many animals to guide him, he eventually returns and plays for baby Jesus.

The illustrations in this book are magical and marvelous!

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nicely written story of a journey of a little drummer boy who was given to a little boy and by accident was knocked off a desk and into the trash can. Then put into the trash truck, travels to the dump, picked up by an animal, etc... the story follows his journey of emotions as he plays his drum and he feels the spirit through the season and in the end feels the true meaning of the Christmas season.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A happy Christmas book with traditional Christian values to read to young children. The travels of the Drummer Boy will engaged many a young child with just a touch or tension. I am adding this caveate to my review. I have a different group of students in my classroom than I had when I read the book previously, and I think the book would be too sophisticated for this group of first graders. I would probably recommend it now for older students and nostalgic adults.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

The drummer boy toy falls into the trash can and has a long journey from the city dump, to time with the owl, a bell tow, snow, a dog, snowman, and raccoon. His stop at the graveyard actually reunites the toy with his owner at his grandfather's tombstone. The boy gives the drummer boy a spot at his manger.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful Christmas story about the little drummer boy. A boy receives the little drummer boy but he accidentally gets lost and the little drummer boy makes his way all around the city. The little drummer boy plays for all those he meets with his repetitive drumming sequence. Great story to use with drum props for students to interact at the same time.

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Notes: The Drummer Boy, by Loren Long has great illustrations.

Book Review: The Drummer Boy goes on quite a journey warming the hearts of others from children to a rat to an owl. The drummer boy even plays to the baby in a manger. This book has great illustrations.

Recommend: I would recommend this book to students in grades 1-3.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of a little drummer boy who goes on one long journey after another, giving his all to play for whomever he meets. Sweet with beautiful illustrations. This book is large enough for reading aloud to several children at once, with a heartwarming conclusion that makes you long for Christmas to come.