The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

Where is thumpkin? Where is thumpkin?
(both hands are behind back)
Here I am! (bring out other thumb)
Here I am! (bring out other thumb)
How are you to day sir? (move one thumb as if speaking)
Very well and thank you. (move other thumb as if replying)
Run and hide (put one hand behind back)
Run and hide (put other hand behind back)
Where is pointer? Where is pointer?
(repeat above hand motions with pointer finger)
Here I am! Here I am! How are you today sir?
Very well and thank you. Run and hide, Run and hide.
Where is tall man? Where is tall man?
(repeat with middle finger)
Here I am! Here I am! How are you today sir?
Very well and thank you. Run and hide, Run and hide.
Where is ring finger? Where is ring finger?
(repeat with ring finger)
Here I am! Here I am! How are you today sir?
Very well and thank you. Run and hide, Run and hide.
Where is pinky? Where is pinky?
(repeat with pinky finger)
Here I am! Here I am! How are you today sir?
Very well and thank you. Run and hide, Run and hide.
Where's the whole family? Where's the whole family?
(repeat using all fingers)
Here we are! Here we are! How are you today sirs?
Very well and thank you. Run and hide, Run and hide.

Submitter comment: I used to perform this miniature finger play for my
younger brothers and sister as well as other children
I babysat for. By using different tones of voice for
Each finger depending on size (thumb was a deep voice
and pinky was a squeaky, tiny voice) I could keep
very young children and babies entertained.
Sung to the tune of "Frere Jacques."

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HEMLOCK

Date learned: 00001970S