The Little Drummer Boy

Annie's grandfather carves the Little Drummer Boy from the leg of an old oak table as a Christmas gift for his small granddaughter. And throughout her life Annie's favourite decoration travels the world with her and always hangs on the Christmas tree at her house, close to the top. Seasons and fashions come and go and Annie has children and grandchildren of her own but the pair remain together although, as they age they both start to fade. But they put that down to being well loved.

Bruce Whatley is the author and illustrator of Diary of a Wombat; Looking for Crabs, which was shortlisted for Picture Book of the Year in 1993; Pete the Sheep; and The Ugliest Dog in the World.