Phoebe Dupree is coming to tea!

K-Gr 2--The book opens with a written invitation from the narrator Abby to Phoebe, inviting her to tea. Abby, with pale skin and a ginger bun, is all but ecstatic that Phoebe, Black with a halo of natural hair, is to be her guest. There is a polka dot teapot and there are matching plates, and everything must be perfect. "Have you met Phoebe? Phoebe's as perfect as perfect can be. Phoebe is speedy. Phoebe is smart. She's equally brilliant at science and art." The pressure! The dog gets a bath and instructions in how to behave, and a doll and two bears are enlisted as extra guests. Abby wants Phoebe to love tea so much that she'll want to come again. Budding friendship has never been so earnestly portrayed in this heartwarming look at the truth behind hospitality: We share so we can show people how much we like being in their company. The illustrations of all the preparations roll out with lockstep pacing and mounting excitement, but then there is one clumsy misstep and subsequent chaos. Phoebe and Abby's friendship is cemented by dented cupcakes, frosting everywhere, and the promise of more tea parties to come. VERDICT With an ice cream-colored palette and an energetic drawing style that conveys the entire spectrum between worry and absolute glee, this is a generous, SEL-laced glimpse of how all the best friendships get their start.--Kimberly Olson Fakih, School Library Journal

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. (Picture book. 3-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.