Please Share Your Version of “I Had a Little Mule, His Name Was Jack”

There seem to be different versions of “I Had a Little Mule”. I’d love to learn more of them! Here are the first two lines which seem to be in most versions… I had a little mule, his name was Jack. I rode his tail to save his back. Here’s the version from The Journal... Read more »

Some Japanese Riddles for Kids with Explanations

Ayako Egawa sent me some riddles from Japan which she translated into English. They’re all a play on words. Here’s what she wrote: Hi Lisa, these are Japanese riddles. I intended to choose ones easy to understand for kids in America. But please let me know if you can understand my explanation! 1. What is... Read more »

No More Teachers! No More Books!

Today’s the last day of school here. I can’t help remember our last day of school chant from when I was a kid… No more pencils No more books No more teacher’s Dirty looks. Kick the tables Kick the chairs Kick the teachers Down the stairs! Every kid in my generation sang this on the last day of school every year. We... Read more »

Can Anyone Help Translate an Urdu Rhyme from India?

We received this Urdu rhyme without a translation… Abulal babulal Babu ka topi lal 11 kantae kachha kurma Pakka chor. Submitted by Nasrin I’m not sure if it’s one or two rhymes If anyone can help with an English translation, and/or let us know how many rhymes it is, please comment below. Thanks! Mama Lisa Read more »

Is Anyone Familar with the Rhyme, “My Mama Bought a Baby”?

Debbie sent the following rhyme. We were wondering if anyone’s heard of it, and if so, in which country(s). My Mama bought a baby, a little tiny thing, I could almost put it through my little rubber ring, It takes all my good kisses and it took my baby bed I’d like to take my dolly’s foot and... Read more »

Can Anyone Help with a Sicilian Rhyme?

Marie wrote asking about a Sicilian Rhyme… Hello Lisa, Just found your site and it’s very interesting. My sisters and I are recalling a little “diddy” my mother used to say to us when our feet fell “asleep.” Can you help please? What we can remember is this – which we all disagreed on how to spell them. Spieg di pedi L’angiolo... Read more »

Nine Copycats in a Boat…

Here’s a riddle my daughter told me today: There were nine copycats on a boat. One fell off. How many were left? (Answer below.) But first, here’s a picture my daughter drew to go with it… * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Answer: None! Since they’re copycats, they all fell in! Note: The number of copycats originally on the boat can vary, sometimes it’s 6... Read more »

Help Needed with Some Scottish Nursery Rhymes and Songs

Alysa emailed me asking for help with some Scottish nursery rhymes and songs. The ones I could help her with I posted on the Mama Lisa’s World Scottish Song pages. The rest I will post below after Alysa’s letter. Here’s what Alysa wrote: Hey there. My nanna passed away a couple of years ago... Read more »

Rida, Rida Ranka – A Scandinavian Rhyme that Has touched Many People

Rida, Rida Ranka is a rhyme and song known to many in Scandinavia and to the families of Scandinavian immigrants in the US. Lance N. Peterson wrote to me of its significance to his family. (I added links below to the versions of Rida, rida ranka he talks about.) Dear Lisa: Words are what we... Read more »

Does Anyone Know this Scottish Song Starting with “Inty, Tinty”?

Andy wrote looking for information about a Scottish song and whether or not anyone out there is familiar with it. Here’s what he wrote: Hello. I was taught a song from my Scottish relatives and wonder if you know of it. Inty, tinty, tamerary, ram, tam, toosh. Go under your bed and find a wee fat moose. Cut... Read more »