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Five Little Monkeys

Quick Answer

Five playful monkeys keep jumping on the bed and bumping their heads—one by one—while Mama calls the doctor each time. A classic repeating rhyme that’s funny, familiar, and perfect for winding down.

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

The repetition is soothing and predictable, and the message aligns with bedtime rules. It’s a playful way to transition from giggles to calm: ‘beds are for resting.’

Story at a Glance

RECOMMENDED AGES

2-6 years

READING TIME

2 min

THEMES
problem solvingeasy to understandconsequencesconsequencesbedtime calmfamilyfamilybedtime calmproblem solvingeasy to understand
Also available inEspañol

Story Synopsis

Five Little Monkeys is a beloved bedtime rhyme built on repetition. Five monkeys jump on the bed, one falls and bumps a head, and Mama calls the doctor. Each time, the doctor gives the same advice: no more monkeys jumping on the bed. The pattern repeats with fewer monkeys each verse, which helps children anticipate what comes next and often makes them laugh. Parents also love it because it sneaks in a simple bedtime boundary—beds are for sleeping, not bouncing. It’s short, energetic in a safe way, and easy to end with a gentle ‘Now we rest’ moment.

Story Excerpt

Five little monkeys jumping on the bed One fell down and bumped his head Mama called the doctor, and the doctor said "No more monkeys jumping on the bed!" Four little monkeys jumping on the bed One fell down and bumped his head Mama called the doctor, and the doctor said "No more monkeys jumping on the bed!" Three little monkeys jumping on the bed One fell down and bumped his head Mama called the doctor, and the doctor said "No more monkeys jumping on the bed!" Two little monkeys jumping on the bed One fell down and bumped his head Mama called the doctor, and the doctor said "No more monkeys jumping on the bed!" One little monkey jumping on the bed He fell down and bumped his head Mama called the doctor, and the doctor said "No more monkeys jumping on the bed!" No little monkeys jumping on the bed None fell down to bump their head Mama called the doctor, and the doctor said "Put those monkeys back into bed!"

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In One Glance

Five Little Monkeys is a repeating rhyme where monkeys jump on the bed, fall one by one, and Mama calls the doctor. The doctor repeats the rule: no more jumping on the bed. The predictable pattern makes it fun and reinforces bedtime safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Playful monkeys jump on the bed, fall, and learn the rule to stop jumping.

No—just silly bumps, with a reassuring adult (the doctor) each time.

Ages 0–6.

Read the last verse in a whisper and end with: “Now the bed is for resting.”