The Jolly Miller by L. Frank Baum

Name: The Jolly Miller
Author: L. Frank Baum

This is a collection of humorous poems and stories about a jolly miller who lives on the banks of a river. The poems are lighthearted and playful, often featuring the miller's antics and interactions with his friends and family. They are written in a style reminiscent of traditional English folk poetry.

By L. Frank Baum · First published 1900 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Fable · 2,443 words

First lines

There was a jolly miller Lived on the river Dee; He sang and worked from morn till night, No lark so blithe as he. And this the burden of his song Forever seemed to be: I care for nobody, no! not I, Since nobody cares for me.

"CREE-E-EEKETY-CRUCK-CRICK! cree-e-eekety-cruck-crick! " sang out the big wheel of the mill upon the river Dee, for it was old and ricketty and had worked many years grinding corn for the miller; so from morning till night it creaked and growled and complained as if rebelling against the work it must do. And the country people, at work in the fields far away, would raise their heads when the soft summer breezes wafted the sound of the wheel to their ears and say,

What this Textopian page supports

The Jolly Miller is listed on Textopian as a novella by L. Frank Baum, dated 1900 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novella
Author: L. Frank Baum
Date: 1900 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Fable, Romance, Poetry
Length: 2,443 words
Structure: 1 section, 56 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Children's Literature — The narrative is simple and engaging, suitable for a young audience, with themes of love and companionship.
Fantasy — The story includes whimsical elements, such as a miller who finds a baby in a box, which adds a fantastical quality.
Fable — The moral lessons about love, friendship, and the consequences of isolation align with traditional fables.
Romance — The evolving relationship between the miller and Nathalie introduces romantic themes.