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Three Wise Men of Gotham

Quick Answer

A silly nonsense rhyme: three ‘wise’ men go to sea in a bowl. If the bowl were stronger, the song would be longer. Quick and giggly.

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

It’s tiny and humorous—perfect for a light laugh without stimulating too much. Then you can settle right back into quiet.

Story at a Glance

RECOMMENDED AGES

2-6 years

READING TIME

1 min

THEMES
problem solvingproblem solvingconsequencesconsequencesclassic taleeasy to understandeasy to understandclassic tale
Also available inEspañol

Story Synopsis

“Three Wise Men of Gotham” is a miniature nonsense rhyme. It imagines three ‘wise’ men sailing to sea in a bowl—an absurd picture that feels like a child’s imagination. The last line adds a wink: if the bowl had been stronger, the song would have been longer. At bedtime, this kind of nonsense can be oddly soothing because it has no tension. It’s just a quick, funny image. Read it once, let your child picture a bowl-boat on calm waves, and then drift into your goodnight routine.

Story Excerpt

Three wise men of Gotham Went to sea in a bowl; If the bowl had been stronger My song had been longer.

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In One Glance

This short nonsense rhyme imagines three men going to sea in a bowl and jokes that if the bowl were stronger, the song would be longer. It’s playful, quick, and easy to use as a bedtime chuckle.

Frequently Asked Questions

A silly rhyme about three men sailing in a bowl.

No—it's pure nonsense and fun.

Ages 2–6.

After reading, invite one quiet question: “What would your bowl-boat look like?” then lights low.