Tikki Tikki Tembo summary

Traditional Chinese Folktale Retold

In Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene Mosel, we are transported to ancient China, where the first-born son of a Chinese mother is given the grand name of Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo. His younger brother, however, is named Chang, a much shorter and simpler name.

According to the Chinese tradition, the first-born son is given a grand name to honor him, while the second-born is given a simple name. Tikki tikki tembo's name, with its sing-song rhythm, is a source of great pride for his family.

Tragic Accident and a Lesson Learned

One day, while playing near a well, Chang falls in. Tikki tikki tembo runs to get help and calls out his brother's long name to alert the townspeople. The townspeople come to help, but it takes a long time for them to understand the long name. By the time they pull Chang out, he is very ill.

The townspeople quickly realize that calling out Tikki tikki tembo's name takes too long in an emergency. The lesson is clear: short names are more practical in emergencies. Chang eventually recovers, and the townspeople change the naming tradition in honor of the brothers' experience.

Changing the Naming Tradition

From then on, the Chinese families start giving their children shorter names. The tradition of long names is reserved only for formal occasions. This change in tradition ensures that no child will have a name so long that it cannot be quickly called out in an emergency.

As for Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo, his name is shortened to Tikki tikki. The story concludes with the moral that although Tikki tikki tembo's name was long and grand, it was Chang's short and simple name that saved his life.

Endearing Tale with a Timeless Lesson

Tikki Tikki Tembo is a timeless story that has been beloved by generations of children. It not only introduces young readers to a traditional Chinese folktale but also imparts a valuable lesson about the importance of practicality and efficiency in the face of emergencies.

Mosel's retelling of this ancient Chinese folktale, combined with Blair Lent's evocative illustrations, creates an endearing picture book that continues to captivate and educate children around the world.