There are few pleasures as universal — and as endlessly versatile — as a good cup of tea. In Teatime Around the World, author Denyse Waissbluth and illustrator Chelsea O’Byrne take young readers (and the young at heart) on a global culinary exploration that proves tea is far more than a warm drink in a mug. It is a cultural touchstone, a social ritual, and a delicious lens through which we can taste tradition, hospitality, and human connection. https://www.denysewaissbluth.com/
From the first lyrical line — “Tea for one. Tea for two. Tea for me. Tea for you” — Waissbluth’s poetic narrative bubbles with warmth and wanderlust. This picture book reads almost like a verse-driven menu of teas: each page brings a new region, a new flavor palate, and a new way of savoring tea. Alongside familiar brews like Moroccan mint and masala chai, readers discover delightful novelties such as salty yak butter tea in Tibet, pulled tea in Malaysia, and bubble tea in Taiwan. Each vignette is paired with concise, engaging facts that invite curiosity without overwhelming young audiences. We first met the author with her book Soups On Around the World at Soup’s On Around the World – Canadian Cookbooks
But the heart of this book is not just the beverages themselves — it’s what tea means to the people who drink it. Waissbluth, a former journalist who has enjoyed tea in twenty countries, uses her global travels to infuse the text with genuine cultural insights. She studied tea culture in China and draws on personal memories — from sipping teh tarik with new friends in Singapore to recalling the comforting cups shared at her grandparents’ farm in Manitoba — to reinforce the idea that tea is a universal invitation to conversation and connection. Like Denyse, I got to visit a tea plantation in China. The education we received from that experience impacted how I viewed one of my favourite drinks.
Complementing Waissbluth’s text are Chelsea O’Byrne’s richly textured illustrations. A Vancouver-based artist and tea enthusiast, O’Byrne brings each scene to life with vibrant, detailed depictions of people, places, and the beautiful rituals that surround tea. Her work uses an array of media — from watercolour and gouache to coloured pencil — which gives each cultural tableau its own visual flavor. O’Byrne’s illustrations don’t just show people drinking tea; they celebrate the vessels, traditions, and communal settings that make each cup memorable, whether it’s poured from a samovar in Russia or shared in the simplicity of a family kitchen. Here’s a samovar my parents and grandparents used throughout my childhood. Tea was central to our Slavic upbringing.
What’s especially delightful about Teatime Around the World is how it balances educational content with pure sensory joy. Children (and adults) will be captivated by the playful rhythms of the text and the stunning bursts of colour on every page, while also absorbing fascinating tidbits about global tea traditions. It’s the kind of book that might inspire a parent to brew a pot of Moroccan mint or masala chai at home — or even spark a classroom conversation about how food and drink can bridge cultures.
We asked author Denyse for her favourite recipe with tea and she generously shared her Mint & Lemon Tea with Honey and Cheesy Toast Strips in our Recipe section. This is her after-school snack she shares with her children. Keep it kid-friendly or adult it up with add-ons you’ll find in my Tips & Tricks.
For foodies and culture lovers, this book is like a travelogue you can sip your way through while curled up on the couch. It’s accessible, delightful, and rich with the kind of multicultural appreciation that resonates far beyond its intended 4–8 age range. The theme of hospitality — how a simple drink can open doors, start friendships, and celebrate diversity — is a message worth pouring into every home. Win a copy of this book in our Giveaway section and start enjoying your next cup of tea curled up with your kids and this book.
In a world where tastes are both deeply personal and wonderfully diverse, Teatime Around the World reminds us that the humble cup of tea connects us all — one sip at a time. If you’re a lover of tea, travel, or beautifully illustrated books, this is one you’ll want on your shelf — preferably next to a freshly brewed pot.
Contents and images used with permission by Greystone Books. https://greystonebooks.com/products/teatime-around-the-world