Nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs about animals
We’ve put together a collection of children’s songs that almost everyone has heard at least once, like “Elephant,” “The Policeman Dog,” and “Aye-Aye.” Because they’re made for little kids, looking at the lyrics again really shows their pleasing sound, easy-to-follow stories, and skillful word choices.
Famous nursery rhymes that have been sung for generations are perfect for parents and children to sing together.
This time, we’ve also selected many songs that you can do hand motions with, so be sure to enjoy singing along together!
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Nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs about animals (21–30)
A little leaf boat
This is a children’s song about migratory swallows returning to southern lands aboard boats made of tree leaves.
When adults listen, they can’t help but wonder: real swallows don’t have such habits, do they? Wouldn’t a leaf boat sink? It’s full of questions—but it’s a delightfully imaginative idea, very characteristic of Ujo Noguchi.
School of Medaka
The title makes you excited, wondering, “What kind of school is the medaka fish school?” It’s one of the famous children’s songs, first presented in 1951 on NHK’s radio program ‘Children’s Hour.
’ What can you see when you peer into the water? Be sure to find out while singing along!
Nursery Rhymes, Folk Songs, and Children's Songs about Animals (31–40)
O Bureneli
This song has a lovely, warm and cheerful melody.
It’s a children’s song that originated as a Swiss folk tune.
You can almost picture Switzerland’s beautiful scenery.
It’s also popular as a campfire song.
The question of who “Breneli” in the title refers to is a recurring topic of discussion.
Jungle Pocket
It’s a fun song with unique lyrics where animals keep popping out of a pocket.
Kids who love animals will be thrilled and excited as one animal after another appears—how wonderful, right? You can also keep the fun going by playing imitation games with animal sounds afterward.
snail
With its humorous lyrics and upbeat melody, “Katatsumuri” (Snail) is a perfect song for one-year-olds who are getting into music.
Since it’s up-tempo, many kids will enthusiastically join in and imitate the actions.
It’s also fun to use your hands to show the snail’s horns coming out in time with the lyrics.
When the rain lets up during the rainy season, why not go out and look for snails? Because they know them from the song, children may feel a special fondness.
It’s a tune that will make you want to hum along without thinking.
The Bear of the Forest
The lyrics for the first half, from verses 1 to 5, are all from “Forest Bear” (Mori no Kuma-san), which you can sing by echoing like a yodel! Even if you haven’t completely memorized the lyrics, encouraging children with “Try singing after the teacher!” lets them naturally memorize the words as they sing.
Plus, since it has a solid story from beginning to end, it’s fun to learn as a narrative—another great point of this song.
It might be good to have them practice singing in rounds while expanding their imagination by showing a picture book or a paper-theater (kamishibai).
Mr. ElephantLyrics: Michio Mado / Music: Ikuma Dan
Born from the collaboration of Michio Mado and Ikuma Dan, this song—portraying a warm bond between parent and child—was first broadcast on NHK Radio in May 1952.
Characterized by a gentle triple-time melody and heartwarming lyrics that cherish one’s individuality, it has been featured in many educational and children’s TV programs and is loved across generations.
The May 2007 version by Satoko Yamano and the Morinoki Children’s Choir remains one of the most beloved recordings.
With a melody that nestles close to the heart like a gentle spring breeze, it’s perfect for parents and children to hum together.
In the fresh green season, singing it while out for a walk will make for even more delightful memories.