This picture book charms with easy text, a story with a gentle flow, and a simple, but big concept, as well as lovely illustrations to appeal to a sense of youth and innocence.
The premise is inspiring and touching, something that, if the next generation were to learn, it would be of great benefit to the entire world.
Luli, the protagonist (I’d go so far as to say the heroine), is in day care with several other children while their parents take ESL classes. None of the children speak the same language, so they all play by themselves. Luli wants to change this lonely state of affairs.
What is to be done? Luli makes a pot of tea. This common ground brings the group together showing that with care, open minds, and cooperation, language is not so great a barrier as is commonly believed.
Also included in this story is an introduction to other languages by having each child say the word ‘tea’ in their native language. I have hopes that this book will spark a curiosity and love for language learning in the hearts and minds of young readers.
The illustrations, inside each cover, of tea cups representing the different nationalities is a delightful touch. After the story is finished, the author supplies an informational section about the languages and tea culture of each of the children mentioned in the story.