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Diddle Diddle Dumpling

Quick Answer

A short, quirky nursery rhyme about a child and a missing shoe. It’s a little slice of old folk verse—odd, catchy, and easy to repeat.

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

It’s brief and rhythmic. Because it’s slightly silly, it can lighten the mood and end the night with a small smile.

Story at a Glance

RECOMMENDED AGES

1-6 years

READING TIME

1 min

THEMES
bedtime calmfamilyfamilygentlegentleeasy to understandeasy to understandclassic taleclassic talebedtime calm
Also available inEspañol

Story Synopsis

“Diddle Diddle Dumpling” is a traditional nursery rhyme that feels like a tiny snapshot: a child is called home, and something about their shoes is ‘wrong’—one shoe on and one shoe off. The rhyme doesn’t explain everything, which is part of its charm: it’s playful sound, quick imagery, and repetition. At bedtime, it works as a fast, familiar verse—especially fun if your child likes silly little mysteries and wordplay.

Story Excerpt

Diddle diddle dumpling, my son John, Went to bed with his breeches on, One stocking off, and one stocking on; Diddle diddle dumpling, my son John.

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In One Glance

“Diddle Diddle Dumpling” is a short traditional rhyme with a quirky image of a child returning home with one shoe on and one shoe off. It’s more about rhythm and sound than story explanation. It’s easy to repeat and works well as a quick bedtime verse.

Frequently Asked Questions

A quick nursery rhyme about a child coming home with one shoe on and one shoe off.

No—just quirky and playful.

Ages 1–6.

Whisper the last line to turn it into a calming ‘sleepy’ rhyme.