
Part 1
Zara set up a pretend tea party for Teddy. She placed two cups on the little table: one for herself and one for her bear.
Find a cozy spot. Read together. Pause for the good questions.

Zara set up a pretend tea party for Teddy. She placed two cups on the little table: one for herself and one for her bear.
Read aloud, take turns, or pause for a question. The illustrated page-by-page reader is above.
Page 1
Zara set up a pretend tea party for Teddy. She placed two cups on the little table: one for herself and one for her bear.
Page 2
Through the open window, Zara saw Mei in the next yard. Mei had just moved into the neighborhood and was playing alone.
Page 3
Zara felt shy about speaking to someone new. Teddy could not speak, but his friendly button eyes helped Zara think of a kind idea.
Page 4
Zara carried a green chair to the table and added a third cup. Then she went outside and said, “Hello. Would you like to join our tea party?”
Page 5
Mei smiled and came inside. She poured pretend tea for Teddy. Zara offered pretend strawberry cake.
Page 6
At first they used only a few words. Then Mei made Teddy bow, and Zara laughed. Soon they were making up a whole teddy-bear café.
Page 7
Mei taught Zara how to say hello in the language she spoke with her family. Zara practiced carefully, and Mei clapped.
Page 8
When Mei went home, the green chair stayed by the table. Zara wanted it ready for the next friend who needed an invitation.
Read each question together. Choose the answer that matches the story.
Try the story activityShare a rhyme inspired by the story. Read the words together, tap a gentle beat, or make up your own tune.
Two small cups for tea today,
Zara and her bear will play.
Through the window Zara saw
Mei next door, alone outdoors.
Zara felt a little shy.
Teddy's eyes gave one kind try.
Add a chair and add a cup.
One kind invite opens up.
Say hello and make some room.
New-found friendship starts to bloom.
Zara brought a green chair near.
Placed one more cup right here.
"Would you like to join our tea?"
Mei smiled back, "Yes, happily."
Add a chair and add a cup.
One kind invite opens up.
Say hello and make some room.
New-found friendship starts to bloom.
Mei poured tea for Teddy Bear.
Zara served a cake to share.
Teddy bowed; they laughed with glee.
Made a teddy-bear cafe.
Add a chair and add a cup.
One kind invite opens up.
Mei taught Zara how to greet.
Zara practiced, clear and sweet.
Green chair waited by the tea,
Ready for a friend to be.
Enjoy the video version of this story, then talk about your favorite part.
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