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Simple Simon

Quick Answer

Simple Simon goes fishing, but forgets his hook. He meets a pieman, wants a pie, and is told he must first “show the penny.” A playful rhyme about absent-minded mistakes and learning to think ahead.

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

It’s silly and light—no danger, just a gentle ‘oops’ lesson. Great as a quick bedtime giggle for preschoolers.

Story at a Glance

RECOMMENDED AGES

4-8 years

READING TIME

3 min

THEMES
easy to understandgentlegentleproblem solvingconsequenceseasy to understandproblem solvingconsequencesclassic taleclassic tale
Also available inEspañol

Story Synopsis

“Simple Simon” is a short nursery rhyme built around harmless mix-ups. Simon goes fishing but forgets the very thing he needs: his hook. Later he meets a pieman and asks for a pie. The pieman replies with a practical little rule: first you must pay—“show the penny.” Simon’s confusion turns the moment into gentle humor. At bedtime, it’s a sweet reminder that mistakes happen, and we can try again tomorrow—with a hook, and with a penny.

Story Excerpt

Simple Simon met a pie - man, Going to the fair ; Says Simple Simon to the pie - man, " Let me taste your ware. " Says the pie - man unto Simon, " First give me a penny. " Says Simple Simon to the pie - man, " I have not got any. " He went to catch a dicky - bird, And thought he could not fail, Because he had got a little salt To put upon his tail. He went to ride a spotted cow, That had got a little calf, She threw him down upon the ground, Which made the people laugh. Then Simple Simon went


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In One Glance

“Simple Simon” is a playful rhyme about a boy who forgets his fishing hook and then asks a pieman for a pie without being ready to pay. It’s light, silly, and ends as a small lesson in planning ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

A boy who forgets what he needs and learns a tiny lesson about being prepared.

Ages 2–6.

No—it's purely playful.

Ask: “What would you pack next time?” and keep it fun.