I had to look up the origin of the story to see if it really was a Chinese folktale, and came across your analysis which I agree with. I own this book and loved it as a kid but today when my daughter bright it to me to read to her, I paused afterward, feeling like this book really wasn’t appropriate for her age or my young son’s age (3 and 6) and that it was stereotyping. The detailed drawings are fabulous, and they visually pull the reader or the listener into the story. It can be read by children or their parents, grandparents or caregivers, or it can be followed along with the CD. Unit created by Christine Fraser & Belinda Raymond - Glossodia PS Updates to Christine Frasers collection can be found on her Weebly. These books feature diverse characters in everyday contemporary life. Now that you know where to find the book Tikki Tikki Tembo, consider buying it with the CD. Everyday Diversity for Children: A List of Kids' Boo.įor teachers, parents, and librarians, a thorough list of books for children ages 3-8 which exemplify everyday diversity.More on Diversity in Children's Literature But a new choir teacher, whom all the kids thinks is fabulous, helps Chrysanthemum find acceptance at last. Chrysanthemum goes through a considerable amount of angst, despite the reassurances of her parents (who have very well-endowed vocabularies). Rikki-Tikki-Tavi by Rudyard Kipling is the story of a brave young mongoose who keeps a human family and a number of animal.

The little mouse in this story is teased about her very long name when she goes to school. Presenters of this book in a public setting should avoid representing the book's content as being an accurate representation of Chinese culture, and if in a public or teaching position, be mindful that it is perceived by some people to be offensive.Ĭhrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes. These critiques are leveled by individuals with a Chinese heritage, so their views should be taken seriously. Our Original Resources 2 About the Authors 2 Book Guides, Activities & Lessons 4 Book Readings 2 Awards & Distinctions 1 Explore Related Books by. Tikki Tikki Tembo loosely falls into the cultural diversity category, because it claims to be the author's version of a Chinese folktale.Ĭritics of the book claim that it is merely pseudo-Asian and that it perpetuates banal stereotypes about Chinese culture rather than representing Chinese culture with any level of accuracy. Usually, as part of the class, student teachers read a large selection of children's stories that represent diverse cultures and cultural themes. I think if different illustrations could be used, it would greatly enhance the book.ĭespite the pictures, “Tikki Tikki Tembo” is a great book that has many applications in the classroom.Most elementary education majors are now required to take classes about cultural diversity as part of their preparation for teaching school in the United States. The only colors are green, blue, and yellow and they tend to get dull as the book progresses. My only real complaint is the illustrations. This could include not only language arts, though this book, but teachers could incorporate China throughout the day through science, math, and social studies. This is an amusing story of how one brother has such a long name that, when he falls into a well, his brother has a very hard time explaining what happened because he can’t get all of the syllables of the name out. The actual story is very well done and this would make an excellent story to kick-off a unit on China and Chinese culture. Tikki Tikki Tembo is the retelling of an ancient Chinese folktale of why the Chinese have such short names.

“Tikki Tikki Tembo” is the retelling of an ancient Chinese folktale of why the Chinese have such short names. Tikki Tikki Tembo – Arlene Mosel, illustrated by Blair Lent

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