The Drummer Boy: A Christmas Tale

by Ted Dekker

In a secular world where telling the "fable" of Chistmas and Jesus Christ is against the law, a boy who learns about the life of Christ after he finds it written inside an old drum decides to spread the word.

Genres: Christmas, Christian, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Holiday, Dystopia, Faith

62 pages, Hardcover

First published October 4, 2006

About the author

Ted Dekker is known for novels that combine adrenaline-laced stories with unexpected plot twists, unforgettable characters, and incredible confrontations between good and evil. Ted lives in Austin with his wife LeeAnn and their four children.

Reviews

[Cori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful little book, and one of the few by Dekker safe to read to a small child. So definitely do.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars for a short story. I enjoyed that this had a dystopian feel from the first few pages. It was published quite a while ago but to read it now in 2024 with where our nation and world is regarding Christ being labeled, “decisive” and “offensive”, it really seemed to be a great read for present day. Makes me wonder if the author finds it to be incredible that he wrote this at a time we were far from it and it could really be so likely in the near future.
But it’s a good story about a young boy who hears about Christ the child’s birth, finds a drum with the gospel hidden in it and a song for Christ, and his heart swells with praise he cannot withhold from the One to whom he feels it is due.
Also, loved that the author took “little” out of this title. Definitely recommend.

[Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending gave me goosebumps.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second little drummer boy

I think this book should become a movie if it hasn’t already. This is not just the typical miraculous Christmas story. I believe it leaves the reader with a powerful message. No matter how much we water down God’s Word, and try not to offend people so much that we no longer declare it, God still uses someone to spread the message of the love of Jesus, the King who still reigns. So on Christmas and every other day, let’s pick up our “drum” and spread the Word!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

what a fascinating story to discover in this season in a year of lockdowns ...

[Art Ellsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a poor boy too, pa rum pa pum pum.......

[44gsus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very unique presentation of one of my favorite Christmas Stories.

[Tera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet tale of a courageous boy

I thoroughly enjoyed this little book. It was a reminder of how one person is courage can change many people.

[Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good story, with a surprising ending. Enjoyed the second read through more - still a thought provoking story

[Keshia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a surprise for me! It really makes you think.

[Christy Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this cute little book.
I would still love to see an extended novel version because I feel like there are some cool places it could go if it were to be done - BUT the way this book was written was beautiful as normal.
The concept and world was fascinating (something I would love to learn and see more in an extended version) and our main character was so adorable.
I think because of its short length we couldn’t see much of the other characters, which was a shame because they all had such interesting places to go.
Overall, so cute for a Christmas dystopian story.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though I'm still not quite sure what the author's intended point of this short story was, I am viewing it as a reminder that though we may not need to be as brave as Daniel needed to be to do so, it is essential for us as Christians to 'play [our] drum for Him' . . . to be vocal and joyful about our worship of and love for Jesus Christ, our King!

[Savannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small book packed with the Gospel truth. I’ve come to notice that the author has a trend of writing books that take place in the future- but usually not dated. I enjoyed that background to set up for a dramatic conflict and in the end it’s a message to everyone. We should all be drummer boys sharing the Gospel to anyone who will hear it.

[Caryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fresh look at a classic song.

I love Ted Dekker's view of spiritual issues. He causes me to think outside the box. The Drummer Boy is a thought-provoking short story. I highly recommend.

I won a copy in a giveaway. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

[Keiran Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if we forgot the true meaning of christmas? What if we really forgot what happened all those years ago? This is a story about Daniel and how he became the drummer boy in a time where his music needed to be heard

[Bernadette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heartfelt Christmas holiday story about standing up for something you truly believe in, not backing down, and showing courage and bravery no matter what even when you stand alone. Sometimes standing alone is better than following the in-crowd.

[Connie Jacks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ted Dekker never writes a bad book.

[Marlana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet book to read with kids at Christmas time. Short with a great message.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would happen if you couldn’t celebrate Christmas? Would you play your drum for King Jesus anyway? Short little tale... beautifully illustrated. It makes you think! Very well done, Mr Dekker.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, but I round up for cute kids' stories about Christmas.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking short story about how we need to be bold for Christ!

[Deann Doolittle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was ok

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great short story.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting story, but lacking in context.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Challenging!

[KerryT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little story of future Christmas …or Holiday, as they called it.

[Jeri P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun story

Nice, easy read. Just a few pages, to get the real story of Christmas. This has a brief overview of Luke 2

[Jim Toner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas is no longer called Christmas, but holiday. A boy named David has learned about the true meaning of Christmas and wants to spread the word by drumming.

[Bill Lehman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story

Very good Christmas story for young readers and for a family to read together during the Christmas season. Leaves you smiling about the world can change.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cautionary tale all too possible in our secular society.