The Little Drummer Boy

Themes flagged by parents·4

Cultural Representation

  • Multicultural

    This book contains several different cultural or ethnic groups.

Protagonist Gender

  • Male Protagonist

    The leading character in this book is male.

Religion

  • Religion

    This book contains religious themes.

  • Christianity

    This book contains Christian ideology and/or Christian activists.

Synopsis

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.

Details

Illustrator
Ezra Jack Keats
Publisher
Penguin
ISBN-10
9780140567434
ISBN-13
9780140567434
Reading age
3 – 7
Grade level
Pre-kindergarten – 2
Pages
32
Published
2000
Added to shelf
Feb 20, 2026