Tikki Tikki Tembo (1968) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
The book tells the story of a Chinese boy with a long name who fell into a well. It is a sort of origin myth about why Chinese names are so short today (wikipedia)
Picture Book • 1968 • 45 pages • Lexile AD 550L (adult-directed content — roughly grades 2–3 reading difficulty)
Tikki Tikki Tembo is a classic picture book that functions as a cautionary folktale about the naming of children. While the story focuses on the danger of a child falling into a well, the peril is handled with stylized illustrations and a rhythmic, repetitive text. Parents should note a mild instance of physical discipline (hitting) and the central theme of a child being in a life-threatening situation. It is best suited for young… Sign up for the full guide
Is Tikki Tikki Tembo appropriate for kids?
Tikki Tikki Tembo is a classic picture book that functions as a cautionary folktale about the naming of children. While the story focuses on the danger of a child falling into a well, the peril is handled with stylized illustrations and a rhythmic, repetitive text. Parents… Read more — free account
Content severity in Tikki Tikki Tembo
What happens in Tikki Tikki Tembo, moment by moment
- p. 8 ⚔ Violence & Gore 2/10
- p. 12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
- p. 18 🔥 Mature Themes 1/10
Sex and nudity in Tikki Tikki Tembo
No notable sexual content in this book. Parents can preview alongside the reader if desired. The story focuses entirely on the interactions between a mother, her two sons, and the village elders in an ancient, stylized setting. There are no romantic subplots or references to anatomy. The illustrations depict the characters in traditional, full-coverage robes and clothing. This book is appropriate for all ages in this category.
Violence and gore in Tikki Tikki Tembo
The primary conflict involves two brothers falling into a well in separate incidents. In one scene, the mother 'spanks' or hits the younger brother with a stick for disobeying her and playing near the well. While the brothers are in the well, there is a sense of peril as they struggle to keep their heads above the water. Tikki Tikki Tembo is described as being in the well for several days, requiring a recovery period. However, the illustrations are stylized and do not show blood or graphic injury.
Language in Tikki Tikki Tembo
No profanity or modern slang is used throughout the story. The vocabulary is formal and repetitive, reflecting the rhythm of a traditional folktale. The most complex linguistic element is the long, rhythmic name 'Tikki Tikki Tembo-no Sa Rembo-chari Bari Ruchi-pip Peri Pembo.' There are no insults or derogatory terms directed between the characters. The text is very safe for early readers and focuses on alliteration and cadence.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Tikki Tikki Tembo
No notable substance use in this book. Parents can preview alongside the reader if desired. There are no references to alcohol, tobacco, or medicines within the narrative. The characters do not consume any mind-altering substances or engage in activities involving drugs. The focus remains on the domestic setting and the natural environment around the well. It is suitable for young children in this regard.
Mature themes in Tikki Tikki Tembo
Themes include sibling responsibility, the importance of names, and parental frustration. The tension arises from the delay in rescuing a child because his name is too long to say quickly during an emergency. The mother’s obsession with tradition and honoring her first-born son creates a life-threatening situation for Tikki Tikki Tembo. Children may feel anxious about the brothers' safety while they are stuck in the water. The story serves as a folktale explanation for why shorter names became a cultural…
Read more — free accountFrequently Asked Questions
Is Tikki Tikki Tembo appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Tikki Tikki Tembo is best for ages 4+. Tikki Tikki Tembo is a classic picture book that functions as a cautionary folktale about the naming of children. While the story focuses on the danger of a child falling into a well, the peril is handled with stylized…
What age rating does Tikki Tikki Tembo have?
Books don't carry official age ratings. Tikki Tikki Tembo is published for a Picture Book audience, and Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 4+.
What reading level is Tikki Tikki Tembo?
Tikki Tikki Tembo is 45 pages and its reading level is Lexile AD 550L (adult-directed content — roughly grades 2–3 reading difficulty). Bontent recommends it for ages 4+.
What is Tikki Tikki Tembo about?
Tikki Tikki Tembo is a classic picture book that functions as a cautionary folktale about the naming of children. While the story focuses on the danger of a child falling into a well, the peril is handled with stylized illustrations and a rhythmic, repetitive text. Parents should note a mild instance of physical…
Is there sex or nudity in Tikki Tikki Tembo?
No notable sexual content in this book. Parents can preview alongside the reader if desired. The story focuses entirely on the interactions between a mother, her two sons, and the village elders in an ancient, stylized setting. There are no romantic subplots…
How violent is Tikki Tikki Tembo?
The primary conflict involves two brothers falling into a well in separate incidents. In one scene, the mother 'spanks' or hits the younger brother with a stick for disobeying her and playing near the well. While the brothers are in the well, there is a sense…
Is the language in Tikki Tikki Tembo appropriate for kids?
No profanity or modern slang is used throughout the story. The vocabulary is formal and repetitive, reflecting the rhythm of a traditional folktale. The most complex linguistic element is the long, rhythmic name 'Tikki Tikki Tembo-no Sa Rembo-chari Bari…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking depicted in Tikki Tikki Tembo?
No notable substance use in this book. Parents can preview alongside the reader if desired. There are no references to alcohol, tobacco, or medicines within the narrative. The characters do not consume any mind-altering substances or engage in activities…
What mature themes appear in Tikki Tikki Tembo?
Themes include sibling responsibility, the importance of names, and parental frustration. The tension arises from the delay in rescuing a child because his name is too long to say quickly during an emergency. The mother’s obsession with tradition and honoring…
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