Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene Mosel (Retold by), Blair Lent (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-
chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo!

Three decades and more than one million copies later children still love hearing about the boy with the long name who fell down the well. Arlene Mosel and Blair Lent's classic re-creation of an ancient Chinese folktale has hooked legions of children, teachers, and parents, who return, generation after generation, to learn about the danger of having such an honorable name as Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo.

Publishers Weekly

In this folktale, help is slow in coming when a Chinese boy falls into a well, since the boy's long and difficult name must be pronounced in full. Beautifully expressive drawings enhance the book's Oriental feel. Ages 4-7. (Oct.)

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 3—In this classic Chinese folktale, retold by Arlene Mosel and illustrated by Blair Lent (Holt, 1968), Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruche-pip peri pembo and younger brother Chang are playing near a well and Chang falls in. The older boy goes for help and Chang is rescued. Months later, the older brother falls in, but when Chang runs to get help, his brother's very long name requires too much breath and Chang can't get his mother to understand. In the end, Tikki tikki tembo is rescued. "And from that day to this, the Chinese have always thought it wise to give all their children little, short names." Marcia Gay Harden provides wonderful narration, giving each character a distinctive voice. A few sound effects add to the telling. Have the book available so that listeners can peruse Blair Lent's lovely line and wash illustrations. A great addition for listening centers.—Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings School, Hoover, AL

Product Details