Mother Goose is a traditional figure in children's literature, often depicted as an old woman who tells nursery rhymes and fairy tales. The character is believed to have originated in France, with the first collection of rhymes published in the early 18th century. The stories and rhymes attributed to Mother Goose are simple and often feature whimsical characters, animals, and moral lessons. They have been passed down through generations, becoming a staple in early childhood education and helping to introduce young children to language and rhythm.