The Little Drummer Girl: An ­Unexpected Christmas Story

PreS-Gr 2–This spirited and amusing take on the traditional Christmas pageant is told through the eyes of redheaded Isabella, a feisty Tennessee girl with cowgirl flair. Readers will be charmed by Isabella’s independence, her love for animals, and the ever-present canine companion who follows her as she roams the town unchecked. Isabella is determined to play the angel in her church’s Christmas pageant. She envisions herself in a flowing white robe, glowing wings, and a shining halo. But fate has other plans, and she is initially crushed when assigned the role of drummer girl. However, she leans into the role with humor and determination, eventually realizing that she’s the perfect fit. Her drum major costume, hilariously mismatched with the biblical robes worn by other pageant characters, underlines the story’s light tone and playful approach to ­tradition. With vibrant illustrations depicting a diverse congregation and warm family support, the book invites readers to ­reimagine familiar ­traditions with a fresh, inclusive lens. Written as a ballad quatrain, the rhyming text attempts to capture the rhythm of an old-fashioned carol, but it occasionally falters with forced rhymes and content length that may challenge read-aloud pacing. While the structure may not be perfect, the story’s message of self-discovery and embracing one’s unique gifts resonates.