Rob ClevelandThe Drum: A Folktale from India (Story Cove)

I bought this story for my kids. As we are Indian, I try to get them as many stories as I can find that reflect our heritage. This story was lovely with a beautiful message of selflessness and grace. However, I felt a little disappointed by the illustrations. They feel like they were drawn by someone who knows nothing at all about India and did no research. The clothing and the people did not accurately reflect Indian culture at all.... the little boy is wearing a beanie (which I think is supposed to look like a turban), the mother is wearing a t-shirt and an overcoat, the old woman is wearing a fedora, the woman with the baby is wearing a tall fez and a shirt and pants, the washerman's wife is just wearing a long shift. The colors were so drab, even in the wedding party! Drab colors at a wedding is just about the direct opposite of Indian! The wedding party was an odd, eclectic mix of people. The bridegroom's father was wearing a huge turtleneck sweater (not really something you'd want to wear in India!) I will say that it looked as if they took an Indian story and made it universal by giving it a general, non culturally specific multi-cultural feel, which is ok, but for kids who have no exposure to India at all, the illustrations in this book would be misleading....they have this kind of old orientalist stereotyped feel to them. But still, the story is so sweet, it still deserves 4 stars.

The Drum: A Folktale from India is an excellent little story that teaches love, respect, compassion, hope, charity, and good citizenship. A poor boy has only one wish: to have his own drum. However, his mother cannot afford the instrument. The sweet child understands though, and unlike today's often spoiled, demanding children, he doesn't whine or beg or throw a tantrum. He bravely accepts his family's situation. His mother is very sad though because she isn't able to purchase her son's one true wish at the market where she sells her grain to get more necessities for her family. On the way home, however, she meets a strange little fellow who gives her a piece of wood that, according to him, may have a bit of magic in it. Believing her son might find some use for the wood, the woman takes it and gives it to her son with the story about the stranger. The child takes the stick and goes out to play --thus begins a grand adventure which ultimately leads to the thoughtful boy receiving his fondest wish, proving that good deeds and selflessness are a kind of magic all their own.The book's warm, colorful illustrations are nice, and StoryCove's companion website adds interests to the tale by providing movies, games, coloring pages, and actual lessons plans that teach comprehension of story concepts as well as ideas for cultural exploration. Homeschooling parents may find the website useful.I've purchased several StoryCove products, and I find them to be very good quality for their target audience, children.

Absolutely wonderful story about how being kind, unselfish and sharing not only helps others in need, but your generosity has a way of finding you, too.I bought this book to read to my granddaughter's pre-k class which has several children in it whose families are recent immigrants from countries around the world, including India. Some of these youngsters have relatives who still live overseas and they miss their family members. I love to read to them, especially when I can find positive stories about their country of origin. I can't wait to read this joyful book to the class!This is my first Rob Cleveland book, but I will sure take a look at his other works.

I bought this book to use to introduce folktales around the world at school with elementary students.

Just purchased this book as an effort to introduce our children to folktales from other cultures.This book is a great story with a lesson on humility and sharing. The boy helps others to get his dream toy: a drum (which his poor mother could not afford to give to him). You follow his journey along to see his example of sharing with others in need just like him.Overall, I would recommend this book to all of my friends since its an interesting read for the kids AND teaches them that sharing pays off.

The story was a standard fable, but the illustrations and storytelling made my granddaughter ask; “why are the people and the women always crying?” ... Not especially appealing

Great book with nice illustrations and message. I like that it's an Indian folktale and teaches how kindness and giving can create its own magic and reward.

I really enjoy reading this book to my son. The moral of the story is great, and I think it is just the right length to keep a preschooler's attention. The graphics are nice as well. We are definitely going to check out other titles by this author.

Disapointing ! Who beleived that this author could write an authentic Indian story? His link with the country is at best, tenuous, whereas the illustrator seems to have made up a generic version of the "East" whereby it is definitely "foreign" and somewhere "Eastern" but otherwise, completely made up. Our family has a mixed heritaqge and I am always looking for books to reflect our interests.. this is the most disapointing buy to date

I bought this book to support a project on India with my nursery class. The children loved the story and illustrations. It was a fun story to share.

Simple story , good for preschoolers , a little long but kept their interest when I used it as a basis for movement session

Lovely story with a simple meaning. Great book for anyone needing stories from other countries. We have read it many times already.

Nice story and pictures.