Nursery rhymes have been an integral part of childhood for generations, captivating young hearts with their catchy tunes and whimsical tales.
As parents, caregivers, and teachers, we understand the joy and educational value these rhymes bring to a child’s early years which is why we have compiled a list of our top 40 nursery rhymes.
This article is part of our “Favorite 100 Nursery Rhymes Series” and this article contains rhymes 31 through to 40!
To see the first 10 best nursery rhymes for children take a look at our list here! or use the buttons to see the previous or next 10 in the list!
If you are after more resources such as a video so you can hear the rhyme sung simply click on the links provided with each nursery rhyme and you will be taken to another page on our website with all the helpful information you are after!
31. Miss Polly Had a Dolly
Miss Polly Had a Dolly” tells the story of a caring nurse and her dolly patient. It’s a great way to introduce children to themes of empathy and taking care of others.
Miss Polly had a dolly who was sick, sick, sick
And she called for the doctor to come quick, quick, quick
The doctor came with his bag and his hat
And he knocked at the door with a rat-a-tat-tat
He looked at the dolly, and he shook his head
And he said, “Miss Polly, put her straight to bed”
He wrote on a paper for a pill, pill, pill
I’ll be back in the morning if the baby’s still ill
Some versions use I’ll be back in the morning with a bill bill for the last line. You can also change his to her for a female doctor.
Click here for more resources on Miss Polly Had a Dolly
32. The Grand Old Duke of York
“The Grand Old Duke of York” is a spirited marching song that encourages children to move and follow along. It teaches concepts of up and down, making it a playful way to introduce spatial awareness.
Oh, the grand old Duke of York,
He had ten thousand men,
He marched them up to the top of the hill
And he marched them down again.
And when they were up, they were up,
And when they were down, they were down,
And when they were only halfway up
They were neither up nor down.
Click here for more resources on The Grand Old Duke of York
33. Mocking Bird also known as Hush Little Baby
Mocking Bird or Hush Little Baby is a soothing lullaby that provides comfort and relaxation. It’s perfect for bedtime routines, creating a calming atmosphere for children as they wind down for sleep.
Hush little baby, don’t say a word,
Papa’s gonna buy you a mockingbird.
And if that mockingbird won’t sing,
Papa’s gonna buy you a diamond ring.
And if that diamond ring turns to brass,
Papa’s gonna buy you a looking glass.
And if that looking glass gets broke,
Papa’s gonna buy you a billy goat.
And if that billy goat won’t pull,
Papa’s gonna buy you a cart and bull.
And if that cart and bull turn over,
Papa’s gonna buy you a dog named Rover.
And if that dog named Rover won’t bark,
Papa’s gonna buy you a horse and cart.
And if that horse and cart fall down,
You’ll still be the sweetest little baby in town!
So, hush, little baby, don’t you cry coz
Mama loves you, and so do I
Click here for more resources on Hush Little Baby
34. Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush
This joyful rhyme is perfect for encouraging physical activity. It’s often sung during circle time or outdoor play, where children can hold hands and go “round the mulberry bush,” promoting coordination and social interaction. You can also add verses that teach a morning routine for example – check that in the full lyrics here.
Here we go round the mulberry bush,
The mulberry bush,
The mulberry bush.
Here we go round the mulberry bush
On a cold and frosty morning.
Click here for more resources on Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush
35. Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes
Heads, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes is a classic action rhyme that gets kids moving while helping them learn body parts. It enhances motor skills and coordination as children touch each body part in rhythm. There are lots of different things you can add into this song so make sure you check out the lyrics in the full resource here.
Head, shoulders,
knees, and toes,
Knees and toes.
Head, shoulders,
knees, and toes,
Knees and toes.
Eyes and ears and mouth and nose.
Head, shoulders,
knees, and toes,
Knees and toes.
Click here for more resources on Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes
36. The Hokey Pokey
The Hokey Pokey is a fun and interactive song that combines dance and learning. It reinforces left and right while inviting kids to join in the dance, making it a favorite for group activities and parties.
You put your right foot in
You take your right foot out
You put your right foot in
And you shake it all about
You do the hokey pokey
And you turn around
That’s what it’s all about
You put your left foot in
You take your left foot out
You put your left foot in
And you shake it all about
You do the hokey pokey
And you turn around
That’s what it’s all about
You put your right hand in
You take your right hand out
You put your right hand in
And you shake it all about
You do the hokey pokey
And you turn around
That’s what it’s all about
You put your left hand in
You take your left hand out
You put your left hand in
And you shake it all about
You do the hokey pokey
And you turn around
That’s what it’s all about
You put your whole self in
You take your whole self out
You put your whole self in
And you shake it all about
You do the hokey pokey
And you turn around
That’s what it’s all about
Click here for more resources on The Hokey Pokey
37. Miss Lucy Had a Baby
Miss Lucy Had a Baby is a lively and playful rhyme that engages children with its catchy tune. It’s a great choice for encouraging imaginative play and storytelling. This rhyme is sometimes called Miss Susie Had a Baby or Miss Susie Had a steam boat and is very similar to I Had a Little Turtle.
Miss Lucy had a baby
She named him Tiny Tim
She put him in the bathtub
To see if he could swim.
He drank up all the water
He ate up all the soap.
He tried to eat the bathtub
But it wouldn’t go down his throat
Miss Lucy called the doctor
Miss Lucy called the nurse
Miss Lucy called the lady
With the alligator purse
“Mumps!” said the doctor
“Measles!” said the nurse
“Nothing!” said the lady
With the alligator purse.
Out walked the doctor
Out walked the nurse.
Out walked the lady
With the alligator purse
Click here for more resources on Miss Lucy Had a Baby
38. I Can Sing a Rainbow
We love I Can Sing a Rainbow because it introduces children to the concept of colors and encourages creative expression through song. It’s a colorful way to boost vocabulary and artistic exploration. When my children were babies I would sing this calming tune over and over until the fell asleep!
Red and yellow and pink and green
Purple and orange and blue,
I can sing a rainbow,
Sing a rainbow,
Sing a rainbow too.
Listen with your ears,
Listen with your eyes,
And sing everything you see!
I can sing a rainbow,
Sing a rainbow,
Sing along with me…
Click here for more resources on I Can Sing a Rainbow
39. Wind the Bobbin Up
Wind the Bobbin is a classic or even vintage rhyme that invites children to engage in a variety of actions, such as winding, clapping, and pulling. It helps improve coordination and motor skills.
Wind the bobbin up.
Wind the bobbin up.
Pull, pull, clap, clap, clap.
Wind it back again.
Wind it back again.
Pull, pull, clap, clap, clap.
Point to the ceiling.
Point to the floor.
Point to the window.
Point to the door.
Clap your hands together, 1, 2, 3.
Put your hands upon your knee.
Click here for more resources on Wind The Bobbin Up
40. Little Peter Rabbit
Our last rhyme on this list is the classic Little Peter Rabbit who had a fly upon his nose! It is a whimsical song that tells the story of a mischievous rabbit. It fosters imagination and creativity while teaching children about animals and their habits.
Little Peter rabbit had a fly upon his nose
Little Peter rabbit had a fly upon his nose
Little Peter rabbit had a fly upon his nose
So he flipped it and he flopped it and it flew away.
Little Peter rabbit had a very floppy ear, oh dear!
Little Peter rabbit had a very floppy ear, oh dear!
Little Peter rabbit had a very floppy ear, oh dear!
So he flipped it and he flopped it ’til it stood up straight.
Little Peter rabbit had a prickle in his paw
Little Peter rabbit had a prickle in his paw
Little Peter rabbit had a prickle in his paw
So he pulled it and he pulled it and it came right out.
Click here for more resources on Little Peter Rabbit
