Welcome to this gentle retelling of the classic lullaby 'Hush, Little Baby'. In this simple English story, a loving mother tries to calm her crying baby with promises of wonderful gifts – from a mockingbird that sings to a diamond ring that sparkles. It's a sweet, soothing tale perfect for A1 beginners.
Every word in this graded reader is carefully chosen for learners. As you read, you can click on any word you don't know to see an instant translation and definition. You'll also find full story audio so you can listen and read along, plus helpful lesson notes. It's a complete, free English learning experience. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the story!
Baby cries. Mama says, ", little baby."
Mama shows a . "Look, a mockingbird for you!"
But the bird does not sing. Mama shows a . "Look, a diamond ring!"
But the ring is . Mama shows a . "Look, a looking glass!"
But the glass is broken. Mama shows a . "Look, a horse and cart!"
But the horse falls down. Mama shows a dog. "Look, a dog named !"
But the dog does not bark. Then Mama sings a soft song. Baby is quiet. Mama smiles.
The baby is crying. Mama says, "Hush, little baby."
Mama shows a mockingbird and says, "Look, a mockingbird for you!"
But the bird doesn't sing. Mama shows a diamond ring and says, "Look, a diamond ring!"
But the ring is brass. Mama shows a mirror and says, "Look, a mirror!"
But the mirror is broken. Mama shows a horse and cart and says, "Look, a horse and cart!"
But the horse falls down. Mama shows a dog and says, "Look, a dog named Rover!"
But the dog doesn't bark. Then Mama sings a soft song. The baby is quiet. Mama smiles.
Let's learn the things Mama shows to the baby. These words appear in the story.
- a mockingbird - a bird that can copy sounds
- a diamond ring - a shiny ring
- a looking glass - an old word for mirror
- a horse and cart - a horse pulls a cart
- a dog - an animal that barks
- to cry, to sing, to show, to bark - actions in the story
The story uses the present simple tense to talk about actions happening now. It is very easy! Look at the pattern: Subject + verb. For he, she, or it, add -s to the verb.
To make a negative, use does not + verb.
- Baby cries. (cry + s for he/she/it)
- Mama shows a mockingbird.
- The bird does not sing. (does not + sing)
- Do you see? Simple and clear!
To calm a baby, we use soft words. 'Hush' means 'be quiet.' 'Look, a ...' is a way to show something nice. These phrases are gentle and kind.
In songs, parents often make promises to their babies. For example: 'Papa's gonna buy you a mockingbird.' You can use 'I will' or 'I'm going to' to make a promise.
- Say 'Hush, little baby' to gently ask for quiet.
- Offer something with 'Look, a ...' - it sounds caring.
- Make a soft promise: 'I will give you a star.'
Now you know some new words and how to use the present simple. Try reading the story again. Can you find all the objects? Can you say the action words?
The next time you want to be calm or kind, remember Mama's soft words.
- Point to a thing and say: Look, a [thing]!
- Tell a friend: The baby cries. Mama sings.
- Sing a soft song to someone you love.
Hush, Little Baby comes from the English / traditional verse tradition and is best known as a nursery rhyme/lullaby. This Yak Yacker article is an original learner retelling based on Traditional; public domain text versions, so the wording here is simplified for modern learners rather than copied from one old edition.
Older printings, translations, and retellings of this story can vary quite a bit. The original audience was usually kids, but this version is adapted for A1 Beginner learners studying English. Modern performances/arrangements protected.
If you want to look into the source tradition, start with Wikisource.
If you want to keep going, browse more in our English section and review the A1 English Vocabulary List. After that, try English Root Words and Prefixes for another useful next step.
