Who IS Mother Goose?

The first collection of "Mother Goose" stories was produced in 1697 by Frenchman Charles Perrault and included ten fairy tales. His book was translated into English in 1729 as Mother Goose's Fairy Tales. Then, in 1787, Isaiah Thomas published the first American edition. Mother Goose's Melody, or Sonnets for the Cradle, which consisted of about 50 rhymes including favourites Little Tommy Tucker and Jack & Jill.

Meanwhile, the origin of the figure Mother Goose is not completely clear - perhaps she was Bertrada, mother of Charlemagne who, for her large feet, was also know as "Queen Goosefoot" and was a patroness of children. Whether or not there was a "real" Mother Goose, the mythical figure mere l'oye (which translates as mother goose) was familiar in France by the mid-17th century as a "fairy birdmother who told charming tales to children." Of the body of tales and rhymes attributed to her, some were in print in Italy as early as 1637.

For some contemporary Mother Goose fun, join our Village class for Hickory Dickory Tickle & Bounce. For fun at home, go to http://www.mothergoose.com for stories, art pages, video clips, and more!