More than four hundred years ago, this story-song was written down in Scotland, and when America was first discovered and people came from England and Scotland to live here, they brought this ballad with them. Mothers and fathers sang it to their children, and the children to their children, sometimes changing the words a bit to suit themselves.

For this book, Mr. Langstaff, a well-known concert singer, has made one story out of the different versions sung in many parts of America and other countries. The music is one of the earliest tunes associated with the ballad, the one used in the southern Appalachian mountains.

Feodor Rojankovsky, beloved illustrator of many books for children, has given individuality and charm to Mr. Frog and Miss Mouse, and to all the small animals and insects who take part in their wedding. Gay color and delightful detail will endear to children this new variant of a lasting favorite.

From the dust jacket