Luli and the Language of Tea

★ 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.

Wang (Watercress) brings a group of children together via a beloved beverage in this warming picture book. After noticing the students in her ESL class all playing alone, young Luli draws a picture of the group sitting together, then makes her plan a reality during the next class session. After setting up "a thermos, a canister, stacks of cups, and a fat bellied teapot" on a classroom table, Luli prepares hot tea, then beckons her fellow classmates in Chinese: "Chá!" One by one, the students respond in their own languages--Arabic, German, Hindi, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swahili, and Turkish, with each response presented in the language's script alongside an English transliteration. Soon, the table is full. All fluent in the language of tea, the kids know exactly how to ensure that each person has a warm cup in their hands, then, as a group, enjoy Luli's new favorite English word. Yum's (Grandpa Across the Ocean) colored pencil illustrations portray dot-eyed children with a variety of skin tones and hair textures; a bird's-eye view emphasizes the community that accompanies sharing a cup of tea. Back matter includes an author's note and details about the history of tea drinking. Age 3-7. Author's agent: Erin Murphy, Erin Murphy Literary. Illustrator's agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (May)

Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

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

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

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

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