Maybelle Goes to Tea
#2 of 4 in Maybelle Series
What’s inside...
Maybelle doesn't go looking for adventures, but they seem to find her anyway. She just can't be content eating crumbs in the dark like a cockroach should. No, Maybelle wants to taste the delicious surprise in Mrs. Peabody's famous Chocolate Surprise Cookies. So when Mrs. Peabody holds a Ladies' Spring Tea, Maybelle follows the advice of her new fly friend, Maurice. She goes for it--and tumbles into a tasty but terrifying adventure in this delightful sequel to Maybelle in the Soup. Maybelle Goes to Tea is a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
Character compass
Maybelle
Mr. Peabody
Mrs. Peabody
Mrs. Snodgrass
Discussion points
How do you think Maybelle felt when she was at the tea party?
What would you do if you were in Maybelle's shoes at the tea party?
Why is it important to have manners like Maybelle learned?
What did Maybelle learn about making new friends?
How did the other characters react to Maybelle's actions, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to Maybelle’s adventures, enhancing their empathy and understanding of the story.
Discuss the importance of manners and friendship illustrated in the book, linking them to real-life social skills.
Ask follow-up questions that prompt your child to think critically about the characters' behaviors and their own.
Use expressive reading to highlight emotional cues in the story, making it easier for your child to understand complex feelings.
Praise your child's responses to foster a positive and engaging discussion atmosphere.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of manners and etiquette
Explanation: In 'Maybelle Goes to Tea', Maybelle the cockroach learns and practices proper manners when she attends a tea party, highlighting the significance of being polite in social settings.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by using polite words like 'please' and 'thank you', and following table manners during meals at home or at school.
Example Lesson: Courage to step out of your comfort zone
Explanation: Maybelle confronts her fears of being spotted and steps out of her safe corner to explore the grandiose tea party, demonstrating bravery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to try new activities or make new friends, despite feeling nervous or scared.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Throughout the story, Maybelle faces various consequences due to her curious actions, teaching children that every action has a reaction.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think about the potential outcomes before acting, helping them make more thoughtful decisions.
Example Lesson: Respect for others' property
Explanation: Maybelle learns to navigate her surroundings carefully, respecting the belongings at the tea party without causing disruption.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of treating others' belongings with care and being mindful of their environment.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Despite being different, Maybelle finds companionship in unexpected places during the tea party, showcasing the value of diverse friendships.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to be friendly and open to forging friendships with peers who might seem different from them.