Tikki Tikki Tembo

by: Arlene Mosel

Published by: Square Fish Books

Reviewed by Amanda Schafer

Little Chang lives in China and is the little brother of Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo. His brother received this name because he was the oldest, and it was Chinese tradition to give a long and important name to the oldest child.

When Chang gets into mischief and needs his mother’s help, Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo is able to get help quickly because Chang’s name is so short. However, when Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo gets into mischief, Chang has trouble getting anyone to help him because he has to say this big long name and he has to say it reverently to show respect for his brother. So by the time Chang gets help for his older brother, Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo is a very sick little boy. Parents quickly learned after this to name all of their children quick, short names so they can get help easily when needed.

I enjoyed reading this book over and over to my boys! They would laugh out loud at the large name and how many times I had to say it. But more than that, we used this as a springboard for discussion on obedience. The little boys in the book were told not to play near the well and they disobeyed, which caused serious harm to Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo.

Initially it seemed to be somewhat of a meaningless book, but it really grows on a person! I found myself saying his name over and over in my head long after we were finished reading the story!

Armchair Interviews says: Short story about a long name.