It was surprising to learn that something as simple as knowing a few nursery rhymes can make the difference in kindergarten success, but studies show that children who know at least five Mother Goose rhymes do better in school than those that do not. A storytime on Mother Goose can be a great way to communicate the importance of these rhymes to parents. For a craft project, glue cotton balls to a lamb cutout, to celebrate “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” Or, make one of the activities shown here.
Baker, Keith. HICKORY DICKORY DOCK. Twelve hours are explored by a mouse in this take-off of the popular verse.
Cabrera, Jane. BAA, BAA, BLACK SHEEP. In this spoof, Black Sheep gives wool to Miss, who makes clothing for animals and other nursery rhyme characters.
Choldenko, Gennifer. MOONSTRUCK: THE TRUE STORY OF THE COW WHO JUMPED OVER THE MOON. A horse describes the cow’s amazing feat in this new take on the rhyme.
Conway, David. THE GREAT NURSERY RHYME DISASTER. A bored Miss Muffet goes off to see the other nursery rhyme characters.
Graham, Bob. DIMITY DUMPTY: THE STORY OF HUMPTY DUMPTY’S LITTLE SISTER. Humpty’s shy sister is afraid to join their circus act.
Jackson, Alison. IF THE SHOE FITS. The Old Woman looks for a new place to live with her many children when they outgrow their shoe.
Murray, Alison. HICKORY DICKORY DOG. Zach and his dog go throughout their day, describing their activities to the tune of “Hickory Dickory Dock.”
Stevens, Janet. AND THE DISH RAN AWAY WITH THE SPOON. Cow, Cat, and Dog look for the missing Dish and Spoon.
Various. THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT. There are many versions of the classic cumulative tale that will engage storytime listeners.
Various. OLD MACDONALD. The storytime crowd will sing along to this classic nursery song.
Wells, Rosemary. MAX & RUBY’S TREASURE HUNT. On a rainy day, Grandmother makes a treasure hunt for Max and Ruby, using Mother Goose rhymes as clues.
Zalben, Jane B. HEY, MAMA GOOSE. Helping the Old Woman find a new shoe, Mama Goose then goes on to help other classic fairytale characters.
Also see the previous Mother Goose storytime ideas pages from July 2004.