Luli and the Language of Tea

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.

Now in paperback!

An American Library Association Notable Children's Book
A Booklist Editors' Choice Selection
A CSMCL Best Multicultural Children's Book of the Year

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Neal Porter Books
Published: 07/07/2026
ISBN: 9780823460908
Pages: 40
Weight: 0.81lbs
Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 550120 / Luli and the Language of Tea
Reading Level: 2.3 / Interest Level: Lower Grade / Point Value: 0.5