The birth of 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'

The comforting lullaby originated in the 19th century from the gentle hearts and youthful minds of the Taylor Sisters, Jane and Ann, daughters of Isaac Taylor and Ann Martin, who held their literary surroundings in their household sacred.

'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' first appeared in a collection of poems titled "Rhymes for the Nursery," published in 1806. To everyone's surprise, it turned out to be the standout, transcending borders and time, ultimately becoming a global childhood anthem.

Born into a literary family where their father was an engraver and author, and their mother was a writer, Jane and Ann Taylor were destined to follow this path. They began writing at a very early age, primarily focusing on children's literature, pouring all their experiences, observations, and emotions. 

They lived in the "Dutch Quarter" of Colchester.

Jane, the younger of the two, born on September 23, 1783, in London, was the one responsible for the majority of 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.' However, the sisters' collaborative nature made it natural for both their names to be linked with the poem. Jane's other works were equally revered, like "The Contributions of Q.Q," which included some humourous poetry.

Her sister, Ann was born on January 30, 1782, and equally contributed to the literary world. Apart from co-authoring 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,' she is best known for her work 'My Mother,' another hugely popular nursery rhyme.

Their house in Colchester

The Taylor sisters' rise paralleled the surge of a significant literary shift – the birth of children's literature in the 19th century. Children's books were becoming significant as they impacted education, morality, and young imaginations.

The sisters' work, including 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,' was at the forefront of this revolution – simple, yet profound, with a flowing rhythm and easy language, embodying the characteristics that children's literature aimed for during this era.

Their writings were not merely fanciful words they spun; they believed in the power of these stories and poems in shaping young minds. Hence, their work was not just for entertainment; it was also educational, filled with valuable moral lessons.

The Taylor sisters were among the many British authors who played a pivotal role in crafting children's poetry. Others such as Edward Lear and Lewis Carroll also contributed significantly. However, the Taylor sisters stood out for their focus on simple and engaging verses coupled with a moral core.

Their work, though rooted in local culture, found universal appeal, influencing not just British authors, but authors all over the globe. The value they placed on childhood, innocence, and the power of simple joys was instrumental in shaping the genre.

The legacy left by the Taylor sisters goes beyond the twinkling stars and bedtime lullabies. Through their children's poems and stories, the Taylor sisters shifted the perception of childhood, foregrounding the importance of this formative stage and the power of accessible, enjoyable literature.

'My Mother,' 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,' and their other works still resonate across schools and homes worldwide, encapsulating the joys and simplicity of childhood, much to the delight of children and adults alike. Despite the passing away of Ann in 1866 and Jane in 1824, the Taylor sisters remain immortal through their timeless nursery rhymes, influencing countless generations and continuing to shape children's literature.

In the end, the story of the Taylor sisters isn't merely about two individuals. It's about a shared vision, an earnest collaboration, and a lasting legacy that continues to twinkle in the hearts of children globally, just like the little star in their most famous poem.