Phoebe Dupree Is Coming to Tea!
What’s inside...
Abby is anxious to host the perfect tea party for a friend she idolizes, Phoebe Dupree, who is seen as perfect in every way. Abby ensures everything is flawless, from the sugary treats to her dog, Louie. However, as the tea party unfolds, unexpected events encourage Abby to embrace imperfection, leading to a fun and memorable playdate. Through lively rhymes and charming illustrations, this story highlights the beauty of enduring friendship and the joy found in embracing life's imperfections.
Discussion points
How do you think Abby felt when she was preparing for Phoebe's visit?
What are some ways Abby tried to make the tea party perfect?
Why do you think things didn’t go as Abby planned?
How did Abby and Phoebe handle the situation when things went wrong?
What does this story teach us about friendship and being perfect?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions that Abby experiences throughout the story.
Pause at key moments to ask your child how they would react in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of effort and intention in friendships, rather than focusing solely on outcomes.
Encourage your child to think about times when things didn’t go as planned and how they dealt with it.
Highlight the message that everyone makes mistakes and that it’s okay to be imperfect.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The story centers around a young girl named Abby who is anxiously preparing for her friend Phoebe Dupree’s visit. The plot emphasizes the value of friendship and the lengths one goes to make friends feel special.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and nurture their relationships with their friends, understanding the importance of making their friends feel valued and loved.
Example Lesson: Handling pressure and expectation
Explanation: Abby feels tremendous pressure to ensure everything is perfect for Phoebe's visit. The story teaches that it's okay for things not to go as planned despite one's best efforts.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children cope with their own expectations and the pressures of daily life, teaching them to handle disappointments gracefully and maintain self-esteem.
Example Lesson: The joy of sharing experiences
Explanation: Despite the hiccups in Abby’s preparations, the enjoyment ultimately comes from the shared experience between Abby and Phoebe. The book highlights that activities done together are more memorable and enjoyable.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to share experiences with others, whether in play, school, or family activities, fostering a sense of community and mutual enjoyment.
Example Lesson: Creativity and improvisation
Explanation: As things don't go according to plan, Abby has to think quickly and come up with new ideas to make the tea party enjoyable. This showcases her ability to improvise and use her creativity to solve problems.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use their imagination to overcome obstacles and adapt to situations, which is a valuable skill in all areas of life.