Tikki Tikki Tembo

Tikki Tikki Tembo is a 1968 picture book by Arlene Mosel with illustrations by Blair Lent. The story takes place in ancient China and centers on two brothers - one with an extremely long name and one with a very short name. The tale focuses on a well near the brothers' house, which their mother has forbidden them to approach. The contrast between the eldest son's elaborate name (Tikki Tikki Tembo-no Sa Rembo-chari Bari Ruchi-pip Peri Pembo) and his younger brother's simple name (Chang) becomes central to the story's events. The narrative explores Chinese culture through its naming traditions, though it should be noted that the customs described are fictional. Through repetition and rhythm, the story creates opportunities for interactive reading as children attempt to master the pronunciation of the longer name. The book presents ideas about family dynamics, birth order, and the unexpected consequences of seemingly harmless traditions. Its enduring popularity stems from its blend of humor, drama, and cultural elements.

Most readers remember this book fondly from their childhoods, particularly enjoying the rhythmic repetition of the main character's long name. Parents report their children love chanting along with the name. Readers praise: - The illustrations' traditional Chinese art style - The book's lesson about the drawbacks of vanity - Its memorability and read-aloud appeal Common criticisms: - Cultural inaccuracies and stereotypes of Chinese culture - Misrepresentation of Chinese naming conventions - The story promotes harmful misconceptions Ratings: Goodreads: 4.16/5 (20,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (2,000+ ratings) "My kids request this book over and over - they love saying the long name," notes one Amazon reviewer. However, Asian-American readers often express concern about stereotypes: "This book perpetuates myths about Chinese names and customs that affect how Asian children are treated," writes a Goodreads reviewer.

The Empty Pot by Demi A Chinese folk tale about honesty and courage follows a boy who must grow a flower from a seed to become the next emperor.

Lon Po Po by Ed Young This Chinese version of Little Red Riding Hood tells the story of three sisters who outsmart a wolf through cleverness and teamwork.

The Seven Chinese Sisters by Kathy Tucker Each sister uses her unique talent to rescue the youngest sibling from a dragon in this tale set in China.

Two of Everything by Lily Toy Hong A poor farmer and his wife discover a magic pot that doubles everything placed inside it, leading to unexpected results.

The Great Race by Dawn Casey The traditional Chinese zodiac origin story explains how thirteen animals competed in a race to determine their order in the calendar.

🔸 The book's illustrator, Blair Lent, won the prestigious Caldecott Honor in 1969 for his work on a different book, "Why the Sun and Moon Live in the Sky." 🔸 Despite its popularity, the story is not actually based on a traditional Chinese folktale - it's believed to be inspired by a Japanese story about a boy with a long name. 🔸 The main character's full name, Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo, is said to mean "the most wonderful thing in the whole wide world" in the story. 🔸 Author Arlene Mosel was a librarian and professor of library science at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where she specialized in children's literature. 🔸 Published in 1968, the book has remained continuously in print for over 50 years and has sold more than a million copies worldwide.