Arlene Mosel

Arlene Mosel (1921-1996) was an American children's book author and librarian best known for her adaptations of Asian folktales. Her most celebrated work is "Tikki Tikki Tembo" (1968), a retelling of a Chinese folktale that has become a classic of children's literature. As a children's librarian at the Miamisburg Public Library in Ohio, Mosel developed a deep appreciation for storytelling and folklore. She went on to earn her Master's degree in Library Science from Western Reserve University and spent much of her career working with young readers. While she wrote only three children's books in her lifetime, each received significant recognition. "Tikki Tikki Tembo" won the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award and has remained in print for over fifty years, while "The Funny Little Woman" (1972) earned the Caldecott Medal for Blair Lent's illustrations. Mosel's work is characterized by her skillful adaptation of traditional Asian stories for Western audiences, incorporating rhythm and repetition that make her tales particularly effective for reading aloud. Her other notable work includes "The Wave" (1972), a retelling of a Japanese folktale.

Readers consistently mention Mosel's ability to create memorable, rhythmic storytelling that children want to hear repeatedly. Parents and teachers note how the repetitive elements in "Tikki Tikki Tembo" engage young listeners and help build reading confidence. What readers liked: - Engaging rhythm and pacing - Cultural exposure for young readers - Illustrations that complement the stories - Effectiveness as read-aloud material What readers disliked: - Historical inaccuracies in "Tikki Tikki Tembo" - Some find the name repetition tedious - Cultural stereotyping concerns raised by Asian readers Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - Tikki Tikki Tembo: 4.17/5 (37,000+ ratings) - The Funny Little Woman: 3.89/5 (2,000+ ratings) - The Wave: 4.08/5 (1,000+ ratings) Amazon: - Tikki Tikki Tembo: 4.8/5 (2,800+ ratings) - The Funny Little Woman: 4.7/5 (200+ ratings) - The Wave: 4.7/5 (150+ ratings) One teacher wrote: "25 years later, my students still chant the name with the same enthusiasm I did as a child."

Tikki Tikki Tembo (1968) A retelling of a Chinese folktale about a boy with an extremely long name and the complications that arise when his brother must get help after he falls into a well.

The Funny Little Woman (1972) An adaptation of a Japanese folktale following a woman who chases her lost dumpling into an underground world of monsters, where she must use her wit to escape.

The Wave (1972) A Japanese folk tale about a wise old man who saves his village from a tsunami by setting his rice fields on fire to warn the villagers of impending danger.

Grace Lin Writes children's books that blend Chinese folklore with contemporary stories. Creates both picture books and middle-grade novels that incorporate cultural elements similar to Mosel's work.

Ed Young Illustrates and writes children's books based on Chinese folktales and legends. His work includes retellings of traditional stories with attention to cultural authenticity.

Katherine Paterson Writes stories that bridge Eastern and Western cultures, drawing from her experiences in Japan and China. Her work includes adaptations of Asian folk stories and original tales set in Asian contexts.

Demi Creates picture books focused on Asian historical figures and folktales. Specializes in traditional storytelling with cultural elements from China, Japan, and other Asian countries.

Linda Sue Park Writes stories that incorporate Korean cultural elements and folktales into children's literature. Her work includes both picture books and novels that blend traditional Asian storytelling with contemporary narratives.