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Thursday, February 13, 2014

Tea Rex, written and illustrated by Molly Idle. Viking, Penguin. 2013. $18.00 ages 4 and up

"Dear Mr. Rex,

It has been so long
since I have seen you.

Do drop by on Friday
afternoon for a cup
of tea.

Your friend,
Cordelia."

We recently spent time with Mary Wrightly and her mannerly ways. Now, I would like to introduce you to Cordelia and her little brother. Cordelia knows what it is to be polite and inviting. In fact, her invitation to a dinosaur to come to tea is the premise for this delightful new book by Molly Idle.

Cordelia is well aware of the nuances of good manners. Her opening note to Mr. Rex and the thank you note she sends once he has visited would do Emily Post proud. In between, the author makes clear the advice that should be taken when an afternoon tea is the social occasion. Any idea what might happen when a T. Rex arrives for tea? Of course, he does his very best to be the perfect guest!

Ms. Idle provides a clear vision for her many delighted readers of the hilarity that ensues when a very large dinosaur accepts an invitation to tea. He's exceptionally polite; he just doesn't fit the specifications of human house, tea paraphernalia, and proper manners. It begins with promise, and  takes no time to dissolve into chaos.

The illustrations are a riot and answer many questions that might be considered before the next invite is sent. How do you get him in the door? What little brother is going to sit politely and sip tea when a dinosaur is in the vicinity? How does a T. Rex drink from a tiny teacup? What will hold enough to satisfy his thirst? Once he's eaten, how do you get him out the door? Will he return your gracious invitation with a tea party of his own?

All questions are answered with humor and charm in the bold and detailed Prismacolor pencil crayon artwork. Young readers will be delighted to spend glorious moments exploring the many wonderful details that each page presents. Be sure to study them carefully, and take the time to enjoy the delighted laughter of the child who shares it with you.

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