The Death and Burial of Cock Robin

"The Death and Burial of Cock Robin" by Anonymous is a charming narrative poem for children, probably written in the late 1700s or early 1800s. It's about the death of Cock Robin, a make-believe bird, and uses a bunch of animal characters to investigate ideas like community, saying goodbye, and sadness in a fun way. The poem is set up so different animals answer questions about how Cock Robin died, each adding their own part to the story. We learn that the Sparrow shot Cock Robin with a bow and arrow, and other animals describe watching it happen, catching his blood, making his burial clothes, or digging his grave, then participating in the funeral. The book uses rhymes and pictures to show how different creatures act with each other, and it focuses on themes of loss, love, and how communities support each other when they grieve the dead. The tone is mostly happy and light, which makes it easy for kids to enjoy while also touching on serious ideas about death.