The First Drum I Ever Heard

A joyous celebration of drums, heartbeats, and the bond between mother and child, by acclaimed African American musician Randy Preston

Bass drum, steel pan, snare . . . is there any kind of drum this little boy’s mom can’t play? For as long as he can remember, drums have been a big part of their life together. And whether in the living room, the park, or the concert hall, he loves grooving with her. There’s something so soothing and special in the beat of each and every drum, which makes him wonder, what was the very first drum he heard?

With rhythmic language mimicking the sounds of drumbeats and joyful illustrations illuminating the feeling of connection they create, this is a unique celebration of music—and motherhood—that families will treasure.