"My nonna used to sing this song to me and her other grandchildren. I sing it to my children now, and she sings it to them as well…" -Tara

Notes

Alternate version:

In mezzo alla piazzetta
c'è una fontanella:
nuota una paperella;
uno l'acchiappa;
uno la spenna;
uno la cucina;
uno la mangia;
e il mignolino: "Pio… pio…
un poco a me che son piccolino!"

English Translation:

In the middle of the little square,
There's a little fountain:
A little duck swims;
One catches it;
One plucks it;
One cooks it;
One eats it;
And little pinkie goes: "Peep, peep…
A little for me, as I'm little!"

Game Instructions

(1) Draw circles with your finger on the baby's palm.
(2) Gently wiggle the thumb and fold it inward.
(3) Gently wiggle the pointer and fold it inward.
(4) Gently wiggle the middle finger and fold it inward.
(5) Gently wiggle the ring finger and fold it inward.
(6) Gently wiggle the pinkie.

Comments

There are many versions of this rhyme. Please email me if you'd like to share the version you know and/or send us a recording. -Mama Lisa

You can find more versions of In mezzo alla fontanella on Mama Lisa's Blog. Feel free to add your version in the comments there!

Thanks and Acknowledgements

Thanks to Tara Ship for sharing this rhyme with us.

Molte grazie!