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 (41–50)
Panda, rabbit, koala
This is a song featuring animals that children love.
The lyrics are very simple, and it’s also popular as a hand-play song where you use your hands to show the characteristics of the animals mentioned in the title.
Once you’ve learned the tune, try speeding up the rhythm and have fun with it!
Children’s songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes about animals (51–60)
Dog PolicemanLyrics by Yoshimi Sato / Music by Onaka Megumi
This song, in which a police-dog worries about a lost kitten, is a classic that people of any generation know.
Since it sings the animal sounds “meow-meow” for the cat and “woof-woof” for the dog, two-year-olds who are interested in animals will likely sing along enthusiastically.
The bouncy intro accompaniment creates an exciting sense of anticipation as the song begins.
In fact, the accompaniment to “The Police Dog” is a bit complex.
Once you can sing and play it, it will boost your confidence as a teacher!
Rabbit Dance
It’s a delightful children’s song with a cheerful, hopping rhythm that makes it feel as if real rabbits are bouncing and dancing.
Both the singing and the choreography are easy to imitate, so be sure to dance along with the kids.
It’ll even make you want to add some pretend rabbit ears.
The monkey rowed a boat.
This is a song composed by the Japanese classical composer Ikuma Dan with lyrics by the poet Michio Mado.
It’s a children’s song full of humor about a monkey drawing a picture of a boat.
How about imitating the lyrics and trying to draw a picture yourself? The gentle melody is particularly memorable.
Giraffe
The song is about the giraffe’s long neck, legs, and eyelashes.
The lyric saying its long eyelashes are for winking is adorable.
The composition is by singer-songwriter Takao Horiuchi, who was also active as a member of the popular folk group Alice.
Whale Clock
It’s a song very familiar to Japanese people.
The lyrics are about various animals asking a whale for the time.
It’s a pun-filled song that’s very popular with children.
It seems perfect for teaching little kids how to tell time.
Zuizui Zukkorobashi
It’s a traditional Japanese children’s song that has been passed down for generations.
The lyrics also use old Japanese words.
It’s often sung during games to choose “it” or to pick someone.
A mouse that comes to eat rice appears in the song.
It’s a nursery rhyme you can sing with grandparents.