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Luli and the Language of Tea Hardcover – Picture Book, May 24, 2022

by Andrea Wang (Author), Hyewon Yum (Illustrator)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 43 ratings
Teachers' pick
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Though they may speak different languages, kids from all over the world come together to enjoy the shared pastime of tea in this delicious book for young readers.

When five-year-old Luli joins her new English as a Second Language class, the playroom is quiet. Luli can’t speak English, neither can anyone else. That’s when she has a brilliant idea to host a tea party and bring them all together.

Luli removes her teapot, thermos, and teacups from her bag and calls out “Chá!” in her native Chinese. One by one, her classmates pipe up in recognition: in Russian, Hindi, Turkish, Persian, Arabic, and Spanish, Portuguese, and Swahili. Tea is a tasty language they all know well, and it gives them a chance to share and enjoy each other’s company. When all the tea is gone and it’s time for dessert, Luli gets to use her favorite English word, cookie! After that, the playroom isn’t so quiet.

Informed by her own experience as the child of Chinese immigrant parents, Andrea Wang makes the point that when you’re looking to communicate with people, you look for a common bond. The word for “tea” is similar in many languages, and tea becomes the unifying metaphor that brings a diverse group of children together. Additional material at the back of the book explores the rich and ancient history of tea drinking across cultures all around the world and contains maps, statistics, and fascinating details that will delight young readers.


An American Library Association Notable Children's Book
A Booklist Editors’ Choice Selection
A CSMCL Best Multicultural Children's Book of the Year
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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    3 - 7 years
  2. Print length
    40 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool - 2
  5. Dimensions
    9.9 x 0.39 x 9.8 inches
  6. Publisher
    Neal Porter Books
  7. Publication date
    May 24, 2022
  8. ISBN-10
    082344614X
  9. ISBN-13
    978-0823446148
  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 1–3—While parents and other adults attend ESL classes, Luli is in childcare next door. None of the children speak a common language and all play alone, but not for long because Luli has a plan. With her teacher's blessing, she brings in a thermos of hot water, a teapot, tea, and cups, then proceeds to make tea for her nine classmates (a teacher observes all of this, but the sight of small children pouring hot tea from one cup to another may need discussion at story hours). When she is done she calls to them in Chinese, "Cha!" Each child looks up in turn and replies with the word for tea in their own language including Russian, Hindi, Persian, Arabic, German, and Swahili. Despite the differences, the word is similar enough that they all understand and are soon passing cups of tea around the table, then portioning out the tea again so there is enough for Luli, who has cookies, too. All of this breaks the language barrier as the children laugh, eat, and play together. Wang's seamless text weaves the children's names, spoken language, and pronunciations into her story. Meanwhile Yum's illustrations give life and personality to the children with spot-on expressions and plenty of detail. Her dynamic perspectives not only give all the characters, who are depicted with various skin tones, a chance to stand out as individuals, but provide momentum to the story. An Author's Note explains Wang's inspiration and offers more world tea facts. VERDICT A delightful look at coming together despite differences that is centered on the immigrant experience of learning English. A great addition to all collections.—Catherine Callegari

Review

"There’s inclusion from the start. . . . No one language or culture is prioritized, and no one is left out. One of the book’s linguistic treats is that each language’s word for tea is presented both phonetically (as it sounds when uttered out loud) and in written form, giving readers a visual taste of Mandarin, Russian, Hindi, Persian and Arabic."—New York Times

"Gentle, child-like art is as inviting as a cup of warm tea. With utter simplicity, this book connects disparate cultures to build natural community."—San Francisco Chronicle

★  "[A] gladdening picture book. . . . Yum demonstrates her facility with colored pencils in Luli's classroom scenes and endpapers, in which a glorious spread captures an assortment of teacups, each decorated in a style suited to the country it represents." —Shelf Awareness, Starred Review

★ "Wang writes a simple, precise narrative that is more than the sum of its parts. Few writers could conjure up the characters' contentment as concisely. . . . Yum's sensitive colored-pencil illustrations use clean lines, rounded shapes, and soft hues to depict the setting and reveal the characters' emotions. . . . A rewarding read-aloud choice."—Booklist, Starred Review

"Wang (Watercress) brings a group of children together via a beloved beverage in this warming picture book. . . . a bird’s-eye view emphasizes the community that accompanies sharing a cup of tea."—Publishers Weekly

"Yum’s colored-pencil illustrations work alongside Wang’s simple, rhythmic text to highlight the concepts of uniqueness and similarity. . . . A warming and gentle celebration of connection."—Kirkus Reviews

"Tea drinking everywhere celebrates community and togetherness; Wang (Watercress, rev. 3/21) has cleverly re-created (and diversified) that ritual in a microcosm. Yum's (Saturday Is Swimming Day, rev. 7/18) overhead view of the table shows smiling faces and varied skin tones, and her illustrations make clear that the Asian teacups with no handles are perfect for small hands—and safe."—The Horn Book

"Wang’s seamless text weaves the children’s names, spoken language, and pronunciations into her story. Meanwhile Yum’s illustrations give life and personality to the children with spot-on expressions and plenty of detail. . . . A delightful look at coming together despite differences. . . ."—School Library Journal

"Uplifting, heart-filling, and beautifully illustrated, Luli and the Language of Tea reminds us that the language of kindness is universal."—Christina Soontornvat, Newbery and Sibert Honoree for All Thirteen

"With charm and lightness of touch, Andrea Wang and Hyewon Yum brew up a universal instance in the lives of all recent immigrants—the welcome realization that despite our different languages and the color of our skin, we are blended more by our similarities than our differences."—Eugene Yelchin, Newbery Honoree for Breaking Stalin's Nose and author of Genius at the Table

"Like a sip of delicious hot tea, this book will warm your heart and feed your soul. A wonderful reminder that taking a risk and pouring yourself into new friendships can lead to connections that are deeper than words." —Minh Lê, author of Drawn Together and Lift

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Neal Porter Books (May 24, 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 082344614X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0823446148
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 2
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.9 x 0.39 x 9.8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 43 ratings

About the authors

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Previous page
  1. Hyewon Yum

    Hyewon Yum

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    Hyewon Yum is the author and illustrator of several acclaimed books for children, including This Is Our House, The Twins' Blanket, There Are No Scary Wolves, and Last Night. Her book Mom, It's My First Day of Kindergarten! received the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her family. Visit her online at www.hyewonyum.com, blog at www.hyewonbook.com

    See more on the author's page
  2. Andrea Wang

    Andrea Wang

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Andrea Wang is the award-winning author of Watercress (Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor, JLG Gold Standard Selection, seven starred reviews), The Nian Monster (Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Honor), Magic Ramen (Freeman Book Award Honor). Her debut middle grade novel, The Many Meanings of Meilan, is also a JLG Gold Standard Selection. Her work explores culture, creative thinking, and identity. She is also the author of seven nonfiction titles for the library and school market. Andrea holds an M.S. in Environmental Science and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing for Young People. She lives in the Denver area with her family. 

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
43 global ratings
A beautifully illustrated celebration of the power of sharing.
5 Stars
A beautifully illustrated celebration of the power of sharing.
There's nothing wrong with the playroom that Luli is visiting while her and the other kids' parents are in ESL class. The room, and the teacher, are cheerful. There are toys, books, and even a bowl of fish. But still...the room is silent due to language differences (in this case, Chinese, Russian, Hindi, Turkish, Persian, Arabic, Spanish, German, Swahili, and Portuguese). For Luli, the silence seems deafening.So, she hatches a plan--and runs it past the teacher--and soon, a tea party brews up community, as each child comes to the table with their own understanding of this special drink. Until--oh no!--Luli runs out of tea--and the other children find ways to share in return.What I love about Luli and the Language of Tea is the simple, gentle story (which, by the way, is so often the most challenging kind to write) and the way the author celebrates diversity while simultaneously steeping the story in the wonderful ways we're alike. While Luli shares her plan with her teacher, it is indeed *her* plan, and she carries it off brilliantly. There's also a surprise (but funny) cameo from a box of cookies, which never hurts with a young audience.A beautifully illustrated celebration of the power of sharing.
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Top reviews from the United States

Gluten Free Oma
5.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming book - Luli builds bridges!
Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2023
Verified Purchase
Delightful book for all ages! The additional information about the many cultures and tea customs gives readers a world view.
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'Becca Z.
5.0 out of 5 stars Darling book!!
Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2022
Verified Purchase
Lovely illustrations and a delightful story! Giving one as a baby shower gift and donating one to the school library. I love the themes of friendship, diversity, caring and sharing.
One person found this helpful
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Miss M
5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Story
Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2022
Verified Purchase
I loved everything about this book: the illustrations, the plot and the message. But I especially enjoyed the back matter, with information about tea from all over the world.
One person found this helpful
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Jan Stone
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely, lovely little book.
Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2022
Verified Purchase
For quite young children who feel left out. And little girls particularly love to serve tea to there friends, whether human, stuffed creatures or imaginary.
One person found this helpful
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Michelle
5.0 out of 5 stars Common ground is found!
Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2022
Verified Purchase
Sweet story about a diverse group of children finding something wonderful in common. Love this!
One person found this helpful
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Elayne Crain
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautifully illustrated celebration of the power of sharing.
Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2023
There's nothing wrong with the playroom that Luli is visiting while her and the other kids' parents are in ESL class. The room, and the teacher, are cheerful. There are toys, books, and even a bowl of fish. But still...the room is silent due to language differences (in this case, Chinese, Russian, Hindi, Turkish, Persian, Arabic, Spanish, German, Swahili, and Portuguese). For Luli, the silence seems deafening.

So, she hatches a plan--and runs it past the teacher--and soon, a tea party brews up community, as each child comes to the table with their own understanding of this special drink. Until--oh no!--Luli runs out of tea--and the other children find ways to share in return.

What I love about Luli and the Language of Tea is the simple, gentle story (which, by the way, is so often the most challenging kind to write) and the way the author celebrates diversity while simultaneously steeping the story in the wonderful ways we're alike. While Luli shares her plan with her teacher, it is indeed *her* plan, and she carries it off brilliantly. There's also a surprise (but funny) cameo from a box of cookies, which never hurts with a young audience.

A beautifully illustrated celebration of the power of sharing.
Customer image
Elayne Crain
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautifully illustrated celebration of the power of sharing.
Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2023
There's nothing wrong with the playroom that Luli is visiting while her and the other kids' parents are in ESL class. The room, and the teacher, are cheerful. There are toys, books, and even a bowl of fish. But still...the room is silent due to language differences (in this case, Chinese, Russian, Hindi, Turkish, Persian, Arabic, Spanish, German, Swahili, and Portuguese). For Luli, the silence seems deafening.

So, she hatches a plan--and runs it past the teacher--and soon, a tea party brews up community, as each child comes to the table with their own understanding of this special drink. Until--oh no!--Luli runs out of tea--and the other children find ways to share in return.

What I love about Luli and the Language of Tea is the simple, gentle story (which, by the way, is so often the most challenging kind to write) and the way the author celebrates diversity while simultaneously steeping the story in the wonderful ways we're alike. While Luli shares her plan with her teacher, it is indeed *her* plan, and she carries it off brilliantly. There's also a surprise (but funny) cameo from a box of cookies, which never hurts with a young audience.

A beautifully illustrated celebration of the power of sharing.
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One person found this helpful
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Maude
5.0 out of 5 stars Community despite language barriers
Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2023
As an immigrant U.S. citizen, I loved this book! It has a proactive main character, a simple and enchanting story, a fun surprise, and beautiful illustrations! I especially enjoyed reading about tea cultures in different countries and seeing the typical tea cups from each country
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Sharif
5.0 out of 5 stars tea and friendship
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2023
Imagine a room full of children who can’t communicate with each other since they haven’t mastered English yet. But they do know the universal language of a popular hot beverage. Luli gets the attention of all the children of immigrants in the playroom by offering them her tea. They all say “tea” in their language as they perk up at the mention of it. Tea is passed around and sipped, and friendships are formed. This sweet and relatable story is joining my list of favorite picture books.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Bedrock
5.0 out of 5 stars Book review
Reviewed in Canada on November 27, 2023
Verified Purchase
Really good book
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