Two Little Blackbirds

I have a vague memory of my mother reciting this classic rhyme to me when I was a young child. Her version, however, used the term dickie birds instead of blackbirds.  According to Wikipedia this English language rhyme was first published in Mother Goose Melody in London around 1765.  In this version the birds were given the names Jack and Gill.  In modern versions published in the 19th century (the one my Irish Catholic mom preferred)the birds were named after the apostles Peter and Paul. Whichever version you choose, your baby or toddler will catch on quickly to the act of putting one, then the other finger behind their back. I recite the following rhyme near the end of all my baby storytimes at the library using bird finger puppets made with felt in black, blue, red, and yellow.  Pointer fingers work just fine, but simple, colorful finger puppets attract and hold their attention throughout the recitation. Give it a try.  And get ready to recite it over and over.  Babies love repitition.

Two little blackbirds sitting on a hill          (hold pointer fingers up in front of you)
One named Jack, the other named Jill.     (make small motions with fingers)
Fly away Jack, fly away Jill.                    (put one, then the other finger behind you)
Come back Jack, come back Jill.             (bring each finger back to front)

Two little blue birds sitting on a gate
One came early, the other came late.
Fly away early, fly away late.
Come back early, come back late.

Two little yellow birds sitting on a cloud
One came soft, the other came loud.
Fly away soft, fly away loud.
Come back soft, come back loud.

Two little red birds sitting in the snow.
One came fast, the other came slow.
Fly away fast, fly away slow.
Come back fast, come back slow.

Miss Julie