Drummer Hoff

Written by Barbara Emberley and Ed Emberley

Narrated by Owen Jordan

A rhyming, vibrant story based on the folk song of seven soldiers.

Barbara Emberley’s jaunty adaptation of the cumulative folk song about soldiers who build a magnificent cannon and Drummer Hoff, who fires it off.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
• Release date: Sep 1, 1969
• ISBN: 9780545585460

Barbara Emberley

Ed Emberley has written and illustrated over 60 children's books, including the Drawing Book series. He and his wife, Barbara Emberley, have collaborated on several books, most notably Drummer Hoff, winner of the 1968 Caldecott Medal. Mr. and Mrs. Emberley have illustrated several other Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science books. They live in Ipswich, Massachusetts.

Reviews for Drummer Hoff

[word.owl · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

1968 Caldecott Medal Winner

Not sure how these illustrations are done. Ink and some kind of paint? Oh well. They have a creative, stained glass effect. Hubby saw the book and said "pretty pictures!"

A cumulative rhyme in which various members of an army(?) follow their chain of command for the process of loading a cannon. When the rhyme is complete, we indeed get to see Drummer Hoff firing it off. I like it that another reviewer pointed out that the final image is hippie-esque with the obsolete cannon covered in plants, birds and bugs. I hadn't made that connection to the era of the book, but now that I do it's kind of cool and funny.

[quondame · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A colorful, playful, fantasy of a cannon shot. One does wonder why.

[cbl_tn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This Caldecott medal winning picture book describes the loading and firing of a cannon. It’s a cumulative tale of the military men, private to general, who set up and load the cannon, but “Drummer Hoff fired it off.” The illustrations look very much like a product of the 1960s. It’s a book that will best be enjoyed as a read-aloud. The entertainment value will vary with the skill of the reader.

[whisper1_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Luscious colors pop out in reds and oranges and greens and just about every color imaginable. This Caldecott winning book does not have the pull of the message as well as the images that leap and the detail that is incredible.

One lone Drummer named Hoff seems to build a cannon, until the story builds upon the fact that it took many to assist in the final project. This is a simple tale of fact needed for all to remember.

[bookconcierge · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is a picture book for very young children, with repetitive rhymes that tell the story of a group of soldiers who build a cannon. Illustrator Ed Emberley won the Caldecott medal for his work. The vibrantly colored illustrations remind me of a psychedelic Beatles album cover!

[cheryl_in_cc_nv · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A cumulative tale, like The House that Jack Built or The Old Woman who Swallowed a Fly. And the metre is perfect for marching. Children tend to enjoy these kinds of simple stories, even if they seem boring to some adults. And the illustrations are, of course, captivating. Of course they're not to everyone's taste, but give them a chance. I may be biased because I had an Ed Emberley coloring book when I was a child. But the Caldecott people like him, so it's not just me!

BTW: Feel free, as you read aloud, to emphasize parades, costumes, etc. - this doesn't have anything to do with actual military action.

[kimjd_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Love the rhythm of the text and the energy of the illustrations. One of my son's favorites to hear over and over again back in the day...

[scote23 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Caldecott Medal, 1968

Eh. Wouldn't be my pick. I should probably look at other books from 1968 though. I feel like I'm really picky about my artwork. I should probably start commenting more on what kind of pictures I do like.

Also, the story is sort of, "This is the House that Jack Built" and those books usually make me shrug.

[shelbystancil · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Summary:
A group of Seven soldiers are given the task of making a cannon. Each soldiers name rhymes with the part that they are making. It is a Germanic type story. It has bright colors and good graphics.

Personal Reaction:
I was not overly fond of this book but you can clearly see the Germanic view in it and it is nice to see others points of view. The pictures were great and the colors were very bright. Sure to hold a kids attention.

Classroom Extension Ideas:
1. Have kids talk about how things like cannons are actually made.
2. Show them different styles of Cannons.

[jerasullivan · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Summary:
Drummer Hoff is an award winning book that plays out the construction of a cannon. Seven soldiers each have a small part in the building of this cannon. The book contains a lot of repetition and rhyming. "Drummer Hoff fired it off", is repeated throughout the book. Each soldiers name rhymes with the part he is contributing to the cannon.

Personal Reaction:
This is a great book that would keep any child's attention. It's an easy read along book. The illustrations pop off the pages with thick outlining lines and bright filling colors.

Classroom Extension Ideas:
1. This would be a great book for the class to sing along with.
2. This would be a great book to read when learning about rhyming and repetition.

[emgriff_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Based on a traditional rhyme, this is the story of a group of soldiers who build a cannon. Each character has a specific name and task which would make this a great book to act out with children. The illustrations are woodblock prints that have been filled in with bold colors. They strike an appealing balance between folksy and psychedelic. The anticipation grows as the list of participants grows longer and longer, but still Drummer Hoff stands waiting at the edge of the page. Finally the order is given and the illustration of the resulting explosion is startling enough to make you jump. I am a little unclear about the (possibly anti-war) message of the end which seems to show the soldiers blowing themselves away and the cannon being grown over by nature. Regardless, this is a fun book and a great read aloud and would appeal to preschool and kindergarten children.

[cjfox73 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

cool pictures that used woodcuts. Original and exciting story.