Title: Tikki Tikki Tembo
Author: retold by Arlene Mosel
Illustrator: Blair Lent
Genre: Folktale
Characters: two Chinese brothers, their mother, and an old man
Summary of book: According to this book, Chinese legend calls for first-born sons receive long, elaborate names like "Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo." Second sons receive boring, one-word names like "Chang." This story involves these two sons who each accidentally fall into a well. Chang is rescued quickly because his brother can quickly relay the information to his mother and the old man. The next time, Tikki tikki tembo's long name makes his rescue take much longer. The story concludes with both boys ending up safe, but with the message that future sons are all named with short, easy names.
Comments: I looked into this book and its legend. This doesn't accurately portray Chinese language (the name is all gibberish) or culture. The story may or may not be part of Chinese legend, and its origins are unknown. This story has a good but convoluted message that no son should have a more important name than another. But what about daughters? The pictures are done in the style of classical Chinese illustrations and the repetitive text may interest young children. However, I don't think Tikki Tikki Tembo sends a good message to children--Chinese is not gibberish and such imitations of it are quite stereotypical. There are far better books about Chinese culture, legends, and traditions.
Age level: second grade reading level
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