Tikki Tikki Tembo (Paperback)

One of the most recognised phrases in children's literature is Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo, which is of course the very long name of a Chinese boy.

In 1968 Arlene Mosel created this story of how the people of China came to give their children short names instead of traditional grand, long names. Tikki tikki tembo (which means 'the most wonderful thing in the whole wide world') and his brother Chang ('little or nothing') get into trouble with a well and everybody discovers that having a long and hard to pronounce name is not such an honour after all.

Blair Lent's stunning line drawings capture the feel of ancient China perfectly and give children a wonderful insight into the culture. We know that many adults will remember this classic fondly. For a new generation of readers, Tikki Tikki Tembo is a fun read-aloud that we guarantee will be enjoyed over and over.