The Book Buddies
In the heart of Wiscasset Elementary School, Ms. Stover's first-grade classroom buzzed with excitement on Wednesday, March 12. The children knew what that day meant, a new book would be joining their growing home libraries.
"Good morning, everyone!" Ms. Stover called out as her students settled onto their colorful carpet.
Several pairs of eager eyes watched as Ms. Stover revealed a stack of identical books from behind her desk. The covers displayed a young boy flying a kite sitting atop a well house. "This month's book is “Tikki Tikki Tembo”' and it comes to us from Mrs. Warner, who used to be a second grade teacher here in Wiscasset. “Mrs. Warner wanted to share her love of reading with all of you.”
Ms. Stover opened the book and began to read. The children listened intently to the story of Tikki Tikki Tembo. "Tikki Tikki Tembo" (sometimes spelled "Rikki Tikki Tembo") is a children's picture book written by Arlene Mosel and illustrated by Blair Lent, first published in 1968. The book presents a fictional tale presented as a Chinese folktale.
The story centers around a boy with an extraordinarily long name: "Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo". According to the story, in ancient China, first-born sons were given long, honorable names while second sons received short names.
The plot involves the boy with the long name falling into a well. His brother runs to get help but has difficulty quickly communicating the emergency because it takes so long to say his brother's name. By the time help arrives, the situation has become more serious. Later, when the second son (who has a very short name) falls into the well, help arrives quickly because his name can be said rapidly. The book ends with an explanation that this is why Chinese people now have short names - a humorous but completely fictional conclusion, as the story is not actually based on authentic Chinese folklore or naming practices. The book is known for its repetitive, tongue-twister quality that makes it popular for reading aloud, despite its cultural inaccuracies. Ms. Stover encouraged the children to join her in pronouncing the boy's name, and they eagerly participated, their voices filled with enthusiasm and delight.
"Now, everyone will get their very own copy to take home and read whenever you want," Ms. Stover announced, distributing the books. "And remember, we need to thank Mrs. Warner for her generosity."
The children spent the next hour crafting thank-you notes. They wrote about their favorite parts of the story and shared something about themselves with Mrs. Warner.
By the end of the school year, each child will have a collection of nine books. Parents have shared that reading has become a cherished ritual in many homes, with children proudly selecting books from their "Ms. Stover Collection." The simple act of sharing books has created a love of reading that extends far beyond her classroom walls.
