Book Review of Tikki Tikki Tembo
The Children’s Book Review
Tikki Tikki Tembo
Written by Arlene Mosel
Illustrated by Blair Lent
Ages 4+ | 48 Pages
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co | ISBN-13: 9780805006629
What to Expect: A Folk Tale
Tikki Tikki Tembo retells a popular Chinese folktale that has enchanted readers for generations. Following the adventures of firstborn son Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo and his younger brother Chang, this classic tale provides an often-challenged insight into why Chinese children are often given shorter names.
In this retelling of the folktale, readers are told that “first and honored” sons are given great long names which must always be spoken entirely and reverently; and second sons are given very short names. Tikki Tikki Tembo, meaning the most wonderful thing in the world, is very close to his brother Chang, which means little or nothing. With a name like Tikki Tikki Tembo’s, it’s clear that he is meant to hold a position of honor and respect.
The two brothers love to play near a well and sometimes even on this well. However, playing “on” the well leads to some serious trouble. When help is needed from the Old Man with the Ladder, readers learn that it may not be so great to have such a grand long name.
The bond between the brothers is heartwarming, and the illustrations, with their contrasting and limited color palette, are breathtaking, transporting readers back in time. Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo’s name is repeated throughout the book— the repetition of his name is what makes this story a fun and engaging read-aloud for all ages.
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About the Author
Arlene Mosel (1921-1996) first heard the story of Tikki Tikki Tembo as a child. When she grew up, she shared this wonderful tale with countless children, including her own. Because so many young listeners responded enthusiastically, she decided to write her own retelling, and Tikki Tikki Tembo became her first book for children. The book was named an American Library Association Notable Book and won the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award. In 1997, The New York Times named it one of the best 50 children’s books of the previous 50 years.
Mosel was also the author of The Funny Little Woman, which won the 1973 Caldecott Medal for Blair Lent’s illustrations and was recognized as an Honor Book by the Hans Christian Andersen International Children’s Book Awards. Mosel was an associate professor of library science at Case Western Reserve University. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Mosel died in Indianapolis in 1996.
About the Illustrator
Blair Lent received the Caldecott Medal for The Funny Little Woman by Arlene Mosel. He has also received three Caldecott Honors. He is the illustrator of Ms. Mosel’s Tikki Tikki Tembo, a bestseller since its publication in 1968. Blair Lent lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Bianca Schulze reviewed Tikki Tikki Tembo. Discover more books like Tikki Tikki Tembo by reading our reviews and articles tagged with Folklore and Folktales.
