George F. Root, 1820-1895, composer of the music to this children's hymn, wrote many hymns in his lifetime, including "Come to the Savior," "Why Do You Wait," and "Ring the Bells." He also wrote the music to many popular songs associated with the American Civil War. These include "The Vacant Chair," "The Battle Cry of Freedom," "Just Before the Battle, Mother," and "Tramp! Tramp! Tramp!" He later re-used the music for "Tramp! Tramp! Tramp! for "Jesus Loves the Little Children of the World."
The lyrics are by Rev. William O. Cushing, 1823-1902, whose other hymns include "Follow On," "Under His Wings," "Ring the Bells of Heaven," and "There'll Be No Dark Valley."