Tikki Tikki Tembo

Marcia Gay Harden's reading will remind the parents of young listeners why Arlene Mosel's book has entertained since 1968. The engaging, instructive tale explains why the Chinese give their children short names. When the honored older son of a Chinese mother falls into the well, his younger brother, Chang, runs for help. But the older brother almost drowns because Chang has a hard time repeating his name: Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo. The Asian music (complete with a gong to note page changes) and sounds of splashes create an almost-visual ambiance. In the forefront are Marcia Gay Harden's spot-on characterizations and her wonderful playfulness with the drama of Tikki's ever-so-long name. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

September 1, 1989
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.

Chang or Tikki Tikki Tembo-No Sa Rembo-Chari Bari Ruchi-Pip Peri Pembo--which name would you want to articulate if you needed to report a terrible accident? In Arlene Mosel's beloved retelling, two Chinese brothers find their mother's warning to stay away from the well difficult to heed and suffer the ignominious fate of falling into its depths. Each brother, in turn, finds a way to warn his mother and rouse the old man with the ladder. Dion Graham narrates with firmness and a reverence for the esteemed elder characters. His pace is deliberate and plays to the listener's anticipation. Graham takes delight in the repetitive phrases: "my first and honored son, heir of all I possess," the "step over step" of the old man, to say nothing of Tikki Tikki Tembo's multi-syllabic name. Acquaint or reacquaint yourself with this satisfying tale. A.R. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine

November 1, 2009
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"

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