Tikki Tikki Tembo

Tikki Tikki Tembo

Arlene Mosel & Blair Lent

Synopsis:

Based on an ancient Chinese folktale, the story of Tikki TIkki Tembo explores the origins of short Chinese names. When Tikki’s brother rushes to fetch him help, this one-to-many-syllable name almost costs Tikki his life.

Response:

Although the book does seem to elicit some ethnic stereotypes, it is classic chinese folklore. It’s hard to distinguish between what folklore is acceptable and what is not. For instance Blue Beard is fairy tale that attacks Middle Eastern people. These stories were written hundreds of years ago, and passed along from generation to generation. What is at stake is not the content as much as the tradition that is passed along.

Similar to fairy tales, folk tales are rooted in an oral tradition and passed along. The focus of folk tales specifies the creation of things or habits. The focus of fairy tales is hinged more on the battle between Good and Evil, and tips for living your life.

Although there are some similarities between folk tales and fairy tales, they both draw distinct lines. Folk tales have a communal affect, perhaps this is what makes them live on, the fact that they strive to explain how things came into being.

Activity:

Form book clubs. Have multiple book clubs that discuss Tikki Tikki Tembo and The Girl Who Spun Gold. How has the oral tradition changed? Why? Are these books still relevant today? What is out dated?