100 Best Nursery Rhymes Books of All Time

We've researched and ranked the best nursery rhymes books in the world, based on recommendations from world experts, sales data, and millions of reader ratings. Learn more

Featuring recommendations from Korky Paul, Elys Dolan, Steven Wolfe Pereira, and 3 other experts.
1

Each Peach Pear Plum

'Each Peach Pear Plum' - the classic picture book by Janet and Allan Ahlberg - is a timeless picture book classic from the bestselling illustrator/author team Janet and Allan Ahlberg, creators of Peepo!. Each beautifully illustrated page encourages young children to interact with the picture to find the next fairy tale and nursery rhyme character.

This board book edition is perfect for little hands. In this book "With your little eye, Take a look, And play 'I spy'". This familiar rhyme has been given the brilliant Ahlbreg treatment to which no young child can fail to respond. It's...
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2

The Real Mother Goose

For nearly a century, The Real Mother Goose has delighted young children!
For more than seventy-five years THE REAL MOTHER GOOSE has been delighting millions of children, and today the magic is as strong as ever. Heralded as the "standard" Mother Goose by parents, grandparents, teachers, and librarians, this wonderful book with Blanche Fisher Wright's lively, colorful pictures makes an enchanting introduction for the very young.

Mother Goose rhymes are a vital part of childhood. And this collection of essential rhymes have been reproduced exactly as they have been...
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3
My name is Humpty Dumpty.
I'm famous for falling off a wall.

(You may have heard about it.)

But that's only half the story...
Because I decided to get back up.
And when I did, something amazing happened.

This story is about my life...
AFTER THE FALL.

Inspiring and unforgettable, this epilogue to the beloved classic nursery rhyme will encourage even the most afraid to overcome their fears, learn to get back up--and reach new heights.
(front flap)
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4

The Itsy Bitsy Spider

Board book edition. The spirited and irresistible itsy bitsy spider has captured the hearts of generations of children by climbing up that water spout. Now she's back—on a new magical journey!

This all-new itsy bitsy spider has exciting encounters with a fan, a mouse, a rocking chair, a cat and a big maple tree. Finally, the itsy bitsy spider finds a lovely spot to rest and spin a new silky web. Children will enjoy time and again the delightful adventures of the energetic itsy bitsy spider.
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5
As soon as they say good night to Mama, the five little monkeys start to jump on their bed. But trouble lies ahead as, one by one, they fall off and hurt themselves. less

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6

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

A favorite lullaby becomes a celebration of love in this lushly illustrated version featuring animals from all over the world. less

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7
Board book edition. Join our irresistible young heroine as she wishes upon a mischievous, twinkling star. Granting her wish, the little star takes her on a dazzling journey through the swirling, iridescent lights of the night sky.

Iza's flowing watercolors and reassuring verses make this journey a night wish for every star gazing child.
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8
This hand-picked collection of classic nursery rhymes, all delicately and painstakingly illustrated by Salley Mavor, who is reknown for her incredibly detailed fabric and cloth scenes. It took Mavor ten years to develop her own fabric relief technique to a level where she felt comfortable even considering illustrating a book. Now, Mavor embroiders and sews illustrations, each scene taking nearly a month to complete. In this book, Mavor renders a new and visionary nursery rhyme world with precision and intricacy for many a generation to treasure for years and years to come. less

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9

The Stinky Cheese Man

Jon Scieszka introduces some really stupid off-the-wall fairy tales including: ‘Chicken Licken’, ‘The Princess and the Bowling Ball’; ‘The Really Ugly Duckling’, and ‘Jack's Bean Problem’.

Chosen by children as the Book of the Year for the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, the book was described by She magazine as, ‘The most delightful collection of stories a young cynic could hope to read’.
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Recommended by Elys Dolan, and 1 others.

Elys DolanHilarious parody of well-known tales.I find it as funny now as an adult as I did as a child. (Source)

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10

Nursery Rhyme Comics

50 Timeless Rhymes from 50 Celebrated Cartoonists

First Second is very proud to present Nursery Rhyme Comics. Featuring fifty classic nursery rhymes illustrated and interpreted in comics form by fifty of today’s preeminent cartoonists and illustrators, this is a groundbreaking new entry in the canon of nursery rhymes treasuries.

From New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast’s “There Was a Crooked Man” to Bad Kitty author Nick Bruel’s “Three Little Kittens” to First Second’s own Gene Yang’s “Pat-a-Cake,” this is a collection that will put a grin on your face from page one and keep it there.

Each rhyme is...
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Don't have time to read the top Nursery Rhymes books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.

Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:

  • Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
  • Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
  • Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
11

Big Fat Hen

One, two, buckle my shoe. Three, four, shut the door . . . . Nine, ten, big fat hen! Now young children can enjoy a popular nursery rhyme and learn to count, too. Keith Baker's delightful illustrations filled with eggs and chicks (and bugs) are sure to tickle little ones for hours of read-aloud fun.
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12

Baa, Baa, Black Sheep

A girl who can't seem to stop knitting and a sheep who just can't say no star in this captivating new rendition of the well-loved nursery song.

As a host of characters from nursery rhymes receive wonderful handmade gifts, poor Black Sheep's coat grows thinner. But there is a special reward in store for a generous sheep in this story about the joy of giving.

For extra fun, follow a winding strand of yarn through the pages of the book. Sheet music is included.
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13

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Read, row, and roar along - a newly imagined favorite will have everyone singing.

In this vibrantly-painted rain forest, squeak, bark, and chatter along with a kitten and puppy rowing their way down the stream. Uncover one delightful animal surprise after another. Sheet music with guitar chords, along with Cabrera's jaunty new verses, is included.

Jane Cabrera's Story Time celebrates children's best-loved read along nursery rhymes and songs. These interactive favorites are given a new twist by award-winning artist Jane Cabrera and feature her bold, bright,...
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14

Three Little Kittens

The favorite Mother Goose rhyme about the three careless kittens who lost their mittens is given added appeal with Galdone's bold and colorful illustrations. less

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15

I'm a Little Teapot

Join our rambunctious teapot as he gets all steamed up just waiting to share his imaginative adventures with you. Grab your coat as you sail down the river on a boat to China, run off to Mexico to fight a bull, race with the hounds on a fox hunt, and hide deep in the jungle where no one will find you.

I'M A LITTLE TEAPOT is a book to share with friends and family—after all, isn't that what "Tea-Time" is all about?
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16

My Very First Mother Goose

To a small child, words are magical. And the most magical of all are the beloved, venerable words of Mother Goose. Now folklorist Iona Opie has gathered more than sixty treasured rhymes in their most perfect, honest form. From "Hey Diddle, Diddle" and "Pat-a-Cake" to "Little Jack Horner" and "Pussycat, Pussycat," these are familiar verses that have been passed from parent to child for generations; these are the rhymes that are every child's birthright.

With watercolors by Rosemary Wells that may prove equally enduring, MY VERY FIRST MOTHER GOOSE captures the simple joy and the sly...
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17
First published in 1986 and just as fresh and relevant today, this widely acclaimed, child-friendly poetry anthology is now being reissued with a striking new jacket. In his introduction to this book Jim Trelease, bestselling author of The Read-Aloud Handbook, writes, “No one better recognizes the essence of the child-poetry connection than poet and anthologist Jack Prelutsky. . . . Here are more than 200 little poems to feed little people with little attention spans to help both grow. Marc Brown’s inviting illustrations add a visual dimension to the poems, which further engage young... more

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18
New York Times bestseller!

From the warm and colorful imagination of Mary Engelbreit comes a Mother Goose book bursting with warmth and humor.

This highly illustrated hardcover treasury includes everyone’s favorite time-honored characters—Little Bo-Peep, Humpty Dumpty, Old King Cole, Jack and Jill, and many, many more. Readers will enjoy Mary Engelbreit’s interpretations of the mouse running up the clock, piggies going to market, and children dancing 'round the mulberry bush.

With one hundred rhymes in all, all...
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19

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs

You thought you knew the story of the “The Three Little Pigs”… You thought wrong.
 
In this hysterical and clever fracture fairy tale picture book that twists point of view and perspective, young readers will finally hear the other side of the story of “The Three Little Pigs.”
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20

Tomie dePaola's Mother Goose

Since its original publication in 1985, Tomie dePaola's Mother Goose has become a staple on children's bookshelves everywhere, and features over two hundred Mother Goose rhymes charmingly illustrated by one of today's most beloved artists. This special anniversary edition includes a framable print with brand-new art and an author's note from Tomie, and is sure to continue as a family favorite for generations to come. less

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Don't have time to read the top Nursery Rhymes books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.

Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:

  • Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
  • Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
  • Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
21
Forty years after its first publication this much-loved Child's Play classic is as popular as ever. Ingenious die-cut holes bring this iconic nursery rhyme to life, and Pam Adams' fabulous illustrations lend humour and vibrancy to the proceedings. Bouncy images, innovative die cutting and favourite rhymes make Books with Holes a must for every child. Available in three formats, suitable for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and the nursery or classroom. less

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22
Every day, children the world over sing, shout, and celebrate Mother Goose rhymes. And now there's a new reason to cheer: Nina Crews has added her own remarkable, jazzy style of illustration to a collection of forty-one favorite verses. Whether it's Jack jumping over a candlestick (atop a cupcake), Georgie Porgie kissing the girls (at the playground), or a fine lady riding a white horse (on the carousel), this exuberant treasury is sure to be read and enjoyed over and over again. less

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23
Richard Scarry introduces toddlers to the nursery rhymes of Mother Goose! Featuring his unmistakable art (now restored to its original glory) and fifty of Mother Goose's most beloved rhymes, Scarry's timeless collection, now celebrating its fiftieth anniversary, is a must-have for readers of all ages. less

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24

Lavender's Blue

A Book of Nursery Rhymes

Originally published in 1954, Lavender's Blue was received with immediate acclaim, and was chosen as a runner-up for the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Medal. Beautifully designed and illustrated by the influential artist Harold Jones, the book never went out of print, and has been enjoyed by generations of children. This facsimile edition has been lovingly produced to recreate the look and feel of the first printing of this much-loved book. The most definitive collection of nursery rhymes and songs published, it will delight every child in your life, including you.
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25

Mary Had a Little Glam

“[an] exuberant picture-book ode to the fun of fashion.” —Shelf Awareness
This little Mary has STYLE! In this fun take on Mother Goose, fashion-forward Mary helps some of childhood's most beloved characters go glam. From the kid who lives in a shoe (and dons some fab footwear, too) to Jack, who breaks his crown but gets a great new one, Mary's school friends look fantastic in their finery. But are they now too well dressed for recess? Not to worry—Mary always shows her flair for what to wear!
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26

Green Eggs and Ham

“Do you like green eggs and ham?” asks Sam-I-am in this Beginner Book by Dr. Seuss. In a house or with a mouse? In a boat or with a goat? On a train or in a tree? Sam keeps asking persistently. With unmistakable characters and signature rhymes, Dr. Seuss’s beloved favorite has cemented its place as a children’s classic. In this most famous of cumulative tales, the list of places to enjoy green eggs and ham, and friends to enjoy them with, gets longer and longer. Follow Sam-I-am as he insists that this unusual treat is indeed a delectable snack to be savored everywhere and in every way. more

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27
Another perfect picture book from the creators of the best selling classic "Where is the Green Sheep?"

Bonnie and Ben have a favourite babysitter whose much loved nursery rhymes ensure a wonderful, whimsical world before bedtime.
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28
IPPY Award Winner

From nonsense to lessons learned, these 45 rhymes include the very well known (Itsy Bitsy Spider) and the somewhat familiar (Hickety, Pickety, My Black Hen). The truly fantastic pictures speak more than a thousand words as artist Scott Gustafson riffs in paint on themes present and imagined in each verse.

Nursery rhymes are classic, and so are some of the artist's interpretations. But other paintings are surprises, like an anthropomorphic baking bear, a pelican sea captain, and Peter Piper as a pug on two legs. Welcome to a world where "There...
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29

Truckery Rhymes

For generations these classic, high-octane rhymes, songs, and tales have been passed down from truck to truck. Lucky for us, the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature has collected them all into one really big, noisy volume. From “Peter Peter Payload Eater” to “Pop Blows the Diesel” to “Swing Around with Rosie,” all the classic truckery rhymes are here. Find out which one is your favorite! less

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30
Pauline knew not to play with matches, Philip's parents told him not to fidget, and Conrad was duly warned about the tailor who snips off thumbsuckers' thumbs—a morbidly hilarious, much-loved classic volume of cautionary verses
 
In December 1844, Dr. Heinrich Hoffmann, a German doctor, couldn't find a suitable book to give his three-year-old son as a Christmas present. Instead he bought a blank book and set out to write and draw what was to become his world-famous picture book. Hoffmann filled his book with dazzling and gruesome stories and pictures that he had...
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Recommended by Korky Paul, and 1 others.

Korky PaulIt’s pretty scary but what I loved were the drawings, the lay-outs, quite simple line work and flat colour. (Source)

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Don't have time to read the top Nursery Rhymes books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.

Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:

  • Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
  • Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
  • Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
31
An old favorite as you've never seen it before! Everyone knows the song about the old lady who swallowed a fly, a spider, a bird, and even worse, but who's ever seen what's going on inside the old lady's stomach? With this inventive die-cut artwork, Simms Tabak gives us a rollicking, eye-popping version of the well-loved poem. less

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32

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

Come along on a bear hunt in this award-winning classic from Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury. We’re going on a bear hunt. We’re going to catch a big one.. Will you come too? For more than twenty-five years readers have been swishy swashing and splash sploshing through this award-winning favorite. Join in the fun! less

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33

Mary Had a Little Lamb

Everyone knows the story of Mary and her little lamb with fleece as white as snow. But what happens one day when the lamb decides to go off alone?

Fans of Iza Trapani will delight as this adorable little lamb wanders across the farm, meeting an assortment of equally appealing characters. From a big brown horse to a tough old goose to a pen full of happy pigs, children will laugh out loud as Mary's little lamb stumbles from one mess to the next in this fun-filled rhyming adventure.
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34

And the Dish Ran Away with the Spoon

Every night the rhyme gets read. Every night Dish and Spoon run away. And every night they return--until tonight!
Where can Dish and Spoon be? The rhyme can't go on without them, so Cat, Cow, and Dog set out to search for their missing friends. But where to start? Should they go north? East? Northeast? They'll just have to read Fork's map, ask directions, and try not to get lost in Little Boy Blue's haystack or under Miss Muffet's tuffet or in Big Bad Wolf's kitchen--"FEE, FI, FO . . ." Oh no. Could that be the giant?
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35

The Oxford Dictionary of Nursery Rhymes

Here is a brand new edition of the classic anthology of nursery rhymes--over 500 rhymes, songs, nonsense jingles, and lullabies traditionally handed down to young children. Included are all of your favorites, ranging from "Yankee Doodle Came to Town" and "A Frog He Would A-Wooing Go" to "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep," Jack and Jill" and "Old Mother Hubbard." And complementing the rhymes are nearly a hundred illustrations, including reproductions of early art found in ballad sheets and music books, which highlight the development of children's illustrations over the last two centuries.
With...
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36

This Little Piggy

Children and parents will find lots to laugh about in indie-rocker Tim Harrington’s first picture book, This Little Piggy. Everybody knows the this-little-piggy game—the big toe is the little piggy who went to market, and the baby toe is the little piggy who went wee wee wee all the way home.
 
But what about the toes on the other foot? It turns out none of those piggies is eating roast beef…. One is playing the drums. One is riding a go-kart. One is dancing. One is flying a plane. And one of the little piggies has built a rocket ship and is traveling into outer...
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37

Motor Goose

In this picture book, Mother Goose rhymes are reimagined with vehicles-- trains, planes, trucks, and boats!

Hey Digger, Digger
(Hey Diddle, Diddle)

Hey digger, digger,
the hole's getting bigger.
Your shovel's been scooping since ten.
Beware the loose rubble.
Too late--you're in trouble!
You'd better start digging again.

Wonderful rhymes and VEHICLES! Here is a collection that every car/plane/boat/crane/digger/taxi/train-loving kid will adore. With hilarious artwork by Jef Kaminsky, Motor...
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38

Hickory Dickory Dog

Charming illustrations highlight a child’s day at school — with a surprise canine visitor — in this twist on a nursery rhyme about the hours of the day.

Hickory, dickory, dare, Dogs aren’t allowed in there. A sneaky peek through . . . Then a hullabaloo! Hickory, dickory, dare.

Zack and his dog, Rufus, are best friends. So when Zack goes to school, Rufus follows along. And once he’s there, Rufus joins right in with painting, lunchtime, and even garden time — which makes for one messy pup when it’s time to go home! Engaging illustrations capture the people...
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39

To Market, To Market

Anne Miranda’s inventive twist on a classic rhyme tells what happens after a shopper goes “to market, to market, to buy a fat pig.” Back home the pig promptly escapes, and soon the pig’s in the kitchen, the lamb’s on the bed, the cow’s on the couch--and the rest of the animals are wreaking havoc throughout the house.
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40

Mary Had a Little Lamb

Don't have time to read the top Nursery Rhymes books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.

Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:

  • Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
  • Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
  • Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
41

The Great Nursery Rhyme Disaster

Little Miss Muffet is bored. She's tired of her same old nursery rhyme and she has had enough of that scary, little spider! So off she goes into the pages of the book to try other nursery rhymes. Falling down a hill with Jack and Jill was too painful, running up a clock is just embarrassing and running away with the spoon caused a great ruckus with the dish! Soon Little Miss Muffet was running through the pages of the book and creating chaos throughout the rhymes. Until Little Miss Muffet decided that she no longer needed a change. Mother Goose has never been funnier than in this outrageously... more

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42
A spectacular treasury of 150 classic nursery rhymes and new discoveries, featuring a star-studded roster of seventy-seven illustrators.

Nursery rhymes have entertained and comforted children for centuries. Over the Hills and Far Away is a unique collection of rhymes and verse from across the globe—rhymes from the English-speaking world as well as verse that entered English from Chinese, Latino, African, and other cultures. With illustrations from seventy-seven artists, many celebrated throughout the world, and some just emerging, this volume is truly an adventure in...
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43

Baa Baa Black Sheep

This charming story told in lyrical verse will inspire young readers to share the best of themselves. An industrious black sheep has wool aplenty, but little else for her friends. Horse needs hay, Mouse needs cheese, and Pig needs slop, but the poor black sheep has none of these. When her dissatisfied friends confront Sheep about her inability to share, they find that their lovely friend has knitted a special gift for each of them with her very own wool. Clever illustrations reveal delightful surprises as endearing new characters frolic from page to page in bold, generous color. less

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44

If the Shoe Fits

An original take on some favorite nursery rhymes - this is one search for a new house that's bound to be more pleasure than trouble.

There was an old woman
who lived in a shoe.
She had so many children,
she didn't know what to do.
She gave them some broth
without any bread,
Then took them to live
in a new home instead.

Too messy, too woolly, too noisy, too small. Whether it's Humpty Dumpty's wall or Mother Hubbard's cupboard, the old woman (who once lived in a shoe) and her...
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45

The Goodnight Train

All aboard for Dreamland! Hold on to your pillow because the Goodnight Train is taking off. Roll that corner, rock that curve, and soar past mermaids, leaping sheep, and even ice-cream clouds. You won't want to miss a thing, so whatever you do, don't . . . close . . . your . . . eyes!            With soothing, lyrical words and magical illustrations, June Sobel and Laura Huliska-Beith have created a nighttime fantasy that's guaranteed to make even the most resistant sleeper snuggle up tight.

Ready to keep rolling?The companion books Goodnight Train Rolls On...
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46

The Jolly Postman, or Other People's Letters

Join the Jolly Postman as he goes on his rounds via bicycle, delivering mail to
Goldilocks, Cinderella, Jack's Giant, and other fairy-tale characters.
Tucked into envelopes are actual letters for children to pluck out. Humorous and
engaging, this is the perfect read over a spot of tea. Ahhh!
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47

Miss Mary Mack

A lively picture book adaptation of the well-known children's hand-clapping rhyme, perfect for the whole family.

Everyone knows some version of this popular children's hand-clapping rhyme, but in this adaptation, the elephant's fateful jump over the fence is just the beginning of the fun. Popular children's author Mary Ann Hoberman has elaborated on this well known tale to create an absurdly funny story children will want to sing, chant, read, and clap to again and again.
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48
Fall in love with this bright, ecofriendly take on a favorite rhyme for children.

"There was an old woman who lived in a shoe, and some days were just a big Hullabaloo!" Readers follow along as a woman and her household of high-spirited children and their pets reuse and recycle everyday items. The crew repair their broken furniture, find alternative modes of transportation when the car breaks down, and remake worn clothing with colorful patches.

Jane Cabrera's charming acrylic artwork is perfect for sharing with young readers and listeners.
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49

Hickory Dickory Dock

Keith Baker displays his trademark flair for color, movement, and rhythm in this vibrant adaptation of the familiar nursery rhyme "Hickory Dickory Dock." A companion to his acclaimed Big Fat Hen, this twist on an old favorite features some serious antics on the part of a busy little mouse. As a huge grandfather clock strikes each hour from one o' clock in the afternoon to midnight, a different animal passes by, and the mouse has a funny interaction with each of them.
    
With counting, telling time, and a cozy bedtime ending to engage them, children will be chiming in for...
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50

The Three Pigs

This Caldecott Medal-winning picture book begins placidly (and familiarly) enough, with three pigs collecting materials and going off to build houses of straw, sticks, and bricks. But the wolf’s huffing and puffing blows the first pig right out of the story . . . and into the realm of pure imagination. The transition signals the start of a freewheeling adventure with characteristic David Wiesner effects—cinematic flow, astonishing shifts of perspective, and sly humor, as well as episodes of flight.
Satisfying both as a story and as an exploration of the nature of story, The Three Pigs...
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Don't have time to read the top Nursery Rhymes books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.

Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:

  • Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
  • Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
  • Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
51

Time for Bed

Darkness is falling everywhere and little ones are getting sleepy, feeling cozy, and being tucked in. It’s time for a wide yawn, a big hug, and a snuggle under the covers—sleep tight! “Working beautifully with the soothingly repetitive text, each painting conveys a warm feeling of safety and affection.” —School Library Journal
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53
Everyone knows about Mary and her little lamb. But do you know Maria?


      With gorgeous, Peruvian-inspired illustrations and English and Spanish retellings, Angela Dominguez gives a fresh new twist to the classic rhyme. Maria and her mischievous little llama will steal your heart.
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54

Cindy Moo

One night on the farm, the cows overhear a fantastic tale.

“Hey Diddle Diddle, the cat and the fiddle, the cow jumped over the moon!”

Inspired by this classic rhyme, a plucky cow named Cindy Moo sets out to prove that cows really can leap over the moon.

The other cows laugh at her, but that doesn’t stop Cindy from trying—and failing—night after night . . . until a trick of nature shows Cindy a way to triumph.

As delightfully silly as the original nursery rhyme, this hilarious picture book will have readers of all stripes (and spots) cheering for its...
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55

Wheels on the Bus

Singing and reading to your child are considered two of the most vital ways parents can stimulate the development of a child's brain during the earlist years. Raffi's Songs to Read unites the rhythm, rhyme, and repetition that helps to lay the foundation for later speech, listening, and reading skills. here with fresh new cover designs are some of Raffi's best-known songs. With enchanting illustrations they create books that are natural bridges between music and reading. less

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56

Humpty Dumpty

This award winning series has been specifically designed for babies. A great introduction to books through well known nursery songs and intereactive text. less

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57
Hey, Diddle Diddle and Diddle Diddle Dumpling. Old King Cole and The Queen of Hearts. Little Boy Blue, Little Bo Peep, Little Miss Muffet and Little Jack Horner. These lilting, singsong verses enchant toddlers, build language skills, and set the stage for a lifetime love of literature. This charmingly illustrated compilation provides a wonderful introduction to such well-known and well-loved rhymes as This Little Piggy, Sing a Song of  SixpenceThere was an Old Lady Who Lived in a Shoe, and Rub-a-Dub-Dub. less

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58
A collection of 101 nursery rhymes and sing-along songs for kids with pictures included. The collection contains traditional nursery rhymes, such as Baa Baa Black Sheep, Do You Know the Muffin Man, Hickory Dickory Dock, Humpty Dumpty, Mary Had A Little Lamb, Ring A-Round the Roses, This Old Man, and many more. Sing-along to songs and lullabies, such as B-I-N-G-O, Good Night Sleep Tight, Hokey Pokey, Hush Little Baby, If You're Happy and You Know It, Lullaby and Goodnight, One Two Buckle My Shoe, The Wheels on the Bus, and many more. A great read for adults and children alike. For the adults... more

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59
Bruce the bear likes to keep to himself. That, and eat eggs. But when his hard-boiled goose eggs turn out to be real, live goslings, he starts to lose his appetite. And even worse, the goslings are convinced he's their mother. Bruce tries to get the geese to go south, but he can't seem to rid himself of his new companions. What's a bear to do? less

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60
This award winning series has been specifically designed for babies. A great introduction to books through well-known nursery songs and interactive text. less

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61

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

"With the same delightfully irreverent spirit that he brought to his retellings of Little Red Riding Hood, Marshall enlivens another favorite. . . . The illustrations are fraught with delicious humor and detail. Like its predecessor, perfect for several uses, from picture book hour to beginning reading."--Kirkus Reviews. Caldecott Honor Medal. less

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62

Mother Goose's Pajama Party

"Star light, star bright, come to story time tonight." You're invited to a magical pajama party with all your nursery rhyme friends! Join Little Bo-Peep, Georgie Porgie, Miss Muffet, the cow that jumped over the moon, and all their pals as they march merrily toward Mother Goose's house for a cozy slumber party full of stories. And after they are all tucked in, continue to the back of the book and find a special section with your favorite nursery rhymes. less

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63
Vintage artwork and the classic Disney characters add a world of charm to these perennial Mother Goose nursery rhyme favorites–from “Peter Pumpkin Eater,” “Hey, Diddle, Diddle,” and “Little Miss Muffet” to “Jack Sprat,” “Simple Simon,” “Old King Cole,” and more. This Little Golden Book from the 1940s is a must-have addition to every Little Golden Book collector’s library. less

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64
THE THREE LITTLE PIGS: Featuring 32 pages of fresh, captivating illustrations, this 8" x 8" story book tells the tale of the three little pigs as they stand up to the big, bad wolf.





CLASSIC STORIES: This classic tale, retold in English and Spanish, captures a child's interest, page after page, as they take their imagination on a magical journey through timeless stories and adventures.





FEATURES: With English and Spanish text side-by-side, this easy-to-follow Spanish story book is an excellent resource...
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65

Mary Had a Little Lamp

Updating the classic rhyme with "appliance humor," gives this book a hilarious twist and a great new take on the "beloved transitional object" story. Mary has a little lamp that she takes everywhere: to school, the movies, the circus, the zoo, even a wedding. One day Mary heads off to summer camp without her bendy-necked lamp and discovers that life without a lamp isn't so bad! In fact, when Mary returns home, her little lamp stays on her shelf for good. Now what will she find instead? less

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66

The Three Bears

This classic Little Golden Book edition of the famous folk tale has had many imitators, but none can measure up to the way illustrator Feodor Rojankovsky brought Goldilocks and the three bears to life. less

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67
"The Gingerbreadman - psychopath, sadist, genius, convicted murderer and cookie - is loose in the streets of Reading. But Jack Sprat doesn't get the case. He and Mary Mary have been demoted to Missing Persons because of Jack's poor judgment involving the poisoning of Mr. Bun the baker. Missing Persons looks like a boring assignment until a chance encounter at the oddly familiar Deja Vu Hotel leads the pair into the hunt for missing journalist Henrietta "Goldy" Hatchett, star reporter for The Daily Mole. The last witnesses to see her alive were the three bears, comfortably living out a life of... more

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68
Beatrix Potter gathered material for a book of rhymes over many years. In 1917, when her publisher was in financial difficulties and needed her help, she suggested that Appley Dapply's Nursery Rhymes could be brought out quickly, using her existing collection of rhymes and drawings. The fact that the illustrations were painted at different times explains why the style occasionally varies.

Appley Dapply's Nursery Rhymes is number 22 in Beatrix Potter's series of 23 little books, the titles of which are as follows:

1 The Tale of Peter Rabbit
2 The Tale of Squirrel...
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69

The Eensy-Weensy Spider

This charming board book retelling of the popular children's song is perfect for reading aloud together-and now is reissued with a modern cover and larger trim size.
This favorite nursery rhyme illustrated with bright, irresistible pictures will delight babies and toddlers. The board book format is perfect for little hands to hold and young children will enjoy seeing all the imaginative adventures the spider has after sliding down the waterspout--including hugging a baby bug, meeting a frog in a pond, joining a bug parade, and buying shoes--before settling down to sleep with mama...
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70
This groundbreaking bilingual collection of traditional rhymes celebrates childhood and Latin American heritagea perfect book for those learning Spanish and fluent speakers alike! This picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 6 to 8 who are ready to read independently. It’s a fun way to keep your child engaged and as a supplement for activity books for children.

Passed down from generation to generation, the twenty-nine rhymes included have been lovingly selected by...
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Don't have time to read the top Nursery Rhymes books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.

Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:

  • Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
  • Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
  • Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
71

Row Row Row Your Boat

Climb on board with this adorable family of bumbling bears as they row, row, row their boat into a merry adventure. Hold on to your hats and get ready to laugh as these irresistible characters rock, bash, and splash their way into your heart. less

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72
Recommended by Steven Wolfe Pereira, and 1 others.

Steven Wolfe PereiraWe ♥️♥️♥️ the shout out by @EvaLongoria in @parentsmagazine that her favorite children's book is our very own Canticos classic "Los Pollitos / Little Chickies" by @EncantosMedia’s @sujaramillo!!! Makes us want to shout "pío, pío, pío!" 🐥🐥🐥 #NurseryRhymes #TheFutureIsBilingual https://t.co/k09kqsYH9y (Source)

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74

Little Red Gliding Hood

Little Red Riding Hood straps on her ice skates in this fractured fairy tale! A figure skating enthusiast, Little Red has worn her skates right out and must win a pairs competition to earn new ones. But who will be her partner? The Dish is already dancing with the Spoon, and Hansel is spinning Gretel like sugar. You won’t believe what big eyes, sharp teeth, and long snout her partner has…all the better to spin her with! less

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76
Matthew Reinhart's phenomenal paper engineering, as evidenced in Cinderella and The Jungle Book brings an added dimension -- literally -- to the classic telling of Mother Goose's most treasured nursery rhymes. With six spreads of of pop ups and and mini book, this book is a phenomenal family keepsake to read for years to come.

Six spreads with full pop ups on each spread and mini books with pops throughout; book will be shrinkwrapped.
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77
Join the fun as familiar Mother Goose characters take starring roles in this latest addition to the New York Times bestselling series YOU READ TO ME, I'LL READ TO YOU. Designed with budding readers in mind, each of the tales is set in three columns with color-coded type as a script for two voices to read separately and together. These tales with a twist will delight and amuse young readers! less

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78

Wynken, Blynken, & Nod

Eugene Field's classic bedtime poem—about three children’s adventures sailing in a wooden shoe—is brought to life with Johanna Westerman's vivid illustrations.

“Westerman’s minutely detailed watercolors depict a Dutch landscape. The luminosity of the moonlit sea is captured in muted shades of blue that create a soothing mood for the dramatic verse.”—School Library Journal

“Westerman captures the tone of the poem in a fittingly traditional way. . . . a pleasing rendition of an old favorite.” —Booklist

“Westerman’s inventive design elements...
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79
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. Or, as his brother Detective Joe Dumpty thinks, was he pushed? This case isn't all its cracked up to be. Suspects are plenty (as are the puns) in this scrambled story of nursery rhyme noir. Was it Little Miss Muffet? There's something not right about her tuffet. Or could it have been Chicken Little, who's always been a little cagey? Or was it the Big Bad Wolf, who's got a rap sheet as long as a moonless night? Joe's on the beat and determined to find the truth. Readers of all ages will delight in the word play and hilarious illustrations in this mystery of what... more

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80

Builder Goose

It's Construction Rhyme Time!

One, two, here comes the crew!
Three, four, here come more...

 
With three dump trucks, an itsy-bitsy skid steer, and a host of other equipment, there's a whole lot of building going on here! Amusing construction-themed nursery rhymes--each based on a Mother Goose favorite--feature diggers, graders, crushers, cranes, jackhammers, forklifts, and wrecking balls. With bright, bold illustrations, this fun read-aloud should be a big hit with kids.
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Don't have time to read the top Nursery Rhymes books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.

Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:

  • Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
  • Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
  • Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
81
From bestselling artist Sylvia Long comes an enchanting collection of over seventy-five classic Mother Goose rhymes. Imbued with the artist's love of nature and overflowing with charming details, this spectacular compilation includes such timeless favorites as Old Mother Hubbard, Mary had a little lamb, and Rock-a-bye baby. Sylvia Long's Mother Goose is a perfect gift that, like the rhymes themselves, will be passed from one generation to the next. less

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83

8 Little Planets

A delightfully fun, fact-filled planetary tale from the creator of the Baby University series!

Travel around the solar system and celebrate what makes each planet unique! From Neptune to Mercury and all the planets in between, each one is different and each one is happy to be what they are.

Old slow Neptune looks a bit behind.
Orbiting the Sun takes an awful long time.
But the 8th little planet doesn't need to worry.
It spins on its axis in a really big hurry!

Vibrant, joyful art, playful verse, and a fun die-cut shape are...
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84

One Two That's My Shoe!

When a mischievous puppy runs off with his owner's shoe, it's a race from one to ten to get it back again! Over the teddy bears and out the door, readers can rollick along with the canine trickster and count the scenery along the way. ONE TWO THAT'S MY SHOE! is a twist on charming verse, brought to life by Alison Murray's simple words and whimsical illustrations. For readers looking for a fun story they can count on, this book is one they're sure to read again and again. less

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85
"This is a set of books that belongs on every infant and preschool-aged child's bookshelf. This would also make a wonderful baby shower gift."San Francisco Book Review

Three adorable characters in three adorable board books: These clever twists on dinnertime, bedtime, and clean-up time will delight all the little mess-makers, picky eaters, and night owls in your life. In a hilarious and ironic take on classic parent predicaments, kids and adult alike will enjoy the amusing storylines and relatable dilemmas.

• This box set includes three bestselling...
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86

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and other Bedtime Rhymes

Children will love Dawn Machell’s adorable illustrations bringing their favourite nursery rhymes to life. Each spread also features an engaging touch for little hands to explore, making a fun, tactile reading experience. The padded board format even has a little carry-me handle, encouraging kids to take their book with them wherever they go! less

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87

A Child's Garden of Verses

Up into the cherry tree
Who should climb but little me?
I held the trunk with both my hands
And looked abroad on foreign lands.

Here is a delightful look at childhood, written by master poet and storyteller Robert Louis Stevenson. In this collection of sixty-six poems, Stevenson recalls the joys of his childhood, from sailing boats down a river, to waiting for the lamplighter, to sailing off to foreign lands in his imagination.

Tasha Tudor's watercolour paintings evoke a simpler time in the past, and celebrate two of the things she loves most — children...
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88
Join Matthew as he considers all the things he can accomplish and the careers he can do. less

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89

The Owl and the Pussycat

In this beautifully illustrated edition of Lear's beloved nonsense poem, Mortimer takes the reader on the delightful voyage of the Owl and the Pussycat, across the sea and into lush jungles, all by the light of the moon. Full color. less

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90

What's the Time, Mr. Wolf?

Mr. Wolf has a busy day. Starting his daily routine at seven o'clock, his schedule is packed from breakfast to bedtime. At nine o'clock the mail arrives, and he goes shopping at noon. Four o'clock is naptime, and surprise! . . . At six o'clock there is a big party in Mr. Wolf 's honor. Special guests include Little Red Riding Hood, the Three Little Pigs, the Cat and the Fiddle and many more characters readers are sure to recognize. Huffing and puffing new life into favorite nursery rhymes, this charming story introduces telling time while showing readers that the Mr. Wolf isn't so big... more

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Don't have time to read the top Nursery Rhymes books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.

Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:

  • Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
  • Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
  • Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
91

Humpty Dumpty

King Moe sees Humpty Dumpty fall off the wall, but with his talent for solving puzzles, he just may be able to alter the ending of this classic story. Full-color illustrations. less

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92
This lovely multicultural children's book teaches classic fairy tales in both English and Mandarin Chinese.

As Mother Goose has known for centuries, rhyme and rhythm are fun! And what could be a more enjoyable way for children and their parents to learn about different cultures and languages than through familiar rhymes and songs?

In Chinese and English Nursery Rhymes, an innovative collection of favorite rhymes are put in pairs—one from China and the next in English—to show how the things that kids love are the same, no matter where in the world they live....
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93

The Babies and Doggies Book

When you stop and think about it, babies and doggies do many of the same things. They squirm, sniff, sit, and splash. They play ball and cuddle. Lots of things babies do, doggies do too! This board book explores all of the similar actions shared by baby and baby's best friend. Illustrated with beautiful, full-color photographs featuring an array of dog breeds and a diverse cast of babies, The Babies and Doggies Book is a visual feast for infants, a fun read-aloud for parents, and treat for baby- and dog-lovers.

Look for the companion book: The Babies and Kitties Book
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94

The Wheels on the Bus

Librarian note: an alternate cover for this edition can be found here.

When The Wheels on the Bus, by Caldecott Medalist Paul O. Zelinsky, broke onto the scene back in 1990, it created a sensation with its clever characters, sly subplots, luscious colors, and the incomparable flair of its moving parts. Almost a million young readers have enjoyed the wheels that go round, doors that open and shut, and people who go bumpety-bump. Today it remains as fresh and engaging as when...
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96

Nursery Rhyme Book

This lavish nursery rhyme collection is the perfect introduction to the world of Beatrix Potter. Filled with her vibrant art and classic characters, each page offers a new world to explore. The simple, repetitive language of the nursery rhymes, poems, and riddles will make this book a sure read-aloud favorite, and with more than sixty pages, it is also a great value. Featuring a padded cover and silver foil trim, this large format collection makes an ideal gift and an excellent addition to every nursery library. less

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98

Old MacDonald Had a Farm

Old MacDonald had a farm, and on that farm he had a whole barnyard of irresistibly cute and uproariously funny animals. With an oink-oink here, and a moo-moo there, the song ends showing the most precious resident of all, a very young MacDonald! less

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99

Mother Goose

Numbers on the Loose

The numbers are on the loose--hiding and dancing, skipping and laughing through the rhymes of Mother Goose! It’s a good thing Caldecott Medal-winning artists Leo and Diane Dillon have helped gather up all these mischievous numbers in a stunning celebration of counting, rhymes, and imagination.
    
The rhymes, both familiar and lesser known, are ordered from simple (1, 2, 3) to more complex numbers, making this a collection to grow with. The illustrations are filled with surprising wit and whimsy. And this vibrant, playful volume is irresistible as an introduction to Mother Goose...
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100

Detective Little Boy Blue

Miss Muffet is missing . . . and Detective Blue is on the case!

"Today started like any other day. The dish ran away with the spoon."

Little Boy Blue is all grown up, and he's a detective working to find Miss Muffet. Join in the fun as Detective Blue tries to crack the case with the help of his nursery rhyme friends. The fun is never-ending as Detective Blue interrogates grown-up nursery rhyme characters in order to solve the Missing Muffet Mystery. Kids, parents, and teachers can find a list of referenced nursery rhymes and go back into the story to find the characters.
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Don't have time to read the top Nursery Rhymes books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.

Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:

  • Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
  • Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
  • Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.