Bo Peep February 17, 2017 All Rhymes 0 Comments

Parrot seems surprised the mouse stole his toast

Little Poll Parrot

Little Poll Parrot
Sat in his garret
Eating toast and tea;
A little brown mouse
Jumped into the house,
And stole it all away.

Listen as male British:

Listen as female American:

Posted in All Rhymes, Animals, Daily Life & Objects, Mother Goose Classics

Tagged bird, food, garret, house, mouse, parrot, tea, toast

0 Comments

Oldest

Newest Most Voted

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Meaning

This rhyme tells of Little Poll Parrot, quietly enjoying his tea and toast in a garret, when a little brown mouse sneaks in and steals all the food away. The verse uses gentle humor and surprise, and is sometimes interpreted as a lesson in being attentive, careful, and mindful of one’s surroundings.

Origin

“Little Poll Parrot” is a traditional English nursery rhyme, first printed in the mid-1800s in collections by James Orchard Halliwell and later included in The Little Mother Goose (1912). Its oral origins likely go back further into English folk tradition.

Time Period

First documented in print in the 1840s, with 19th-century popularity and probable earlier folk roots.

Why It Became Popular

The rhyme’s catchy repetition, cute animal characters, and simple story make it easy for children to memorize and recite. Its kitchen setting and surprise ending add playful resonance for young listeners.

Structure and Style

Meter: Dactylic, rhythmic and sing-song
Rhyme Scheme: AABCCB (in common variant)
Line Count: 6
Style Notes: Narrative, animal characters, gentle humor

Themes

Surprise and humor
Mindfulness and attention
Animal antics
Food and sharing

Language Notes

The rhyme uses everyday words and settings to create a memorable, vivid scene. The quick twist ending is an example of comic storytelling in nursery rhyme tradition.

Moral or Lesson

Encourages paying attention to one’s surroundings and being mindful when enjoying something, lest it be taken away unexpectedly.

Historical or Cultural Notes

In older English usage, “tea” rhymed with “away.” Early versions sometimes swapped “his” for “her” garret, or used “turret” as the setting. The rhyme’s gentle lesson and playful tone fit within the tradition of animal-centric children’s verses.

Notable Variants

Variants exist with slight changes in pronouns (“his” or “her garret”), and in some regions, “turret” is used instead of “garret.”

Appearances in Media or Literature

The rhyme appears in classic anthologies, children’s songbooks, and modern kids’ media about animals and simple lessons.

Suggested Activities

Roleplay: Act out the rhyme with children taking turns as Poll Parrot and the thieving mouse.
Art Project: Draw Poll Parrot in his garret and the sneaky mouse.
Mindfulness Game: Discuss how to be attentive and protect personal things.
Singing Game: Chant the rhyme with actions for the parrot and the mouse.
Food Sharing: Use the rhyme before snack time as a reminder to share and be aware.

Would love your thoughts, please comment.x

()

| Reply

Little Poll Parrot

About Classic Rhymes

Quick Links / Explore Rhymes

Connect / Stay Updated

Information / Legal

Little Poll Parrot

Related Entries

A Wise Old Owl5 (1)

Pussycat Pussycat0 (0)

A Man in the Wilderness5 (1)

Little Tommy Tucker5 (1)

Little Tommy Tittlemouse5 (1)

Little Robin Redbreast Sat Upon a Rail0 (0)

About Classic Rhymes

Quick Links / Explore Rhymes

Connect / Stay Updated

Information / Legal

A Wise Old Owl
5 (1)

Pussycat Pussycat
0 (0)

A Man in the Wilderness
5 (1)

Little Tommy Tucker
5 (1)

Little Tommy Tittlemouse
5 (1)

Little Robin Redbreast Sat Upon a Rail
0 (0)