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Zara Makes Room at the Tea Table

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8 pages to explore
Cover illustration for Zara Makes Room at the Tea Table.
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Page 1 of 8

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.

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Zara Makes Room at the Tea Table

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Page 1

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.

Page 2

Part 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

Part 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

Part 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

Part 5

Mei smiled and came inside. She poured pretend tea for Teddy. Zara offered pretend strawberry cake.

Page 6

Part 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

Part 7

Mei taught Zara how to say hello in the language she spoke with her family. Zara practiced carefully, and Mei clapped.

Page 8

Part 8

When Mei went home, the green chair stayed by the table. Zara wanted it ready for the next friend who needed an invitation.

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Zara Makes Room at the Tea Table

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Intro

Two small cups for tea today,
Zara and her bear will play.

Verse 1

Through the window Zara saw
Mei next door, alone outdoors.
Zara felt a little shy.
Teddy's eyes gave one kind try.

Chorus

Add a chair and add a cup.
One kind invite opens up.
Say hello and make some room.
New-found friendship starts to bloom.

Verse 2

Zara brought a green chair near.
Placed one more cup right here.
"Would you like to join our tea?"
Mei smiled back, "Yes, happily."

Chorus

Add a chair and add a cup.
One kind invite opens up.
Say hello and make some room.
New-found friendship starts to bloom.

Bridge

Mei poured tea for Teddy Bear.
Zara served a cake to share.
Teddy bowed; they laughed with glee.
Made a teddy-bear cafe.

Final Chorus

Add a chair and add a cup.
One kind invite opens up.
Mei taught Zara how to greet.
Zara practiced, clear and sweet.

Outro

Green chair waited by the tea,
Ready for a friend to be.

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