Advent Book: The Little Drummer Boy

The Little Drummer Boy, illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats is by far, the most anticipated Advent/Christmas board book in our household. Each page is illuminated with Keats's majestic artwork. The combination of both mediums, paint and collage, bring an exotic flair to the familiar narrative.

For those unaccustomed to the story, it is about a boy who notices kings traveling from distant lands and follows them to the stable. He watches the kings lay precious gifts beside the baby. The poor little drummer boy has no present to give. So he plays from his heart, a simple song for the King.

The Little Drummer Boy song is broken up line by line in the book, which makes it easy for young readers to follow along. My 3 year old can read this book from memory! It's one of her favorite books to bring into bed for "quiet time."

One of Keats's beautiful illustrations from the book.

The kings are depicted looking exceptionally regal in their fine robes and headpieces. Just take a look at those outlandish and unusually-shaped gifts! It's a refreshing change from the more common western-looking magi. Keats's beautiful collage of textures and color bring a warm richness to every page.

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum,

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

I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum

That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,

Rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum.

Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,

On my drum?

Sweet Baby Jesus waves "hi" to the drummer boy.

Our girls love to sing along, "Pum, pum pum!" and nod their heads to the rhythm of the traditional carol of the little drummer boy. When they hear this song play on the christmas CD we own, they drop what they are doing and run to the kitchen to sing it with me.

"Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum..."

I absolutely love everything about this book and am eager to own a few more titles from Ezra Jack Keats's collection. When it was premiering on Amazon, the girls and I watched The Snowy Day, (an Amazon Original Holiday Special, based on the award-winning book by Ezra Jack Keats). It was terrific! Maybe that will be the next book we add to our advent book collection.

Comments

If You Give a Moose a Muffin Party

These dull, gray and cold days of winter seem long and unending. Fortunately, our family was able to escape the dreariness and celebrate a birthday this month. For our daughter's second birthday we hosted a moose party themed after the cherished book, If You Give a Moose a Muffin , by Laura Numeroff. My siblings and I grew up reading this funny story and listening to the book on tape. The silly tale is about a hungry moose who follows the smell of fresh muffins. He enters the house and asks the boy for a muffin, but this is just the beginning of many comical requests. The amusing complications that ensue will entertain youngsters (and adults). Since I had such a hoot planning last year's caterpillar party , I was eager to start collecting/creating the decor for the moose party. The book was acquired (for free!) when I posted an "ISO" in the local Facebook sale page. I'm hoping to do another post featuring this book with photos of the illustrations....

Stations of the Cross (for Toddlers)

During Lent, I wanted to incorporate the Stations of the Cross as a weekly devotion at our home. Getting my three and two year old daughters to sit and be still, whether at church in the pew or eating their lunch, is a constant struggle. I wasn't sure whether they would be able to focus and remain engaged as we prayed. After gathering ideas on Pinterest, I found a hands-on Stations of the Cross kit. There are 14 items (small enough for little hands to hold) representing each station. What I like about this kit is that most of the items can be found in your home. On Fridays before their "quiet-time", I light a candle and have the girls sit with me at the table while we pray the Stations of the Cross. We begin by making the sign of the cross together and then I read the first station. I let the two year old hold the item first. I pray, "We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world." At the end of thi...

Feast of St. Therese the Little Flower

St. Therese, the Little Flower, please pick me a rose from the heavenly garden and send it to me with a message of love. Ask God to grant me the favor I implore and tell Him I will love Him each day more and more. Amen "St. Therese loved nature, and often used the imagery of nature to explain how the Divine Presence is everywhere, and how everything is connected in God's loving care and arms. Therese saw herself as "the Little Flower of Jesus" because she was just like the simple wild flowers in forests and fields, unnoticed by the greater population, yet growing and giving glory to God. Therese did not see herself as a brilliant rose or an elegant lily, by simply as a small wildflower. This is how she understood herself before the Lord - simple and hidden, but blooming where God had planted her. " - Text taken from the Society of the Little Flower The girls colored the Little Flower print out while I read them a short story of St. Therese from ou...

Custodians of Beauty

Search This Blog