Peter, Peter, Pumpkin-Eater
Quick Answer
A tiny nursery rhyme about Peter and a pumpkin shell—often read today as a silly, old-fashioned verse rather than a literal lesson.
Why This Story Works for Bedtime
It’s extremely short and rhythmic. Many parents use it as a prompt to talk gently about respect and healthy relationships in age-appropriate ways.
Story at a Glance
RECOMMENDED AGES
3-7 years
READING TIME
1 min
Story Synopsis
“Peter, Peter, Pumpkin-Eater” is one of the shortest Mother Goose-style rhymes. It mentions Peter, a pumpkin-eater, and a very odd image: putting someone in a pumpkin shell. Because the rhyme is so brief, it’s easy to treat as nonsense—an exaggerated, silly picture rather than something to copy. Modern families often read it for its rhythm and then add a simple, kind framing: in real life we keep people safe, we listen, and we treat family members with respect. For bedtime, it works best as a quick recitation followed by a calm check-in: “How do we show kindness at home?”
Story Excerpt
Peter, Peter, pumpkin eater, Had a wife and couldn't keep her; He put her in a pumpkin shell, And there he kept her very well.
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In One Glance
Peter, Peter, Pumpkin-Eater is a very short nursery rhyme with a strange, exaggerated image. It’s usually read today as playful nonsense for its rhythm rather than a literal message. Many parents add gentle context about respect and kindness at home, making it a quick bedtime verse and conversation starter.
Frequently Asked Questions
A very short rhyme with a silly, exaggerated pumpkin-shell image.
Ages 3–7 (with gentle framing).
Yes—quick and rhythmic.
Treat it as nonsense and add a simple note about respect and keeping people safe.