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Hickory Dickory Dock

Quick Answer

A playful nursery rhyme about a little mouse who runs up and down the clock as it chimes. It’s rhythmic, predictable, and perfect for practicing sounds and counting in a cozy, sing-song way.

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

Its steady beat and repetition soothe the brain like a lullaby. The simple pattern (mouse + clock + chime) invites participation, then settles naturally as the rhyme ends—great for a calm, familiar bedtime ritual.

Story at a Glance

RECOMMENDED AGES

0-4 years

READING TIME

1 min

THEMES
short storygentlegentlecomfortingcomfortingshort storyeasy to understandeasy to understandclassic taleclassic tale
Also available inEspañol

Story Synopsis

A tiny mouse scampers up a tall grandfather clock just as the hour is about to ring. The clock says “one!” and the mouse races back down—then tries again when the clock says “two,” “three,” and beyond. With each chime, children can anticipate what comes next: the mouse goes up, the clock sounds, the mouse hurries down. The rhyme is short, silly, and comforting because nothing truly “bad” happens—just a quick surprise and a speedy slide. Read it slowly, clap the rhythm, or whisper the last chime to signal that bedtime is near.

Story Excerpt

Dickory, Dickory, Dock! The mouse ran up the clock, The clock struck one, The mouse ran down, Dickory, Dickory, Dock!

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In One Glance

Hickory Dickory Dock is a classic nursery rhyme about a mouse running up a clock as it strikes different hours. Each verse repeats a predictable pattern—up the clock, the chime rings, and the mouse runs down. The rhythm supports early language skills and makes a soothing bedtime chant.

Frequently Asked Questions

A little mouse climbs a clock, hears the chime, and scurries down—repeating with different hours.

It’s more of a rhythmic mini-scene than a full plot, designed for sound, repetition, and fun.

Great for ages 0–5, and still fun for older kids who like clapping, counting, or acting it out.

Slow the tempo, whisper the chime, and end with a soft “goodnight, little mouse.”