Figgie Hobbin facts for kids

Figgie Hobbin: Poems for Children is a collection of children's poetry. It was written by the famous Cornish poet Charles Causley. The book was first published in 1970. Many copies have been printed since then. A special version came out in the United States in 1973. It had lovely pictures by Trina Schart Hyman. This book is dedicated to artist Stanley Simmonds and his wife Cynthia.

What is Figgie Hobbin?

The book's title comes from one of its poems. This poem tells a story about the old King of Cornwall. He was offered many fancy foods. But he just wanted a simple dish called figgie hobbin. What is figgie hobbin? It's a plain pastry. It's cooked with a handful of raisins. In old times, raisins were sometimes called "figs." So, it's a simple, tasty treat!

About the Poems

The poems in Figgie Hobbin are a mix of different ideas. Some poems are quiet and thoughtful. They make you think about things. Other poems are just for fun! They are full of silly and playful nonsense. Charles Causley was known for writing poems that were both clever and easy to enjoy.

Poems in the Book

The following poems are found in the U.S. edition of Figgie Hobbin. The U.K. edition might have a slightly different list of poems.

• I saw a jolly hunter
• A fox came into my garden
• 'Quack!' said the billy goat
• Colonel Fazackerley
• Tell me, tell me, Sarah Jane
• As I went down Zig Zag
• Logs of wood
• Old Mrs. Thing-um-e-bob
• King Foo Foo
• Riley
• At nine of the night I opened my door
• My mother saw a dancing bear
• Figgie Hobbin