The First Drum I Ever Heard

“Can you remember the first drum you ever heard? Was it a bass drum—’bump bump bump’? Or a snare: ‘clunk a clunk clunk’? … Preston suggests that it was something more familiar: the steady, comforting ‘lub dub / lub dub’ of your mother’s heartbeat. A Black parent and child move through this rhyming story in a joyful, fast-paced drumming adventure. One moment, they’re pounding a bass drum in the living room; the next, the mother is onstage behind a full drum set while her child cheers from the audience. Their musical adventure continues as they beat drums while dancers whirl; later, the pair tap steel pans at a lively street festival. The thread of connection remains strong through the shifting settings, capturing both the excitement of performance and the warmth of making music together. Midway through, the narrative takes a sudden quieter turn, focusing on the beat of the mother’s heart as a baby grows and later carries that rhythm through life… . Its sweet message lands: Love, music, and identity are all tied to an inner beat. Bold digital illustrations evoke colored pencil and watercolor, with vibrant colors and energetic compositions that pulse with movement. Backmatter adds interest with notes on the drums featured in the story. A heartfelt celebration of rhythm and motherhood.” —Kirkus Reviews

“For a little boy and his mother, playing the drums brings a jubilant rhythm to their lives, and given all the drums his mother can play, the little boy wonders what sort of drum he heard first… . Pulsing with exuberant and playful energy, Preston’s upbeat rhyme and repetition in this picture book focus on the nurturing power of mothers and the deep affection for musical storytelling. Viewers will be drawn to the diverse range of drums featuring steel pans, whirling drums, and djembes (hand drums), each of which are described by the joyful sound they make. Anthony’s digital brushes emulate smooth watercolor and colored-pencil textures with a muted autumn palette to illustrate the warm, harmonious connection drums bring to the little boy’s community. Elsewhere, sweeping, curving perspectives convey the dynamic drum motions and expansive locations where he and his mother play together. A heart monitor with wavy lines forms heart shapes that lovingly frame a timeline of photos of the mother-son duo, reiterating how strong and grounded such a bond can be. This is a sweet tale of parental love that will encourage young readers to listen to the drumbeats inside them and share their music to the world.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“This rhythmic and engaging picture book celebrates the many sounds of drums through playful language and lively onomatopoeia. Young readers are introduced to a fascinating variety of percussion instruments … each accompanied by its own distinctive sound. The text invites children to listen closely as the narrator wonders which drum might have been the very first ever heard. The answer arrives in a tender and meaningful conclusion: the steady beating of a mother’s heart… . The book’s warm illustrations feature a diverse cast of children and families, reflecting the universal connection people have to music and rhythm across cultures. Back matter provides clear explanations of the different drums mentioned throughout the story, adding educational value without interrupting the narrative flow. Musically inclined readers, classroom teachers, and families looking for an engaging read-aloud will all appreciate this charming and heartfelt celebration of sound. Strongly recommended addition to libraries serving young children.” —Booklist

Randy Preston

Randy Preston is an African Native American (Piscataway) singer-songwriter, author, composer, educator, and storyteller. Raised in the UK, Zimbabwe, and Kenya, he developed an early love of the myths and legends surrounding him, including the songs and stories of his own Piscataway people. He has spent the past several years collaborating with authors, co-authoring and narrating How to Sing a Song. The First Drum I Ever Heard is his debut as a solo picture book author. He lives in, writes about, and wanders the forests of his homeland, known as Maryland.

Tamisha Anthony

Tamisha Anthony’s previous picture book illustrations include On Our Way, What a Day! (by JaNay Brown-Wood), Seoul Food (by Erin Danielle Russell), There’s No Place Like Hope (by Janet Lawler), and Most Perfect You (by Jazmyn Simon). She has taught for the New-York Historical Society and Make Art That Sells, and she writes and illustrates a column for UPPERCASE magazine.

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