Little Boy

by Laura E. Richards

　　

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Little Boy is a delightful poem to remind children that we take and we give. "Be kind, be kind, to all that live!" A lesson we all can heed! Published in Ms. Richards' collection for very young children, Three Minute Stories (1914).

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Mother, the hen is cackling; What is she trying to say? She says, “Cluck! cluck! I humbly beg To tell you all I’ve laid an egg For Little Boy to-day!” Oh! oh! is it so? Truly now, I did not know! But in return what shall I give? “Be kind, be kind, to all that live!” Mother, the cow is lowing; What is she trying to say? “Milk and cream and butter and cheese, Good people, I have brought you these For Little Boy to-day.” Oh! oh! is it so? Truly now, I did not know! But in return what shall I give? “Be kind, be kind, to all that live.” Mother, the sheep is bleating; What is she trying to say? She says “I’ll give my fleecy wool To make warm clothes for play and school For Little Boy to-day.” Oh! oh! is it so? Truly now, I did not know! But in return what shall I give? “Be kind, be kind, to all that live.”

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If you liked this poem, you are sure to enjoy the story, A Little Tiny Thing. Explore more Pre-K Wordplay!

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