Roger's Rhymes

Roger's Rhymes

Are you tired of reciting the same old nursery rhymes to your little ones night after night? If so, then it's time to spice things up with a brand new collection of poems that will reignite the joy and wonder of childhood. Introducing "Roger’s Rhymes" - a fresh and exciting series of poems that will stimulate your child's imagination and leave them begging for more.  "Roger's Rhymes" is a collection of poems written by Roger Hickson, a grandfather from Ireland who wanted to create something special for his grandchildren. With his pen as his wand, he weaved a series of playful and imaginative nursery rhymes that are sure to captivate the hearts and minds of children everywhere. From silly creatures and fantastical lands to everyday experiences and heartfelt emotions, each rhyme is crafted to playfully engage young imaginations and stimulate a love for language and storytelling. With a skillful hand for rhythm and rhyme, “Roger's Rhymes” dances off the page and into the hearts of those who read them. Whether recited aloud or whispered in the ear of a sleepy child, "Roger's Rhymes" are sure to bring a smile and a sense of wonder to all who hear them. So come along and explore the whimsical world of Roger's imagination, where anything is possible and rhymes are the key to unlocking magic.

  1. S2 Ep8: Tracey the Tricerotops

    30/07/2025

    S2 Ep8: Tracey the Tricerotops

    🦕 Meet Tracey the Triceratops – A Tale of Friendship, Fun, and Prehistoric Play! 🦕Step back in time to the lush, leafy world of Triceratops Town, where young Tracey and her best friend Mandy love to explore, play games, and search for jungle fruit. Tracey may have three horns and scales on her back, but she’s just like any child: curious, kind, and always up for a little adventure.When the duo stumbles upon a frightened young Tyrannosaurus named Theodore, they don’t run away and hide. They stick around and get to know him. With gentle kindness and a bit of dinosaur know-how, Tracey and Mandy show that even the unlikeliest of creatures can become the best of friends.This delightful rhyming story is full of energy, imagination, and heart. Perfect for children who love dinosaurs and stories about friendship, Tracey the Triceratops is a gentle reminder that helping others and playing together go hand in hand - even when you have very different feet.🎧 Listen now on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform, and bring the world of Roger’s Rhymes to life with your little ones!Tracey the TricerotopsI'm a triceratops. That's a big word to say. We've been roaming the earth since prehistoric days. I'm only young though. Next week I'll be three. I love to play like you. There's no need to be afraid of me. I have three horns on my head And scales along my back. I walk on four legs. Can you walk like that? My name is Tracey. I'm an only child. I have lots of friends. We'd love to play outside. My best friend is Mandy. She lives in the cave next door. Mandy is older than me. She will soon be four. We live in Triceratops Town. High up on a hill In the middle of an island Where dinosaurs still live. Our island is covered in jungle. The trees reach up to the sky. We must be very careful. Big dinosaurs could walk by. You love to play and have lots of fun. We're just the same. Searching for fruit Is our favorite game. Looking for coconuts and melons Lying on the ground. Then bring them home to mummy And show her what we found. Early one morning. As we crept along on our toes. All of a sudden Mandy froze. “What's wrong?” I whispered. “Stay quiet," she said. “I don't know what it is, But there's something up ahead”. We looked through the long grass. And to our surprise, There was a young Tyrannosaurus Lying on its side. He was crying and called out: “Don't hurt me. I'm only small”. “It's all right," Mandy said. “We won't hurt you at all”. “What happened to you? Let me see”. “I tripped over a branch, Fell over and cut my knee”. “There's no need to cry. I'll find some magic leaves. Wrap them around your leg. The pain will go away. You'll see”. “Thank you for helping me. My knee is much better. It’s not sore anymore. You're very clever”. “You haven't told us your name?” “I'm Theodore. Mummy said she thought it was a lovely name For a young dinosaur.”“Now that you're feeling better. Would you like to play with us? Let's go down to the stream And jump in the mud.”We run down and throw ourselves in. Covered in lovely sticky mud. Jumping, splashing and roaring around. Theodore has never had so much fun. If our mummy saw us now, They would be very cross. Let’s run into the waterAnd wash it all off. We've had a great time today Playing with our new friend. We'll meet up here tomorrow And do it all again. We may look different. Two young Triceratops and a baby Tyrannosaurus. But that's no reason why we can't help each other And all be friends.

    4 min
  2. S2 Ep7: My Best Friend

    27/06/2025

    S2 Ep7: My Best Friend

    🎙️ New from Roger’s Rhymes: My Best Friend 🧸Who’s your best friend? For the little one in this gentle, funny, and heartwarming poem, it’s not a superhero or a schoolmate… it’s a teddy bear with one eye, no teeth, and lots of love.My Best Friend by Roger Hickson captures the magical bond between a child and their favourite toy. With a rhythm perfect for bedtime or car rides, this poem will have kids giggling and grown-ups smiling.From bath-time blunders to sweet visits to Nana, and playful afternoons with friends next door, My Best Friend celebrates the everyday adventures of childhood, and the quiet heroes who sit beside us through it all.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your stories. 📚 And don’t forget you can read along at rogers-rhymes.comMy Best FriendBy Roger HicksonEveryone has a best friend. Mine is my teddy bear. He's nearly as big as me, But I have longer hair. Although he only has one eye, I know that he can see. I look after him And he looks after me. Mummy thinks I'm still a baby. I'm not a baby at all now. The last time daddy measured me, I was a meter tall. Some days I'm not hungry. I don't really want to eat. Mummy gives my food to Teddy. But I know Teddy has no teeth. I turn and smile at Teddy, And Teddy smiles at me. He's not going to eat my food. He'll leave it all for me. On sunny days I love to Play out on the grass. Till mummy calls out to me. “You'll have to have a bath!”I climb upstairs for Teddy. He's lying on my bed. Mummy says “you can't bath him!” So it's a plastic duck instead. When we go out for a drive Mummy puts me in the car. If Teddy is ever left behind, I know we won't go far. We go to see my Nana, Who lives somewhere by the sea. I look at all the trees and cows And then I fall asleep. Nana is very good to me. She gives me sweets to chew. Then laughs when I smile and say “Some for Teddy too?”My other friend is Tommy, The boy who lives next door. Tommy is only three years old, While I'm nearly four. Tommy has a teddy. His name is Teddy Boo. I wonder why he calls him that. I think it's funny too. Mummy often says, “Look what I've got here!A little boy and girl With Teddy Boo and Teddy Bear!” When we play outside, We're as happy as can be. As teddies don't wear shoes, They stay inside and watch TV. Mummy loves to dance and singTo music turned up loud. Then lifts me and Teddy upAnd swings us round and round. I know Teddy is tired. He's lying next to me. Daddy reads a story And then we fall asleep.

    6 min
  3. S2 Ep6: The Dinosaurs' Big Day Out

    03/06/2025

    S2 Ep6: The Dinosaurs' Big Day Out

    The Dinosaurs’ Big Day Out is a playful, heartwarming poem that takes you deep into the world of Eleanor; a young, friendly dinosaur with a big imagination and an even bigger heart. Through her eyes, we experience the excitement of a special day filled with games, races, music, and a few unexpected tumbles.This delightful story-in-verse reminds us that not all dinosaurs are scary, and not every race needs a trophy to be a win. With a touch of humour, a dash of chaos, and plenty of dino-sized fun, it’s perfect for young readers and their grown-ups to enjoy together.Whether you're here for a bedtime story or looking for something cheerful to share in the classroom, this dinosaur adventure promises smiles, giggles, and a gentle message about resilience, fun, and family.Let the stomping begin!The Dinosaurs Big Day OutDo you remember Flor, The young dinosaur? Well, I'm his younger sister. My name is Eleanor. We come from a family of nice dinosaurs. Although two of our uncles are very angry. We keep out of their way. They are loud and scary. Us dinosaurs we’re not all scary. We can be very friendly too. We like to have fun Just like you. At the end of every summerIs the dinosaur's big day out. Running races, playing games, stomping around, Laughing, singing and talking out loud. On the morning of the big day, I watch an old dinosaur Teach the young ones How to screech and roar. I don't take part. It's not very nice. I don't want to scare anyone. I block my ears and close my eyes. The Daddy and Daughter race Is my favourite race of all. It's easy for dad to carry me because I'm rather small. I climb up daddy's back. The race will soon begin. Daddy can run really fast. I know we're going to win. The other girls are worried. I can see it in their eyes. They're dinosaur Dads aren't fast like mine. I hope we win the prize!And off we go!The race has now begun. There's such a lot of noise. From the shouts and cheers from everyone. We're flying along. Then everybody laughs As I bounce off daddy's back And land on the grass. I jump up and yell out “Daddy, wait for me!”But he can't hear me. He's halfway off down the field. After dad crossed the finish line, He knew he wasn't going to win.There I was running up the field Trying to catch up to him. Daddy comes back and picks me up Saying, “Wipe away your tears,It's not the end of the world.We'll try again next year!”The racing is over now. The prizes have all been won. I didn't win anything, but I've had lots of fun. It's time to eat now And lie down to have a rest. We need to build up our energy. You won't believe what's coming next. Dad and his friends are building A bonfire on the sand. When the sun goes down, We're going to dance to our favourite band. As flames light up the sky. The band begins to play. We all jump up and stomp around. We've been waiting for this all day.

    6 min
  4. S2 Ep5: Rhythm and Blues, Reds & Yellows - Colours for Kids

    14/03/2025

    S2 Ep5: Rhythm and Blues, Reds & Yellows - Colours for Kids

    RHYTHM ‘N BLUES, REDS & YELLOWSColours for kidsBy ROGER HICKSONOrange is for orangesMy favourite fruit of allHold it in your handYou can squeeze it like a ball.When you peel an orangeYou must keep your head up highIf you forget to do thisIt will squirt you in the eye.Brown is a bar of chocolateMummy gives me for a treatOnly a small one thoughToo much will rot my teeth.Brown is also coffeeThat grownups love to drinkThey even love the smell of itI just think it stinks!Blue is the skyOn a bright sunny dayLook its stopped rainingWe can go outside and play.Lets kick the ball with DaddyHe always wants to winBut he can never beat usWe’re faster than him.Remember that blue skyWe were talking about before?Well, Daddy kicked the ball so highIt landed in next door.He tried hard to get it backBut the ball was out of reachMummy said “Will you ever learn,You should play football on the beach!”Green is the grassThat Daddy has to cutHe mows it every weekBut it still keeps coming up.Why is he so happyWhen he hears its going to rain?“It’s far too wet outsideIt really is a shame”Mummy says he’s lazyWatching football on T.V.“I don’t know why you’re smilingThere’ll be more grass to cut next week!”Green is the grassCows and horses love to eatThey stand around and eat all dayThen lie down and fall asleep.I wish I could be like themAnd do whatever I likeNo, I’ve changed my mindA cow can’t ride a bike!Pink are little pigsPlaying in the sunRunning round outsideHaving lots of fun.Little pigs don’t realiseThey are very luckyThey never get in troubleFor coming home all mucky.Look, he’s playing in the mudRight up to his bellyIf I wanted to play in mudI’d have to wear my wellies.Watch him wallow in the muckRolling round and roundIs a pig truly pink?Or really pink and brown.Purple is beetrootDaddy loves to eatWith cucumbers, lettuceTomatoes and cold meat.Beetroot is good for youDaddy says it all the timeBut I don’t like these purple thingsHe can have mine.Yellow are bananasThat Mummy peels for meShe says I eat so manyI could be a monkey up a tree.My little baby brotherLoves to eat bananas tooBut he’s only a babyHe can’t hold them like me and you.One day I gave him some of mineI thought he wanted to be fedBut he didn’t put it in his mouthHe squished it up instead.It was all over his handsIt was even in his hairHe wiped it over his faceSquished banana everywhere.After he was given a bathAnd bits of banana cleaned off the floorMummy said I’m not allowedTo feed my brother anymore.Red are strawberriesWhen they’re ripe to pickNever eat a green oneThey’ll only make you sick.I love to eat strawberriesMy brothers love them tooBut brothers can be naughtyAnd do what brothers do.Mummy made a cake for meWith strawberries round the topBut when she wasn’t lookingSomeone naughty picked them off.I ran and told MummyShe said to me “Don’t cryWe’ve more strawberries in the gardenWe’ll nail them down this time!”White was the snowmanWe made last yearHe had a carrot for his noseAnd sticks for his ears.Mummy gave us a scarfThat was a small bit tornTo put around his neckTo keep our snowman warm!Black is the darkWhen I wake up in the nightMy door is slightly openI can see the hallway light.I go to Mummy and Daddy’s roomI love to climb in with themThen I cuddle up with MummyAnd I’m off to sleep again!

    6 min
  5. S2 Ep4: Let's Play a Rhyming Game

    21/02/2025

    S2 Ep4: Let's Play a Rhyming Game

    Come now my little bunny. It's time to go to bed. We'll read some nursery rhymes. Then you can rest your sleepy head. We'll read about the pussycat Who creeps around the house. And read about the mummy Who's frightened of a mouse. But I'm not really tired. I don't want to go to bed. Can we play that game of Rhyming words instead? Of course we can. Now let me see. We'll start with something simple. What word rhymes with B? Knee! Mummy. That's an easy one for me. Remember the day I got A bee sting on my knee? Yes, I remember that day well. It was sunny and very hot. You were playing outside While your sister was in her cot.Now tell me,What word rhymes with boat?If it starts raining today, I'll have to wear my coat. Very good. Let's do a hard one. What word rhymes with lesser? I know, I was sick last week, But now I'm feeling better. What rhymes with dress? I know mummy. Every day you say. My bedroom is a mess. Mummy, I have a funny word. There's one we can do. Let's see if we can find a wordThat rhymes with poo. Poo, you silly Billy! What a word you had to pick.Of all the words out there. Come on, find another one, quick. Mummy poo is betterThan the other words we've done. It rhymes with lots of words. Poo is a funny one. I know so many words That rhyme with poo. Words like you shoo, zoo, bBoo, goo and who. When cows talk to each other. All they say is moo. I really like that word Because it rhymes with poo. I don't want to go to sleep. I want to play with you. This has been a great game. Finding words that rhyme with poo!

    4 min
  6. S2 Ep3: The Mermaid

    31/01/2025

    S2 Ep3: The Mermaid

    Dive into the enchanting world of "The Mermaid," a captivating poem by Roger Hickson that will whisk you and your children away on an unforgettable ocean adventure. Join a spirited young mermaid princess from Sunny Island as she navigates the wonders and challenges of the deep sea. Through her journey, she encounters friendly sea creatures, faces unexpected storms, and discovers the warmth of human kindness upon an unfamiliar shore. The MermaidWhere am I? What has happened to me? Oh, yes, I remember now. I've been blown across the sea. I'm a mermaid. A girl with a big fish tail. I don't have legs and feet like you. But I can swim with whales. I come from Sunny Island. A land far across the sea. The land where mermaids live. Who all have tails like me. My daddy is the king of Sunny Island. And mummy the queen. She is the prettiest mermaid You have ever seen. My friends call me princess. That name is silly to me. I'm just a normal mermaid Who wants to swim beneath the sea. It might look strange to you, But my tail is a big part of me. It gives me so much power To glide gently through the sea As I swim under water. I see fish below. I like to think they are talking to me, Smiling and saying hello. One day I went swimming Along the ocean floor. I went so far down. Unknown to me on the surface was a raging storm.I tried to swim home As dark clouds filled the sky. I couldn't see where I was going. The waves were too high. You can't swim against a rough sea. So I let the waves carry me along. Across the ocean. Far away from where I belong. I think I fell asleep When I opened my eyes. I had reached the shore. Lying on a beach I'd never seen before. As the sun came up In the early dawn. The cold went away. I began to feel warm. I stretched out my arms And looked out at the sea.Where is the strange placeThe storm has blown me?After a few days I met people on the sand. They were nice and kind to me. I think I like this land. Children kept pointing at my tail. They'd never seen a mermaid before. They touched my hair. Puzzled by this creature washed up on the shore. They lay on the sand with me And stroked my tail. Then one girl called out. Will you teach us to swim today? Come on, children, Let's play in the water. You can say you were taught to swim By the King’s only daughter. Never go out of your depth. You must be careful. Now put your heads in the water. Don't be fearful. Turn your head to the side And breathe in slowly. Then watch what I do. Blowing out bubbles below me. If you get tired, Roll over and float on your back. Quietly kick your legs. You'll be safe doing that. I've made so many friends here,Down on the beach. Mums and dads. Boys and girls.So many I've tried to teach. When I want to be on my own. I swim to a secret beach. It's a special place that people can't reach. With the rocks around me And the cliffs up there. I have it all to myself. So I sit on the sand and brush my hair. I will return to my homeland. When winter comes And the sea gets colder. Far, far away. The sea will be warm.I'll feel the sun on my shoulders.

    8 min
  7. S2 Ep2: Barto’s Band

    10/05/2024

    S2 Ep2: Barto’s Band

    Special thank you to all the performers in Barto’s Band:Barto - Percussion & vocalsRoger - VocalsJonas - VocalsNova - VocalsRick - Vocals and coaching Barto’s BandMy name is Barto. I live in the old town, High up on the hill With my mummy and daddy In a land called Portugal. There are lots of kids On our street. We like to be outside Playing football ‘Till it's time to come inside. I love to hear music. I stamp my feet And clap my hands. With friends of mine in school We formed a marching band. Our teacher helps us Learn the tunes. We practise everyday. Kids from school hang around. They like to hear us play. Teacher saidIn class todayOur little band in school Is the first marching band In all of Portugal. I love playing my drums. I've spent so many nights Dreaming of the dayWhen I play the drumsIn the summer parade.I wake up early. The day is finally here As the sun rises in the sky I'm so excited. The parade is on tonight. We meet up outside our school. There is so much laughing and talking. No one is standing still. We must calm down now and stand in line And get ready to walk up the hill. In front of usGirls are waving flags Coloured white and black With the flute players in the middle And the drummers at the back. Teacher calls out to us, “Are we ready, girls and boys? Let's give the town a treat.” Come on everybody now! One. Two. Three!We make a lot of noise. There are three drummers in our band. Maria, Miguel and me. Come on everybody now!One. Two. Three!People line the road. They shout and wave at us As we march along the street. Come on everybody now!One. Two. Three! We march up and down the hill. Then back beside the river That flows down to the sea. Come on everybody now! One. Two. Three!We pass by mummy and daddy. I don't hear them calling me. Come on everybody now. One. Two. Three! We cross the main road And stop outside the school. “Let's shout out loud one more time.”Come on everybody now. One. Two. Three!

    5 min
  8. S2 Ep1: Rosemary: The Wildflower Fairy

    03/05/2024

    S2 Ep1: Rosemary: The Wildflower Fairy

    Rosemary Birds sing in the trees above me. Bees and butterflies hover among the flowers. In the warm summer air, I could sit here for hours. Alone with my book,I'm in a world of my own. I've been here all day. The time has flown. Suddenly something lands on my hand. A beautiful creature, a child-like thing. She has curly hair and a pretty face.On her back, a pair of wings. “I don't mean to frighten you. Can I sit on your arm? My name is Rosemary. I live in the trees by the stream. I'm a wildflower fairy.” “I often see you reading alone. Would you like to come with me, And meet my friends today?We're having a party in the wildflower field.” “I would love to. Are you sure your friends won't mind? Fairies are delicate and small. I'm so big, I must look like a giant!” “Don't worry”, said Rosemary. We might be small, But we have many friends like you. Boys and girls, all of them tall.” “Leave your book here And come with me. You'll meet my friends In the wildflower field.”I walked through the long grass with rosemary leading the way. I'm so excited. I can't believe I'm going to a fairy party today. After a while we reached the stream, Then walk along towards the trees. Suddenly I can hear music Drifting along in the breeze.We slow down and tiptoe Into the wildflower field. Wait here, says Rosemary. My heart is pounding. I can hardly breathe. One by one they appear All smiling and saying hello. Please come and dance with us Down where the daisies grow. Fairies and elves hold my handAs we sit down on the ground. The band of elves begin to play. Music fills the air. Oh, what a beautiful sound. The fairies are holding hands. Everyone singing out loud. I sit here clapping my handsAs they go dancing round and round. Many of the fairies aren't wearing shoes. It's amazing watching them dance. They kick their legs up in the air. Their feet barely touch the grass. Wearing brightly coloured clothes With wings of a matching colour. The elves wear shoes with pointy toesAs they dance with one another. The dancers slow to take a rest. Someone calls out, “It's time to eat.”We gather around as bowls are laid out,Filled with honey and berries, “Oh, what a treat.”Our tummies are full so we all lie downAfter a sleep, it's time to dance again. “Come on!”, says Rosemary. “Dance with us!”“Human or fairy, when we dance, we're all the same.”I'm feeling tired now. It's time to go home. I've made so many friends tonight, I'll never again be alone. The fairies were so nice to me.Bringing me into their world. I have lots of new friends. I'm such a lucky girl. Rosemary has a surprise for me. She sprinkles fairy dust into my hair. Wow, what's happening? I'm flying through the air!“Don't worry”, says Rosemary, “I'm here with you. Hold my hand. We'll be home soon.”We fly above the wildflowers, Then over the trees, Above the stream, And over the fields. After a few minutes, My home is in sight. We land in the garden. I'm shaking with delight. “Rosemary! Rosemary, What have we just done? You let me fly through the air. I've never had so much fun. I must go inside now. The sun is going down. I'll see you again tomorrow And go back to the new friends I've found. I go upstairs, I lay my head on the pillow. There is a tapping sound outside. It's Rosemary by my window. I jump out of bed And open the window slowly. “Come in Rosemary, come in. Lie down with me. You must be sleepy.”Rosemary soon falls asleep in my arms. I pull a quilt up to keep her warm. I wonder, will I see her again? I know she'll fly away with the dawn. Tread carefully through the long grass. That's where I first met Rosemary. Where birds are singing, wildflowers swaying. You could meet your own wildflower fairy.

    8 min

About

Are you tired of reciting the same old nursery rhymes to your little ones night after night? If so, then it's time to spice things up with a brand new collection of poems that will reignite the joy and wonder of childhood. Introducing "Roger’s Rhymes" - a fresh and exciting series of poems that will stimulate your child's imagination and leave them begging for more.  "Roger's Rhymes" is a collection of poems written by Roger Hickson, a grandfather from Ireland who wanted to create something special for his grandchildren. With his pen as his wand, he weaved a series of playful and imaginative nursery rhymes that are sure to captivate the hearts and minds of children everywhere. From silly creatures and fantastical lands to everyday experiences and heartfelt emotions, each rhyme is crafted to playfully engage young imaginations and stimulate a love for language and storytelling. With a skillful hand for rhythm and rhyme, “Roger's Rhymes” dances off the page and into the hearts of those who read them. Whether recited aloud or whispered in the ear of a sleepy child, "Roger's Rhymes" are sure to bring a smile and a sense of wonder to all who hear them. So come along and explore the whimsical world of Roger's imagination, where anything is possible and rhymes are the key to unlocking magic.