Three young rats looking quite dapper in their black felt hats

Three Young Rats

Three young rats with black felt hats,
Three young ducks with white straw flats,
Three young dogs with curling tails,
Three young cats with demi-veils,
Went out to walk with two young pigs
In satin vests and sorrel wigs,
But suddenly it chanced to rain,
And so they all went home again.

Listen as male British:

Listen as female American:

Listen as told in a story:

Visited 10 times, 1 visit(s) today

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

Tagged apparel, attire, cat, dog, duck, hat, pig, rain, rat, three, veil, vest

Subscribe

0 Comments

Oldest

Newest Most Voted

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Meaning

This nursery rhyme describes a whimsical scene featuring groups of three young animals—rats, ducks, dogs, and cats—each fancifully accessorized, who go out together with two well-dressed pigs. Their adventure is cut short by rain, prompting all to return home. The playful inventories and costuming promote imagination and grouping, teaching counting while delighting in absurd animal antics.

Origin

The rhyme dates from at least the 19th century, traditional to English-language nursery rhyme collections. It is closely associated with Mother Goose anthologies, built around cumulative listing, whimsical characterization, and pairing of animals and accessories.

Time Period

Recorded in print since the mid- to late-1800s, though probably existing in oral form before that.

Why It Became Popular

The silly costumes, rhythmic structure, and pattern recognition make this rhyme attractive to young children. It is often used for counting activities, illustration, and choral recitation, with the repetition and surprise ending providing both structure and playful suspense.

Structure and Style

Meter: Regular, rhymed couplets with descriptive repetition
Rhyme Scheme: AABBCCDD
Line Count: Eight (standard version)
Style Notes: Cumulative, playful, descriptive

Themes

Animal adventure
Counting and grouping
Imagination and dress-up
Surprise and change

Language Notes

Use of accessories (“felt hats,” “demi-vails,” “straw flats,” “satin vests”) and playful collective nouns add to the tongue-twister aspect. “Demi-vails” is an old-fashioned term likely for small veils or hoods.

Moral or Lesson

Primarily intended for counting and imaginative play; gently implies that plans may be interrupted but home is always welcoming.

Associated Keywords

Three young rats, animal rhyme, counting, costumes, Mother Goose

Categories

Counting Rhymes
Animal Verse
Imaginative Play Songs
Mother Goose

Historical or Cultural Notes

Included in Mother Goose anthologies and Victorian nursery rhyme books, used for speech, drama, and classroom activities that promote memory and creativity.

Notable Variants

Some versions add chicks, more animals, or further details about the weather or accessories; most conclude with the animals returning home due to rain.

Appearances in Media or Literature

Frequently set to music, animated, or illustrated in picture books and children’s videos, especially for early counting and language development.

Suggested Activities

Counting Game: Act out or illustrate the groups, emphasizing numbers and rhymes.
Costume Art: Draw the animals with their hats and vests, invent new accessories or creatures.
Music and Movement: March to the rhyme’s rhythm, pretending to be each animal in turn.
Story Expansion: Add verses for new animals or imagine what happens “at home” after the rain.

0

Would love your thoughts, please comment.x

()