Pokko and the Drum

Pokko is an energetic and brilliant young frog who encompasses leadership abilities. She lives in a mushroom with her unintentionally indulgent parents, who, like so many others, gift their daughter everything that can possibly spark her wildly inspired imagination, actions which have, on more than one occasion, become a mistake. The drum appears to be the biggest mistake of all as Pokko’s drumming interferes with all conversation in the home. Pokko is asked to take the drum outside.

Outside, the forest sparkles after a rain shower, and, in all of its beauty, it is a little too quiet for Pokko. Pokko taps on her drum to fill the silence around her and is quickly joined by a banjo playing raccoon. As the two make their way through the forest playing their instruments, a trumpeting rabbit and a music-loving wolf soon follow. In a moment of nature’s realism, the wolf eats the rabbit. He is warned by Pokko that eating band members will mean his being dismissed from the band. The wolf, genuinely sorry, apologizes, and the troupe continue playing their instrument through the forest, attracting more animals who join in the fun while Pokko leads the way. Back at home, Pokko’s parents hear the music coming closer and realize that their daughter is actually quite talented.

Matthew Forsythe’s book is charming and funny. He tells the story of Pokko in simple language and includes deadpan humour .The illustrations are highlighted in warm earthy forest colors. The illustrations have a retro feel to them and are created with watercolour, gouache and coloured-pencil.

Pokko and the Drum is a story of individuality and leadership as Pokko is very happy to play her drum to her own beat and happy to have her forest friends join in on the fun.