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Hot Cross Buns

Quick Answer

A traditional market rhyme calling out “Hot Cross Buns!” with a playful line about sharing. Short, bouncy, and familiar.

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

It’s quick and rhythmic, like a tiny sing-song goodbye. Bedtime-friendly when read softly, without turning it into a loud chant.

Story at a Glance

RECOMMENDED AGES

3-8 years

READING TIME

1 min

THEMES
gentlegentlecomfortingeasy to understandcomfortingsharingsharingeasy to understandclassic taleclassic tale
Also available inEspañol

Story Synopsis

“Hot Cross Buns” is a classic street-cry rhyme—like hearing a friendly baker calling out in a busy town. It repeats “Hot Cross Buns!” and plays with the idea of buying and sharing: one a penny, two a penny, and a line about giving them to children. Because it’s short and repetitive, it’s easy for children to remember. At bedtime, you can treat it as a tiny ‘goodnight verse’—read it once, then whisper the last repetition, and move into quiet.

Story Excerpt

Hot-cross Buns! Hot-cross Buns! One a penny, two a penny, Hot-cross Buns! Hot-cross Buns! Hot-cross Buns! If ye have no daughters, Give them to your sons.

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In One Glance

“Hot Cross Buns” is a short traditional rhyme that repeats the call “Hot Cross Buns!” and mentions buying and sharing them. It’s simple, memorable, and can be read softly as a quick bedtime verse.

Frequently Asked Questions

A short rhyme calling out hot cross buns for sale and suggesting sharing them.

No—it's playful and safe.

Ages 2–7.

Whisper the last repetition like a fading street call.