Ezra Jack Keats Lovingly Illustrates The Little Drummer Boy

I've read many Christmas books inspired by The Little Drummer Boy, the tender song about the poor but earnest lad who is stuck for a gift to give the newborn Jesus until he hits upon the idea of presenting Him with an impromptu concert, complete with animal accompaniment. This mid-sized board book of the same title uses the text of the song by Katherine Davis, Henry Onorati and Harry Simeone, and it works just as well as any of the spin-offs because, short as it is, the little drummer boy's tale is a self-contained story.

What makes the book unique is the artwork by acclaimed illustrator Ezra Jack Keats. The paintings have a smudgy, mystical quality about them, featuring sandy expanses lit by moody skies. The focal point is the young boy, who trots along with his drum, a tall, handsome instrument strapped around his shoulder. The barefoot boy doesn't seem to mind his poverty except for the momentary concern that he will not have anything for the Christ child. As he plays, one imagines that the birds who steadfastly follow him sing along, and his face reflects the exuberance of their joyful noise.

Animals seem naturally drawn to this young chap, as most dramatically illustrated in a two-page spread in which he and a host of creature companions - a cow, sheep, birds, rabbits and a goat - march along, silhouetted in sepia tones against a striking sunset. The book is the perfect size for little hands, with pages sturdy enough to withstand a lot of abuse. While there is no recording of the song included, this is not a hard carol to get ahold of, and for musically inclined parents, sheet music is printed in the back for a family sing-along at the piano.

This is a story of wonder and empowerment that brings the Nativity to a child's-eye level. "Let the little children come," Jesus said. This boy, hearing the call before the words were spoken, responds with reverence, making excellent use of the abilities he has been given. The Little Drummer Boy is an outstanding presentation of an inspiring story.