The King of Oo-Rinktum-Jing
This poem is a whimsical tale about a monarch who rules over the land of Oo-Rinktum-Jing with an iron fist, but his people are content and happy under his rule due to his benevolent nature. The king's subjects live in harmony with one another and with their environment, and they celebrate the changing seasons with feasts and festivities.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1879 · Genre: Children's Poetry, Fantasy, Humor · 149 words
First lines
Dainty Baby Austin! Your Daddy's gone to Boston To see the King Of Oo-Rinktum-Jing And the whale he rode acrost on!
Boston Town's a city: But O it's such a pity! - They'll greet the King Of Oo-Rinktum-Jing With never a nursery ditty!
But me and you and Mother Can stay with Baby-brother, And sing of the King Of Oo-Rinktum-Jing And laugh at one another!
So what cares Baby Austin If Daddy _has_ gone to Boston To see the King Of Oo-Rinktum-Jing And the whale he rode acrost on?
What this Textopian page supports
The King of Oo-Rinktum-Jing is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1879 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1879 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Poetry, Fantasy, Humor, Family
- Length: 149 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The King of Oo-Rinktum-Jing by James Whitcomb Riley
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The King of Oo-Rinktum-Jing?
- How does this poem by James Whitcomb Riley fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Lord Hippo by Hilaire Belloc
- The Big Baboon by Hilaire Belloc
- The Camelopard by Hilaire Belloc
- The Akond Of Swat by Edward Lear
- The Miser Elf by Oliver Herford
- The Flower Circus by Oliver Herford
Genres
- Children's Poetry — The work features playful language, rhyme, and a whimsical theme suitable for children.
- Fantasy — The mention of a king and a whale as modes of travel suggests a fantastical element.
- Humor — The poem's lighthearted tone and playful narrative contribute to a humorous genre.
- Family — The poem centers around family dynamics and interactions, particularly focusing on a child and their parents.
Tags
Fiction · Children's Literature · Fantasy · Adventure · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Nonsense Verse · Poetic Prose · Whimsy · Imagination · Make-Believe