All Things Bright and Beautiful

Before she was 30, she had written enough poetry to publish two collections of verses and hymns: Verses for Holy Seasons (1846) and Hymns for Little Children (1848). In Franny’s dedication of Hymns for Little Children, she writes: “I inscribe these simple lines, hoping that the language of verse which children love may help to impress on their minds what they are, what I have promised for them, and what they must seek to be.” It was in this book that “All Things Bright and Beautiful” was first published to help explain to children how God is the “Maker of Heaven and Earth.” Hymns for Little Children was not only well loved by children, but by adults too. In fact, the book has had almost 70 editions since its first release.

Two years after the publication of “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” Franny married Reverend William Alexander. Together, they had four children. In her lifetime Franny wrote almost 400 poems for children. Some, such as “Once in Royal David’s City,” are still sung by Christians today.