What do you think?
Rate this book
Favorite Mother Goose Rhymes
Mary had a little lamb
Since this nursery rhyme first appeared in 1830, children have loved it. When Tomie dePaola discovered that Hale had been born near his New Hampshire home, he knew he wanted to illustrate this perennial favorite.
DePaola uses his signature folk art style and sets the poem in a traditional 19th century New England setting. The result is an endearing interpretation of the little lamb that followed Mary to school and how the teacher handled it.
Back in print after fifteen years and in a board book format for the first time, Mary Had a Little Lamb will be cherished for generations of children to come.
Book Details: Format: Board Book Publication Date: 1/26/2004 Pages: 28 Reading Level: Age 1 and Up
DePaola uses his signature folk art style and sets the poem in a traditional 19th century New England setting. The result is an endearing interpretation of the little lamb that followed Mary to school and how the teacher handled it.
Back in print after fifteen years and in a board book format for the first time, Mary Had a Little Lamb will be cherished for generations of children to come.
Book Details: Format: Board Book Publication Date: 1/26/2004 Pages: 28 Reading Level: Age 1 and Up
28 pages, Hardcover
First published May 24, 1830
13 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Tomie dePaola
439 books896 followersTomie dePaola (pronounced Tommy da-POW-la) was best known for his books for children.
He had a five-decade writing and illustrating career during which he published more than 270 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.
Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.
He had a five-decade writing and illustrating career during which he published more than 270 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.
Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
March 9, 2024
A classic of American literature. Based on true events, the text is easily understandable and gives a clear picure of love.
July 24, 2013
We got a themed box of books from the library about Farms and this was one of the books. All my kids enjoyed this one. Not a whole lot of substance but wonderful photographs with adorable lambs in them. Something my beginner reader can read to his younger brothers and all enjoy.
Read
October 6, 2022You can’t ever go too far wrong with a Tomie DePaola book! I love the illustrations in this board book that includes the full text of the poem/nursery rhyme. The less familiar verses take some getting used to, but we’ve liked learning the whole thing.
January 8, 2019
Laura Huliska-Beith's brightly colored, playful illustrations bring life to this classic nursery rhyme. She includes the full text of Sarah Josepha Hale's poem, including some verses that are rarely found elsewhere:
Mary had a little lamb,
Its fleece was white as snow,
And every where that Mary went
The lamb was sure to go;
He followed her to school one day—
That was against the rule,
It made the children laugh and play,
To see a lamb at school.
And so the Teacher turned him out,
But still he lingered near,
And waited patiently about,
Till Mary did appear;
And then he ran to her, and laid
His head upon her arm,
As if he said—“I’m not afraid—
You’ll keep me from all harm.”
“What makes the lamb love Mary so?”
The eager children cry—
“O, Mary loves the lamb, you know,"
The Teacher did reply;—
“And you each gentle animal
In confidence may bind,
And make them follow at your call,
If you are always kind.”
(text found at: https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/m...)
Huliska-Beith's expressive illustrations will help children understand the meaning of some of the more difficult words and phrases. "A Note about the Poem" on the last page of the book explains the controversy over whether the poem was originally written by Sarah Joseph Hale or adapted by her, based on a 12-line poem by John Roulstone. A woman named Mary Sawyer Tyler claimed that Roulstone originally wrote the poem about her when she was a little girl who actually had a pet lamb that followed her to school.
Mary had a little lamb,
Its fleece was white as snow,
And every where that Mary went
The lamb was sure to go;
He followed her to school one day—
That was against the rule,
It made the children laugh and play,
To see a lamb at school.
And so the Teacher turned him out,
But still he lingered near,
And waited patiently about,
Till Mary did appear;
And then he ran to her, and laid
His head upon her arm,
As if he said—“I’m not afraid—
You’ll keep me from all harm.”
“What makes the lamb love Mary so?”
The eager children cry—
“O, Mary loves the lamb, you know,"
The Teacher did reply;—
“And you each gentle animal
In confidence may bind,
And make them follow at your call,
If you are always kind.”
(text found at: https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/m...)
Huliska-Beith's expressive illustrations will help children understand the meaning of some of the more difficult words and phrases. "A Note about the Poem" on the last page of the book explains the controversy over whether the poem was originally written by Sarah Joseph Hale or adapted by her, based on a 12-line poem by John Roulstone. A woman named Mary Sawyer Tyler claimed that Roulstone originally wrote the poem about her when she was a little girl who actually had a pet lamb that followed her to school.
October 23, 2017
1. Awards the book has received (if any): None
2. Appropriate grade level(s): Preschool - First Grade
3. Original 3-line summary: This is a song about a girl named Mary who has a lamb. This lamb follows Mary everywhere she goes, especially to school. Mary loves the lamb and the lamb loves Mary too.
4. Original 3-line review: This is a classic song that young students learn rather quickly. It is a great way to introduce songs and nursery rhymes to students. They will be able to follow along and repeat on their own after learning the song.
5. 2-3 possible in-class uses
This can be a fun art activity with younger students that can use this hand prints to create the legs on the lamb and white cotton as the wool.
Students can also have a felt storyboard with cutouts of Mary, the lamb, student, school and teachers and go through the song themselves.
2. Appropriate grade level(s): Preschool - First Grade
3. Original 3-line summary: This is a song about a girl named Mary who has a lamb. This lamb follows Mary everywhere she goes, especially to school. Mary loves the lamb and the lamb loves Mary too.
4. Original 3-line review: This is a classic song that young students learn rather quickly. It is a great way to introduce songs and nursery rhymes to students. They will be able to follow along and repeat on their own after learning the song.
5. 2-3 possible in-class uses
This can be a fun art activity with younger students that can use this hand prints to create the legs on the lamb and white cotton as the wool.
Students can also have a felt storyboard with cutouts of Mary, the lamb, student, school and teachers and go through the song themselves.
October 28, 2018
Mary Had a Little Lamb Sara Josepha Hale
1. Awards: N/A
2. Grade Level: Pre K - 3
3. Summary: The notable song about a girl named Mary and her lamb who she loves very much. The story ends with a wonderful message about being kind to animals. The beginning of this book also has sheet music to go along with the song.
4. Review: Even though the clothing choices are a little outdated, the illustrations in this book are adorable. Children can really understand the whole story just by looking at the pictures.
5. In Class Uses:
1. Here’s a really great activity packet about this songbook. I really like interactive story comprehension and sequencing page where students have to cut and paste the words that complete the sentence/rhyme. https://www.educents.com/p/mary-had-a...
1. Awards: N/A
2. Grade Level: Pre K - 3
3. Summary: The notable song about a girl named Mary and her lamb who she loves very much. The story ends with a wonderful message about being kind to animals. The beginning of this book also has sheet music to go along with the song.
4. Review: Even though the clothing choices are a little outdated, the illustrations in this book are adorable. Children can really understand the whole story just by looking at the pictures.
5. In Class Uses:
1. Here’s a really great activity packet about this songbook. I really like interactive story comprehension and sequencing page where students have to cut and paste the words that complete the sentence/rhyme. https://www.educents.com/p/mary-had-a...
March 12, 2019
1) None
2) Ages 3-5
3) The nursery rhyme is about a young girl, Mary, who has a pet lamb. On Mary's way to school, the lamb follows her. Once she arrives, the teacher tells the lamb to leave. However, the lamb waited nearby because of his love for Mary.
4)I love this nursery rhyme because it portrays the relationship between a pet and his owner. Although the pet in the rhyme is unusual, I think of my dog when reading it. It is a fun rhyme to read and shows a pet and his owners' love for one another.
5) I would implement this story in the classroom when discussing animals. Children love to talk about their pets, and bringing a story about a love for a pet can be a topic that children relate to.
2) Ages 3-5
3) The nursery rhyme is about a young girl, Mary, who has a pet lamb. On Mary's way to school, the lamb follows her. Once she arrives, the teacher tells the lamb to leave. However, the lamb waited nearby because of his love for Mary.
4)I love this nursery rhyme because it portrays the relationship between a pet and his owner. Although the pet in the rhyme is unusual, I think of my dog when reading it. It is a fun rhyme to read and shows a pet and his owners' love for one another.
5) I would implement this story in the classroom when discussing animals. Children love to talk about their pets, and bringing a story about a love for a pet can be a topic that children relate to.
November 28, 2017
Grades: Toddlers-Kindergarten
summary: Mary had a little lamb who lovedher so much that it followed her all the way to school and everywhere she went. The rhythm of Mary had a little lamb is seen in various other poems and songs therefore its essential to have this nursery rhyme in your library especially the one illustrated by Tomie de Paola.
Review: Mary had a little lamb is one of the first few nursery rhymes children in the US learn. This nursery rhyme introduces rhythm and repetition.
uses: loose introduction to poetry rhythm and repetition, phonemic awareness manipulation and segmentation
summary: Mary had a little lamb who lovedher so much that it followed her all the way to school and everywhere she went. The rhythm of Mary had a little lamb is seen in various other poems and songs therefore its essential to have this nursery rhyme in your library especially the one illustrated by Tomie de Paola.
Review: Mary had a little lamb is one of the first few nursery rhymes children in the US learn. This nursery rhyme introduces rhythm and repetition.
uses: loose introduction to poetry rhythm and repetition, phonemic awareness manipulation and segmentation
December 3, 2017
1. Awards: None
2. Preschool
3. This nursery rhyme book follows the traditional lines, with a little twist! There is Mary and her little lamb who follows her everywhere she goes. And one day, the lamb even followed Mary to school!
4. This version of Mary Had a Little Lamb is so adorably written. The pictures are inviting and warm. The implementation of Mary going to school also makes this book much more relevant.
5. In the classroom:
The children will love to sing and rhyme along to this song, so in the classroom, singing and reciting could be implemented.
A craft that would be fun for younger children. They can use white paint to make fingerprint sheep.
2. Preschool
3. This nursery rhyme book follows the traditional lines, with a little twist! There is Mary and her little lamb who follows her everywhere she goes. And one day, the lamb even followed Mary to school!
4. This version of Mary Had a Little Lamb is so adorably written. The pictures are inviting and warm. The implementation of Mary going to school also makes this book much more relevant.
5. In the classroom:
The children will love to sing and rhyme along to this song, so in the classroom, singing and reciting could be implemented.
A craft that would be fun for younger children. They can use white paint to make fingerprint sheep.
December 12, 2018
Awards: (None)
Appropriate Grade Levels: Pre K to Kindergarten
Summary: It is a song about a white lamb that follows around a girl named Mary. It follows her to school, the teacher asks it to leave the classroom, and it stays right outside and waits for Mary and they walk together back to her house.
Review: I feel that it's a fun song to sing with children. It can also be humorous for them with the idea of a sheep following around a child. I think that the illustrations added to this can help to make it more engaging.
Possible Uses in Class: It can be used as a song activity as well as it being used as an introduction to nursery rhymes.
Appropriate Grade Levels: Pre K to Kindergarten
Summary: It is a song about a white lamb that follows around a girl named Mary. It follows her to school, the teacher asks it to leave the classroom, and it stays right outside and waits for Mary and they walk together back to her house.
Review: I feel that it's a fun song to sing with children. It can also be humorous for them with the idea of a sheep following around a child. I think that the illustrations added to this can help to make it more engaging.
Possible Uses in Class: It can be used as a song activity as well as it being used as an introduction to nursery rhymes.
December 3, 2019
Allegedly written by Sarah Josepha Hale (an intriguing history of the rhyme is presented by dePaola at the back), dePaola places his version within a New England landscape. Having presented us with the music and words at the start, the narrative is broken down in this picturebook sometimes with wordless spreads and at other times spreads accompanied by lines from the nursery rhyme. The book reminded me of Snow which was part of an MA project. I wonder if the same can be said of Tomie's inspiration here.
February 8, 2019
Mary Had a Little Lamb, has always been a classic in the children's book world (at least in my world). The story is based on a lamb that follows every where she goes. One day, Mary goes to class and the lamb follows. She gets into trouble with her teacher, and the lamb has to wait for her. Her classmates eventually wonder why the lamb was so close to her. It is because she is friendly to the lamb. The moral of the story is that if you are kind to others, then you will become friends, and care for each other.
August 28, 2021
I borrowed this book from the library to get a glimpse of the beautiful fiber art by Salley Mavor. Such detail and beauty. All the little lambs were made with French knots. The embroidery work is stunning and the wool felting is perfect. So many different fiber art methods used and it all comes together perfectly.
October 2, 2017
In this story is about a girl, Mary has a lamb as a pet. The lamb has white wool and follows Mary where ever she goes. This story shows the relationship that Mary has with her “little lamb”. It can also have a religious twist, if you think of the lamb as Jesus.
August 7, 2018
This book is a nice why to introduce children to the rhyme. It gives pictures for the verses and would allow a children to see the situation being described. It is short, and I would probably not use it for storytime.
January 29, 2019
The illustrations in this book were awesome. After almost every page there was an illustration that showed what was on the prior page. Also, this book has an overall lesson that it is important to be kind and loving to all animals so that they love you back.
February 11, 2019
This book got the job done and my child enjoyed it. I just felt that it needed more. The illustrations were nice and my daughter just wanted to sing the song afterward so it definitely encouraged extra activities.
May 6, 2019
Mary Had A Little Lamb is a classic traditional book that kids can enjoy. I can't really pinpoint the "moral story" of the book if there's even any, but it has great pictures and rhythmic reading to it.
Reading Level:
LEXILE - 440L
ATOS - 1.2
Traits:
Presentation
Reading Level:
LEXILE - 440L
ATOS - 1.2
Traits:
Presentation
August 18, 2019
I love this book! I would rent it from the library for its sing song script. It even inspired me to make a quilt of the cover-which is saying something. I'm not very crafty. Sally Mavor's work is magical.
February 15, 2017
The colorful and updated illustrations of this classic song make this book great for preschool or toddler storytimes.
February 27, 2018
Such cute illustrations! I love it.
March 7, 2018
Anything illustrated by Tommie depaola is wonderful.
November 12, 2018
I love Tomie dePaola's illustrations so I really enjoyed reading this book by Sarah Hale.
November 27, 2018
This is a nice book about Mary who has a lamb that follows her around. It has pictures of real people instead of drawings in it.
December 5, 2018
Lovely book for a realistic twist on the classic lullaby.
December 9, 2023
Not super impressive. Just another retelling of the same nursery rhyme.
May 8, 2024
“Cool.”
(Read aloud at 4yo by himself, missed one word “confidence”)
(Read aloud at 4yo by himself, missed one word “confidence”)
October 2, 2024
Tomie dePaola is one of my favorite illustrators! This version is so good, and it was great to talk about the scenes with the kids. They loved getting to find things in the scenes.
March 2, 2017
The Mother Goose rhyme "Mary Had a Little Lamb" done in typical Tomie DePaola illustrations. In this board book some of the illustrations seem a little dark and dreary. Not one of my more favorites of dePaola's.
October 23, 2016
1. Mary Had a Little Lamb did not have an award
2. For this version of the book, the appropriate grade levels would be preschool and kindergarten.
3. Mary has a little lamb that follows her around. Mary brought the lamb to school but the teacher says he cannot stay so, the lamb just waited for Mary outside. Mary's classmates asked why the lamb likes Mary and the teacher said it is because Mary is kind to the lamb.
4. This version of the book was very fun to read because half of these pages consist of a sentence followed by a page of pictures. You can physically see the lamb following Mary everywhere. This allows the children to see that the words are describing the pictures and the pictures can be in written in sentences. Since there are not many words on each page, this makes a great book for beginning readers.
5. a) An in-class use for this book would be for a read aloud. It would also be a great interactive book because the words in the book are part of the song.
b) This book can also be an introduction to show kindness to animals and lead to an activity such as coloring/ drawing his or her favorite animal.
2. For this version of the book, the appropriate grade levels would be preschool and kindergarten.
3. Mary has a little lamb that follows her around. Mary brought the lamb to school but the teacher says he cannot stay so, the lamb just waited for Mary outside. Mary's classmates asked why the lamb likes Mary and the teacher said it is because Mary is kind to the lamb.
4. This version of the book was very fun to read because half of these pages consist of a sentence followed by a page of pictures. You can physically see the lamb following Mary everywhere. This allows the children to see that the words are describing the pictures and the pictures can be in written in sentences. Since there are not many words on each page, this makes a great book for beginning readers.
5. a) An in-class use for this book would be for a read aloud. It would also be a great interactive book because the words in the book are part of the song.
b) This book can also be an introduction to show kindness to animals and lead to an activity such as coloring/ drawing his or her favorite animal.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews