PHOEBE DUPREE IS COMING TO TEA!

An enthusiastic host awaits an invited guest for tea and hopes that everything will be as perfect as the guest herself is.

Abby has much to prepare for her 3 o’clock tea party with Phoebe Dupree, a “perfect” girl who is “brilliant” at science, art, and singing. Abby cleans her dog, Louie, and instructs him on the “perfect” behavior required during Phoebe’s visit. The table is set, the delicate treats are arranged, the stuffed guests are seated, and the guest of honor arrives! Phoebe sits down “oh-so-politely,” and Abby goes to get the tray of treats. But the tray is very heavy…what if the perfect tea becomes a perfect mess? Will the new friendship survive? Abby’s excitement for her upcoming tea and her high-stakes feelings about impressing her new friend are fun and accessible. The text is a well-balanced representation of Abby’s voice in rhyming quartets that glide effortlessly for a smooth read-aloud. The page turns are expertly designed to maximize suspense and drama. Marley’s innocent illustrations combine pink and pearls with wet dogs and cargo pants for a delightful celebration of a broad range of girlhood expressions and experiences. Brown-skinned, casually dressed Phoebe’s large, curly Afro joyfully takes up space on the page while anxious, pale-skinned Abby with her high blonde bun and below-the-knee dress yearns to impress. But who needs perfect when one can have fun?

Funny, subtly empowering, and sweet.