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 (31–40)
I Stepped on the CatLyrics/Music: Unknown
Neko Funjatta (literally “I Stepped on the Cat”) has a distinctive rhythm and melody that really gets kids excited.
It’s said to be loved around the world under various titles like “The Flea Waltz” and “The Dog Waltz,” and in Japan, its unique cat-themed lyrics have timeless popularity among children.
In terms of keyboard playing, the melody is composed almost entirely of black keys, and it actually spans more than two octaves, making it great practice for producing a wide vocal range.
Try singing it while enjoying choreography that matches the lyrics, like mimicking a cat!
All mothers
It’s originally a folk song from the United States.
“Onma” means a horse.
The lyrics are charming, wondering why horses run around and why pigs have little curly tails.
Perfect for sing-along time in kindergarten.
Frog Chorus
Speaking of rounds, “Frog Chorus”! Surely everyone has tried singing it as a round at least once, right? It only has a first verse, and the lyrics are very simple, so you won’t spend time memorizing them and can start enjoying the round right away—that’s one of this song’s charms.
Plus, you can come in every two measures from anywhere, which makes it easy to catch the timing.
It’s truly the perfect song for your first round! Encourage the entry with a big, “Ready, go!”
Seven-year-old child
Nanatsu no Ko is a historic Japanese children’s song released in 1921 (Taisho 10).
It’s a song about why the crow cries, and it’s also well known through parody versions.
Seeing a crow in flight always brings the song to mind.
It’s a gentle, fairy-tale-like piece that evokes the twilight hours.
Draneko Rock ’n’ Roll
It’s a rock ’n’ roll-style song themed around a stray cat who claims to be the town’s star.
It was broadcast on the children’s program “Sing and Play.” Just listening to it makes your body move on its own—an upbeat, fun children’s song.
Nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs about animals (41–50)
Picnic
Even in this very familiar children’s song, animals make an appearance.
It is said to have originally been composed in the United States.
In Japan, it was broadcast on the TV program “Minna no Uta” in 1962 and quickly became popular.
How about singing it while taking a walk on a sunny day?
Little Sumo Bear
The little sumo bear and the bear cub are having a sumo match.
It looks like they’re competing to see who’s stronger.
Don’t you think children will want to try sumo themselves after hearing this song? It’s a gentle nursery rhyme that’s suitable even for babies.