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The First Drum I Ever Heard
  • Published: 19 August 2026
  • ISBN: 9780593529553
  • Imprint: Nancy Paulsen Books
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $50.00

The First Drum I Ever Heard

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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.
  • Published: 19 August 2026
  • ISBN: 9780593529553
  • Imprint: Nancy Paulsen Books
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $50.00
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About the authors

Randy Preston

Randy Preston (RandyPreston.com) 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 including Kwame Alexander, 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 (TamishaAnthony.com)’s previous picture books 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.
RP

Praise for The First Drum I Ever Heard


PRAISE FOR TAMISHA ANTHONY'S ILLUSTRATIONS IN ON OUR WAY, WHAT A DAY! (by JaNay Brown-Wood):
          * "Illustrations in vibrant bursts of color provide a stellar backdrop of detailed scenes that readers will pore over. . . . A toe-tapping journey to Grandmother’s house that will have readers begging for an encore.” —Kirkus STAR
          “Spreads peppered with music notes capture dancing movements that clearly represent rhythm as part of the journey. . . . It’s a party of a readaloud that shows how an interesting sound, its own kind of gift, can come from nearly anywhere.” —PW
        “Music also plays a role in the vibrant illustrations, where musical notes, musical instruments, and references to performances are sprinkled throughout. . . . Characters have varied skin tones, hair textures, and hairstyles; overall this becomes a glorious reminder of the diversity found in a community and in a family. This musical picture book . . . will make a sweet addition to any library’s collection.” —SLJ