The lead sheet for “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” is available for download as a PDF.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” is an English-language children’s song based on a poem by Jane Taylor, first published in 1806 as “The Star” in Rhymes for the Nursery. Its simple, singable lyrics describe a child’s wonder at the night sky, making it immediately popular for early childhood education.

The melody comes from the French folk tune “Ah! vous dirai-je, maman”, which dates back to the mid-18th century. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart famously wrote Variations on “Ah! vous dirai-je, maman”, K. 265/300e (c. 1781–82), but he did not compose the original tune. The melody’s clarity and elegance made it ideal for pairing with Taylor’s poem.

By the 19th century, the song became a staple in printed songbooks, classrooms, and early recordings. Its use of pauses, predictable phrasing, and gentle rhythm helped it endure, and sharing the same tune with “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep” and the ABC song solidified its place as one of the most recognizable and enduring children’s melodies worldwide.

Lead Sheet

“Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” is available for download as a PDF in a bundle with 10 other songs.

Happy Birthday – Frère Jacques – Hush, Little Baby – London Bridge is Falling Down – Mary Had a Little Lamb – This Old Man – Twinkle Twinkle Little Star – Baa, Baa Black Sheep – The ABC – Three Blind Mice – Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Download 11 Nursery Rhymes – Lead Sheets (11 Individual PDF Files)