Books About Folk Songs · 69 titles considered

The Best Folk Songs Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Song Books, featuring 12 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about folk songs? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Folk Songs

Hush Little Baby
Sale price
$759
Picture Book · Ages 2–4 · 1997

Hush Little Baby

By Sylvia Long

A mother soothes her child with promises of nature's gifts.

24 pages· 153 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
5.4/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,032 ratings
$7.95Save 5%
Board book
Summary: In a heartwarming twist on a classic lullaby, a mother gently lulls her child to sleep, offering the comfort of a quilt, the melody of a banjo, and the serene beauty of nature. As night falls, each promise weaves a tapestry of love and tranquility, inviting young readers to dream alongside the soothing rhythm of her words. What wonders will the night bring as the child drifts into slumber?
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
Sale price
$674
Board Book · Ages 1–3 · 1972

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly

By Pam Adams · Classic Books with Holes series

Discover the whimsical tale of an old lady's curious appetite.

14 pages
4.2 Goodreads · 30,058 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Board book
Summary: An old lady swallows a fly, setting off a chain of unexpected events. With each gulp, her predicament grows, and the solution seems more bizarre. Ingenious die-cut holes and vibrant illustrations bring this classic nursery rhyme to life, inviting young readers to explore the unfolding mystery. What will she swallow next, and will it ever end? Perfect for curious minds, this timeless tale offers humor and surprise at every turn.
Sharon, Lois and Bram's Skinnamarink
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2019

Sharon, Lois and Bram's Skinnamarink

By Sharon Hampson, Lois Lilienstein, Bram Morrison, Qin Leng (Illustrator)

Join a joyful parade celebrating love and community through song.

40 pages
4.4 Goodreads · 365 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In a vibrant world where music unites, a spontaneous parade of people and animals forms, led by the enchanting tune of 'Skinnamarink.' This beloved song, a symbol of love and inclusion, brings together a diverse community, from tiny mice to a grand elephant. As they march, the essence of friendship and happiness fills the air. Will the magic of music and togetherness reveal the true meaning of 'Skinnamarink'? Dive into this delightful tale and discover how a simple melody can create a tapestry of joy and connection.
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 1997

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly

By Simms Taback

Discover the chaos inside the old lady who swallowed a fly.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (1997)Caldecott Honor (1998)
36 pages· 375 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 64,290 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Peek inside the chaos of an old lady's stomach as she swallows a fly, a spider, and more. This inventive take on a classic poem reveals the unexpected and whimsical world within, leaving you to wonder what she'll swallow next and why. Experience the familiar tale with a fresh, eye-popping twist that will captivate and amuse readers of all ages.
The Twelve Days of Christmas
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2011

The Twelve Days of Christmas

By Laurel Long

Discover hidden treasures in a lush countryside with each day's new gift.

32 pages
4.4 Goodreads · 497 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In a lush countryside, each day unveils a new gift, elegantly illustrated and hidden within the pages. As the gifts accumulate, readers are invited to search for golden rings, turtledoves, and more, all tucked into stunning paintings. This enchanting journey through a beloved song promises a visual treasure hunt that will captivate and delight, revealing a breathtaking culmination of all the gifts. Will you find them all?
Old MacDonald Had a Farm
Sale price
$574
Board Book · Ages 2–5 · 2013

Old MacDonald Had a Farm

By Golden Books, Anne Kennedy (Illustrator)

Rediscover a classic singalong in a vibrant new edition.

24 pages
4.2 Goodreads · 131 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Dive into a beloved children's singalong song, reimagined with vivid illustrations that bring each verse to life. This Little Golden Book edition invites young readers to explore a timeless melody, sparking joy and imagination with every page turn. What new adventures will the familiar tune inspire?
I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
Sale price
$759
Board Book · Ages 0–3 · 1980

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly

By Mary Ann Hoberman, Nadine Bernard Westcott (Illustrator)

An old lady swallows animals, but can she handle a horse?

22 pages
4.2 Goodreads · 1,565 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Join the whimsical journey of an old lady who swallows a fly, then a spider, and more, each animal bigger than the last. With playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations, this board book invites toddlers to guess what comes next. But when she swallows a horse, what will happen? Discover the surprising end to this classic tale, perfect for little hands and curious minds.
The Twelve Cats of Christmas
Sale price
$1498
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2022

The Twelve Cats of Christmas

By Feather Flores, Carrie Liao (Illustrator)

Twelve cats bring holiday chaos and charm in a festive twist on a classic carol.

48 pages· 421 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 384 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Join a playful group of twelve cats and a kitten as they turn the holiday season into a delightful adventure. From climbing Christmas trees to chasing ribbons, these mischievous felines bring chaos and joy to the classic carol, 'The Twelve Days of Christmas.' Will their antics lead to holiday cheer or festive mayhem? This charming picture book, filled with whimsical illustrations, invites readers to sing along and celebrate the quirks of our beloved furry friends. Perfect for cat lovers and holiday enthusiasts, it's a heartwarming tale of feline fun and festive spirit.
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly!
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2014

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly!

By Lucille Colandro, Jared Lee (Illustrator) · There Was an Old Lady series

An old lady swallows a series of animals in an attempt to catch a fly.

32 pages· 320 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 844 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In a whimsical twist on a classic tale, an old lady swallows a fly, a spider, and more, all to create a home brimming with unexpected pets. With each gulp, the mystery deepens—what will she swallow next? This playful story, filled with rhyming text and hilarious illustrations, invites young readers to join the fun and discover the surprising outcome. Dive into this wacky adventure and see how the old lady's peculiar appetite turns into a delightful menagerie. Perfect for curious minds and lovers of the unexpected!
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Chick!
Sale price
$674
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2009

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Chick!

By Lucille Colandro, Jared Lee (Illustrator) · There Was an Old Lady series

A quirky old lady swallows a series of increasingly large objects, including a chick, straw, egg, candy, basket, and bow, all in the name of celebrating Easter.

32 pages· 340 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.0 Goodreads · 1,500 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In a whimsical twist on a classic tale, an old lady swallows a chick, straw, and more, creating an unexpected Easter basket. As she hops along, a chance encounter with the Easter Bunny leads to a surprising outcome. What happens when she trips? With rhymes and humor, this story promises delightful surprises for young readers.
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Folk Songs Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about folk songs for the youngest readers and listeners.

Hush, Little Alien
Sale price
$674

Hush, Little Alien

Ages 0–18 · 1999

An alien child receives cosmic gifts and a loving goodnight kiss.

This Old Man
Series
Sale price
$599

This Old Man

Ages 2–6 · 2018

Discover counting through a playful rhyme with engaging illustrations.

Hush, Little Baby
Sale price
$895

Hush, Little Baby

Ages 1–5 · 1997

Discover a bedtime classic filled with warmth and love.

Wheels on the Bus
Sale price
$599

Wheels on the Bus

Ages 1–3 · 2019

Join a lively bus ride with a classic song.

Old MacDonald
Series
Sale price
$899

Old MacDonald

Ages 0–5 · 2015

Join Grandma MacDonald on a playful farm adventure to find chick-chicks.

View all folk songs board books
Browse by age

Folk Songs Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about folk songs for preschool and elementary-age readers.

The Twelve Days of Christmas
Sale price
$1799

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Ages 3–7 · 2014

Discover magical gifts and hidden surprises in a festive journey through 'The Twelve Days of Christmas.'

The Twelve Days of Christmas
Sale price
$1699

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Ages 3–7 · 2017

Experience a classic carol through enchanting illustrations in this festive Christmas tale.

Always Room for One More
Sale price
$1099

Always Room for One More

Ages 3–6 · 1965

A family opens their home to every traveler, revealing the power of kindness.

Old MacDonald Had a Boat
Sale price
$1699

Old MacDonald Had a Boat

Ages 3–5 · 2018

Farmers transform a rusty boat with noisy tools. What could go wrong?

Inch by Inch
Sale price
$799

Inch by Inch

Ages 4–8 · 1995

A young gardener faces challenges to make a garden grow.

View all folk songs picture books