Tommy Thumb is one of the oldest recorded English nursery rhymes, dating back to the 17th century. It is part of the “Tommy Thumb’s Song Book,” published in London around 1744.
The rhyme is a cumulative nursery rhyme, adding a new verse with each repetition.
The rhyme accompanies hand gestures where the child’s thumb is moved up and down, danced around, placed on different body parts, and finally tucked into bed.
This interactive element makes the rhyme engaging for young children and helps develop coordination and motor skills.
“Tommy Thumb” is part of a series of similar nursery rhymes that feature characters such as Tommy Thumb, Peter Pointer, Toby Tall, Ruby Ring, and Billy Small.
These rhymes are thought to have been used as teaching aids to help children learn the names of their fingers and develop fine motor skills.
Over the centuries, “Tommy Thumb” and its companions have remained popular in nursery rhyme collections, demonstrating their enduring appeal and cultural significance in early childhood education.
Lyrics for Tommy Thumb
Tommy Thumb, Tommy Thumb,
Where are you?
Here I am, here I am,
How do you do?
Peter Pointer, Peter Pointer,
Where are you?
Here I am, here I am,
How do you do?
Toby Tall, Toby Tall,
Where are you?
Here I am, here I am,
How do you do?
Ruby Ring, Ruby Ring,
Where are you?
Here I am, here I am,
How do you do?
Baby Small, Baby Small,
Where are you?
Here I am, here I am,
How do you do?
Fingers all, Fingers all,
Where are you?
Here we are, here we are,
How do you do?
Here we are, here we are,
How do you do?