Traditional nursery rhymes have been around for hundreds of years. Many of today's well-known rhymes were handed down from generation to generation, many years before they were first published.

Rhymes for children began to appear in print in 'chap-books', small booklets made from a few sheets of paper,

often illustrated with woodcut prints. They were sold by Chapmen (a street trader).

Earliest known published collections appeared during the mid 1700's. One of the first children's books containing nursery rhymes was 'Tommy Thumb's Pretty Song Book' published in 1744. Also in 1744, 'A Little Pretty Pocket Book', published by John Newbury.

By the end of the 18th century more nursery rhyme books were appearing. During the 1800's the number of annual publications increased, 'Mother Goose's Nursery Rhymes' appeared, and James Orchard Halliwell created a considerable collection.

Nursery Rhymes, Tales & Jingles - compiled by Mrs Valentine and published in 1874 by Frederick Warne & Co brings together many of the nursery rhymes that remain to be loved by children today... Old King Cole, One Two Buckle My Shoe, Little Jack Horner, Polly Put The Kettle On, Little Bo Peep, Hot Cross Buns and other well-known rhymes feature in such vintage publications. From that time until today, nursery rhymes have continued to be published and have become a fundamental part of children's early years development.

Such nursery rhymes may have originally been related to events or characters of the time, but now they remain as fond entertainment, an established part of a young child's upbringing. A tradition that is likely to continue to be part of our history and culture for many years to come.

Nursery rhymes, favourite songs, action songs, early learning songs and lullabies remain very popular today.

They are readily available in print in colourfully illustrated books - and as audio and video recordings,

now mainly via various download and streaming services (see the 'Recorded Media' page for more information).

Notable publications for children - 18th & 19th Century

Early Chap-Books - published by J Newbery during 18th & 19th Century

A Little Pretty Pocket Book - J Newbery, London, 1744

Mother Goose's Melody - first published, J Newbury, London, c1760

Gammer Gurton's Garland, compiled by Joseph Ritson, c 1783

Tommy Thumb's Song Book - published, Isiah Thomas, Worcester, Massachusetts, 1788

The Nursery Rhymes Of England - Collected by James Orchard Halliwell, published 1842

Nursery Rhymes and Songs - Published by T Nelson 1865

Nursery Rhymes Tales & Jingles - Frederick Warne & Co 1874

Rhymes For The Nursery - George Routledge And Sons 1878

Songs for the Nursery - Published by Dutton & Co 1884

Images shown below are from kidsmusicnurseryrhymes own collection of various publications for children

A selection of vintage nursery rhyme publications are shown below...

kidsmusicnurseryrhymes respects the rights of copyright owners and has no intention to infringe any such copyright.

 It is understood that the early published material related to traditional nursery rhymes is in the public domain. The photographic images featured of the various publications,

taken by kidsmusicnurseryrhymes, are for historical interest only for use on this website. These images should not be copied and used for any other purpose.