CHAPTER III

LITERATURE AROUND US

When we were children, our mothers or fathers often told or read us

bedtime stories. We were so excited that we can remember the stories even
when we grow. The stories are often full of moral values which our parents
hope that we maintain them in our life.
Now, can you give the examples of bedtime stories your mothers told
you when you’re children?
See, it is very clear now that we actually
have engaged with literature since we
were little. Bedtime stories, nursery
rhymes are examples of literary work. In
every country, bedtime stories, legends
and fables exist. They are shared from
generation to generation. So, it is not
exaggerating if we find a very old story is
still told to children.
In an English society, children’s tradition, oral or written has become
tradition to people in other countries (Haryanti, 2004: 8). Parents in other
countries read or recite it to their children. Nursery rhymes are good examples
of it.
Here are the examples of nursery rhymes in English which are popular
in other countries. Sometimes, the words are translated, but the tones remain
the same.
1) BAA, BAA, BLACK SHEEP
Baa, baa, black sheep
Have you any wool?

Yes, sir. Yes, sir

Three bags full
One for my master,
One for my dame
And one for the little boy that lives down the lane

2) TWO LITTLE HANDS TO CLAP, CLAP, CLAP

Two little hands to clap, clap, clap

Two little legs go tap, tap, tap
Two little eyes are open wide,
One little head goes side to side

3) TWINKLE, TWINKLE LITTLE STAR

Twinkle, twinkle little star,
How I wonder what you are
Up above the world so high
Like a diamond in the sky

4) ARE YOU SLEEPING

Are you sleeping? Are you sleeping?
Brother John, Brother John
Morning bells are ringing
Morning bells are ringing
Ding dong bell, ding dong bell

5) ONE, TWO
One, two
Buckle my shoe
Three, four
Shut the door
Five, six
Pick up the sticks
Seven, eight
Set them straight
Nine ten
A big fat hen

6) JACK AND JILL

Jack and Jill
Went up the hill
To fetch a pail of water
 Jack fell down
And broke his crown
And Jill came tumbling after

7) HOP A LITTLE
Hop a little, jump a little
One, two, three
Run a little, skip a little
Tap, tap one knee
Bend a little, stretch a little
Nod your head
Yawn a little, sleep a little
In your bed