“Shall I play for you
(pa-rum-pum-pum-pum)
On my drum?”
Recognize that line? It’s from the well-known Christmas carol, The Little Drummer Boy. Ezra Jack Keats made a delightful picture book out of this song. I’ve enjoyed looking at it since I was a child and that’s why my 9th day of Christmas book is his book, The Little Drummer Boy.
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First, let me say that the illustrations for this book are wonderful. The textures that Keats painted reveal the soft, wooliness of a lamb and the silkiness of a king’s robe. Much of the clothing of the characters is decorated with colorful patterns.
The words to The Little Drummer Boy are so sweet. I love how phrases like “I am a poor boy too” and “I have no gift to bring…That’s fit to give a king” really reveal the humility of the main character of the song. The character then asks, “Shall I play for you…On my drum?” He is saying that he can offer the baby Jesus nothing but his simple talent of playing a drum. The song goes on to say, “Mary nodded.” Mary acknowledges his gift and approves. Beautiful.
The words in this book are a direct quote from the song so, if you like, you could sing it with your children as you turn the pages. If you need the tune, you’ll find the music conveniently written out in the back of the book.
Many blessings,
