The first version of this popular rhyme appeared in Harry’s Ladder to Learning in 1850. It was further popularized by beloved author of “Peter Rabbit” or “The Tailor of Gloucester”, Beatrix Potter who made illustrations for this rhyme in 1892.
While all the illustrations were not published, the one with three little mice making coats was published in “The Tailor of Gloucester” in 1902.
In this version of the rhyme, there were only three little mice and the lyrics were:
“Three little mice sat down to spin,
Pussy passed by and she peeped in.
What are you at, my fine little men?
Making coats for gentlemen.
Shall I come in and cut off your threads?
Oh, no, Miss Pussy, you’d bite off our heads!”
The nursery rhyme teaches that vanity can lead to dangerous situations and that not all compliments are sincere but they may have ulterior motives.
“Six Little Mice”Lyrics
Six little mice sat down to spin,
Pussy cat passed and she peeped in.
What are you doing, my little men?
Weaving coats for gentlemen.
Shall I come in and cut off your threads?
No, no, pussy cat, you’d bite off our heads!
Oh, no, I’ll not, I’ll help you spin.
That may be so, but you don’t come in.