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)
Cute Hide and SeekSakushi: Satou Hachirou／Sakkyoku: Nakata Yoshinao
This is a gentle children’s song about a game of hide-and-seek played by adorable animals.
Hatchlings, sparrows, and puppies try their best to conceal themselves, warmly portrayed in the words of Hachirō Satō, with Yoshinao Nakada’s melody enhancing its charm even further.
First released in 1951, the piece has inspired children’s playfulness and curiosity toward animals.
The thrilling hide-and-seek unfolds in everyday scenes—gardens, rooftops, and meadows.
It’s perfect for singing with your child in fresh, green May, while thinking of the animals you might meet on a walk.
The rhythm of the lyrics and the friendly melody truly seem to express the joy of spring.
I Stepped on the CatSakushi / Sakkyoku: Fushou
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.
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.
A Little Bear in the RainSakushi: Tsurumi Masao / Sakkyoku: Yuyama Akira
This song depicts an adorable bear cub observing its surroundings in the rain.
You can vividly picture the cub’s innocent curiosity as it delights in the rain, peers into a brook, and looks for fish.
First featured on NHK Television’s “Uta no Ehon” in June 1962, the song was later included in school textbooks and became widely beloved.
A picture book based on the song, “Amefuri Kumanoko” (The Little Bear in the Rain), has also been published, so it’s fun to enjoy it alongside the book.
It’s a heartwarming children’s song that will make you look forward to rainy days.