Mother and pre-school-aged child showing thumbs up to each other

Where is Thumbkin?

Where is Thumbkin? Where is Thumbkin?
Here I am! Here I am!
How are you today, sir?
Very well, I thank you.
Run away. Run away.
—
Where is Pointer? Where is Pointer?
Here I am! Here I am!
How are you today, sir?
Very well, I thank you.
Run away. Run away.
—
Where is Tallman? Where is Tallman?
Here I am! Here I am!
How are you today, sir?
Very well, I thank you.
Run away. Run away.
—
Where is Ringman? Where is Ringman?
Here I am! Here I am!
How are you today, sir?
Very well, I thank you.
Run away. Run away.
—
Where is Pinky? Where is Pinky?
Here I am! Here I am!
How are you today, sir?
Very well, I thank you.
Run away. Run away.
—
Where’s the whole family? Where’s the whole family?
Here we are! Here we are!
How are you today, sir?
Very well, we thank you.
Run away. Run away.

Listen as female American:

Listen as male Australian:

Listen as told in a story:

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Meaning

“Where Is Thumbkin?” is a finger play and action rhyme that teaches children the names of their fingers (thumb, pointer, tallman, ringman, pinky) through playful back-and-forth dialogue and movement. The rhyme supports learning basic body parts, polite conversation, and simple English phrases. Each verse prompts a child to “hide” and “reveal” the relevant finger, adding interactivity and fun to language development.

Origin

The song’s origins are uncertain but it is believed to have been sung since the early 20th century, with some linking its melody to the French song “Frère Jacques.” It was popularized in children’s programming like Barney & Friends and is now commonly used in preschools internationally.

Time Period

Documented in print and song collections since the early 1900s, with widespread usage throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.

Why It Became Popular

Its repetitive, easy structure and playful actions make it simple for children to memorize and enjoy. It’s a staple of early childhood education for group participation, finger dexterity, and social-emotional learning.

Structure and Style

Meter: Melodic repetition, matching “Frère Jacques”
Rhyme Scheme: Paired lines (AA BB CD EE etc.)
Line Count: Five lines per stanza, repeated for each finger
Style Notes: Call-and-response, action-based, interactive

Themes

Body awareness
Polite conversation
Social skills
Language development

Language Notes

Introduces children to finger names, greetings, and simple question/answer exchanges. Playful voices or puppetry can add variety and enhance learning.

Moral or Lesson

Gently promotes social interaction, greetings, and self-expression, fostering confidence in communication.

Historical or Cultural Notes

Linked to the tune of “Frère Jacques“, the rhyme is globally recognized and translated, with finger names adapted to fit local customs. Commonly used in group singalongs, language lessons, and family settings worldwide.

Notable Variants

Regional versions may use “Where is Baby?” or “Where is everyone?” for the last verse and vary the greeting (“How are you this morning?”). Some substitute “Pinky” for “Baby” or alter the sequence and action cues.

Appearances in Media or Literature

Frequently included in early childhood music compilations, preschool/kindergarten lesson plans, and children’s media including educational TV and storybooks.

Suggested Activities

Finger Puppets: Decorate each finger as a character for interactive singing.
Hand Mural: Draw hand outlines and label each finger as learned in the rhyme.
Drama Play: Assign a child to each “finger” role for class performances.
Greeting Practice: Reinforce polite phrases through daily song routines.