The mystery and history behind the nursery rhymes we grew up with.

Susan Ackroyd uncovers the mystery, history and political intrigue hidden within traditional nursery rhymes.

Drawing on a lifelong passion for history, language and storytelling, her acclaimed book Rhyme & Reason, podcast and public talks invite readers to look beyond the familiar verses and discover the remarkable stories that may have inspired them.

MEET SUSAN

Small rhymes. Remarkable histories.

For generations, nursery rhymes have been passed from one voice to another. Their words are familiar, but the worlds behind them may contain royal rivalries, religious conflict, political satire, social commentary and fragments of everyday life.

Susan follows the clues through English history and invites us to look again at the verses we thought we knew.

Mystery

Where did these familiar words begin?

History

What was happening in the world
around them at that time?

Memory

Why have they remained with us for generations?

THE BOOK

Mystery, history and the stories behind familiar nursery rhymes.

The rhymes may be short, but their histories are anything but simple.

In Rhyme & Reason, Susan Ackroyd explores the possible origins, historical settings and surprising interpretations connected with traditional nursery rhymes. Written for curious general readers, the book opens a doorway into English history through words many of us have known since childhood. Ideal for book lovers, history enthusiasts and anyone who has ever wondered where our nursery rhymes came from.