Hand-Me-Down Magic #4: Mysterious Tea Set
#4 of 4 in Hand-Me-Down Magic Series
What’s inside...
In this fourth installment of the Hand-Me-Down Magic series, best friends Alma and Del find an enchanted tea set in Alma's family's antique shop. As they uncover the secrets of the magical tea set, they learn valuable lessons about friendship, family, and the power of tradition. There’s a mystery brewing in Abuelita’s shop in the final Hand-Me-Down Magic book. The complete series is perfect for fans of Ivy and Bean and Dory Fantasmagory, with adorable illustrations and short, easy-to-read chapters. Del finds a very beautiful tea set hidden deep in the Curious Cousins Secondhand Shoppe—but something about it doesn’t add up. It’s missing some teacups, and the hand-painted design on it looks very familiar. The tea set must be connected to their family. Alma and Del are excited to solve the case of the mysterious tea set, but their questions only get an Abuelita shrug and a confusing answer. Still, with determination, neighborhood magic, and a little help from Evie, the best-friend-cousins will learn the story behind the tea set as they work to make it whole once more. Corey Ann Haydu’s writing is filled with tender moments, wholesome humor, and magical detail—reminiscent of literary icons like Beverly Clearly, Marla Frazee, and Katherine Applegate. This chapter book series is pitch perfect for kids reading at this young level. And Luisa Uribe's stunning black-and-white illustrations capture the warmth and unique personality of each character.
Discussion points
What do you think makes the tea set mysterious? How would you feel if you found a magical item?
How do the characters in the book react to the magic? What would you do in their situation?
What lessons do the characters learn from their adventures with the tea set? Can you think of a time when you learned a similar lesson?
How does the tea set change the relationship between the characters? How do you think teamwork is important in solving problems?
If you could have a magical item, what would it be and why? How would you use it to help others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story, asking how they would feel and react in similar magical situations.
Discuss the moral and ethical questions that arise from the story, such as the responsibility that comes with handling magic or unusual powers.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life situations your child might face, such as dealing with unexpected changes or the importance of cooperation.
Highlight the emotional responses of the characters to help your child understand and express their own feelings about similar experiences.
Use the magical elements of the story to foster creativity, asking your child to come up with their own magical story or magical object.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family and heritage
Explanation: The story revolves around a mysterious tea set that has been passed down through generations, emphasizing the value of family heirlooms and the stories they hold.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and preserve family traditions and artifacts, understanding their significance in their own family histories.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and teamwork
Explanation: The protagonists work together to uncover the secrets of the tea set, demonstrating effective collaboration and problem-solving skills throughout their adventure.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to work cooperatively with others to solve problems, a crucial skill in both academic and social settings.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: The characters' quest to learn more about the tea set fuels the narrative, showing how curiosity leads to exciting discoveries and learning opportunities.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to ask questions and seek out answers, fostering a lifelong love of learning and exploration.
Example Lesson: Respect for diverse cultures
Explanation: The tea set's origins introduce elements of different cultures, promoting respect and appreciation for cultural diversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand and celebrate cultural differences, enhancing social harmony and cultural awareness.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: The characters often face uncertain situations while dealing with the magical elements of the tea set, but they show bravery and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing fears and stepping into new experiences can lead to growth and unexpected positive outcomes.