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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Children’s songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes about animals (51–60)
Dona Dona
This song, which sings about a calf being sold from the ranch to the market, is one many people likely sang in school music classes.
Its melancholy melody is unforgettable.
Originally a song from Jewish culture, it was sung in Japan by The Peanuts in 1965, and a version sung by Yoko Kishi was broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1966.
It can be called a timeless classic that transcends generations.
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!
Mr. ElephantSakushi: Mado Michio / Sakkyoku: Dan Ikuma
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.
Hey, Kaba-kun!sakushi: nakagawa itsuko / sakkyoku: nakagawa hirotaka
With its calm and gentle atmosphere, this song was released in April 2007 as a picture book with a CD, and together with illustrations by Hiroshi Abe, a former zookeeper at Asahiyama Zoo, it became a tune rooted in children’s daily lives.
Created by Hirotaka Nakagawa and Itsuko Nakagawa, the work also encourages children’s curiosity about animals through its focus on hippos.
It was featured on the TV program Hirake! Ponkikki and has long been loved by many children.
Its relaxed tempo and melody perfectly match the laid-back image of hippos, making it great for singing along with your child.
Why not hum it happily on a spring field trip or during a visit to the zoo?
Nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs about animals (61–70)
Dog PolicemanSakushi: Satō Yoshimi / Sakkyoku: Ōnaka 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.
