Little Robin Redbreast Lyrics
A cat chases a robin up a tree, and the robin wins every time. Little Robin Redbreast is a cheeky two-verse chase that toddlers like to act out with a toy cat and bird.
Little Robin Redbreast
Little Robin Redbreast sat upon a tree,
Up went Pussy-Cat, down went he,
Down came Pussy-Cat, away Robin ran,
Says little Robin Redbreast: "Catch me if you can!"
The second verse
Little Robin Redbreast jumped upon a spade,
Pussy-Cat jumped after him, and then he was afraid.
Little Robin chirped and sang, and what did Pussy say?
Pussy-Cat said: "Mew, mew, mew," and Robin flew away.
Printed from https://nurseryrhymes.co/little-robin-redbreast/
- Type
- Animal Rhymes
- Tune
- Traditional
- Best for ages
- 2 to 6 years
Hand Motions and Actions
| When you sing | Do this |
|---|---|
| Little Robin Redbreast sat upon a tree | Perch on a chair or cushion and flutter your arms. |
| Up went Pussy-Cat, down went he | Climb with cat paws, then the robin hops down. |
| Says little Robin Redbreast: "Catch me if you can!" | Run away on the spot, waving. |
What Does Little Robin Redbreast Mean?
The rhyme is a chase: every time the cat gets close, the robin slips away. Small children cheer for the little bird, who is always one step ahead. In the second verse the cat can only say "mew, mew, mew" as the robin flies off.
History and Origin
The robin redbreast, with its bright orange-red chest, has been a favorite bird in British rhymes and stories for centuries, and it often appears as a friendly, brave little character. This rhyme was a regular in nursery collections in the 1800s.
Learning Activities
- Chase game: one child is the cat and one is the robin, and the robin always escapes on the last line.
- Bird spotting: look for robins or other red-breasted birds in the garden or park.
- Red and orange: find red and orange things around the house.