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    The Children's Book Review

    Tikki Tikki Tembo, by Arlene Mosel | Book Review

    Bianca SchulzeBy Bianca Schulze3 Mins Read Ages 4-8 Picture Books
    Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene Mosel Book Review
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    Book Review of Tikki Tikki Tembo
    The Children’s Book Review

    Tikki Tikki Tembo Book Cover

    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.

    What to Read Next:

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    2. The Velveteen Rabbit, by Margery Williams | Book Spotlight
    3. Ordinary Extraordinary Jane Austen, by Deborah Hopkinson | Book Review
    4. Christina Matula, Author of The Shadow in the Moon | Selfie and a Shelfie

    *Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.

    Arlene Mosel Blair Lent Classics Folklore Folktales Picture Book
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    Bianca Schulze
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    Bianca Schulze is the founder of The Children’s Book Review. She is a reader, reviewer, mother and children’s book lover. She also has a decade’s worth of experience working with children in the great outdoors. Combined with her love of books and experience as a children’s specialist bookseller, the goal is to share her passion for children’s literature to grow readers. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado.

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