What do you think?
Rate this book
Tea in Pajamas #1
Tea in Pajamas
What if by doing something ordinary, you unlocked the gateway into a world of the extraordinary?
For Belle Marie, having tea on Wednesday afternoons—barefoot and in her pajamas—mysteriously transports her from her home to the charming storybook land of Belzerac. Soon joined by her best friend, Tess, the girls enjoy weekly adventures in this wonderful new place of talking animals and a glittering blue forest.
But one particular Wednesday, Tess suddenly vanishes and things go awry.
Is Tess in danger and is it too late to save her? Belle is confronted with these frightening possibilities, coupled with the fact that she herself may be lost and beyond the point of return.
For Belle Marie, having tea on Wednesday afternoons—barefoot and in her pajamas—mysteriously transports her from her home to the charming storybook land of Belzerac. Soon joined by her best friend, Tess, the girls enjoy weekly adventures in this wonderful new place of talking animals and a glittering blue forest.
But one particular Wednesday, Tess suddenly vanishes and things go awry.
Is Tess in danger and is it too late to save her? Belle is confronted with these frightening possibilities, coupled with the fact that she herself may be lost and beyond the point of return.
156 pages, Paperback
Published November 29, 2015
About the author
Rachel Tey
5 books5 followersRachel Tey is a published author, editorial director and part-time university lecturer. She is based in Singapore, where she lives with her illustrator husband Joseph and their two children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 28, 2019
A beautiful magical story (reminds me of A Wrinkle in Time) where kids were transported to another world, full of adventures and misadventures and also explores death/underworld and also Greek mythology of Orpheus and Eurydice. There are many beautiful illustrations peppered throughout the book to bring the magical world closer to the readers.
January 29, 2016
3 stars. I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, this was a cute book that has an Alice in Wonderland (albeit much simpler) feel. The characters were likeable and there was a very fairytale-ish feel about this book that I enjoyed. The plot was interesting and had many elements of small surprises that would be sure to keep you reading.
By the way, Belle-Marie is such a lovely name!
That being said, I sometimes wish that the writing style was more consistent. I'm not sure the intended audience would appreciate sudden changes from a simple and basic style to other more elaborate phrases such as "“Suddenly cognizant of the exuberance of her surroundings”. It's not a big gripe, but rather a small something that I wish didn't jump out at me when I was reading. Also, the jump from chapter to chapter could be better managed, in my opinion. Again, these are small problems that didn't affect my enjoyment of the overall storyline in any way.
I would recommend this book to the intended audience and other younger readers. I think this would make a perfect teatime/bedtime story.
Overall, this was a cute book that has an Alice in Wonderland (albeit much simpler) feel. The characters were likeable and there was a very fairytale-ish feel about this book that I enjoyed. The plot was interesting and had many elements of small surprises that would be sure to keep you reading.
By the way, Belle-Marie is such a lovely name!
That being said, I sometimes wish that the writing style was more consistent. I'm not sure the intended audience would appreciate sudden changes from a simple and basic style to other more elaborate phrases such as "“Suddenly cognizant of the exuberance of her surroundings”. It's not a big gripe, but rather a small something that I wish didn't jump out at me when I was reading. Also, the jump from chapter to chapter could be better managed, in my opinion. Again, these are small problems that didn't affect my enjoyment of the overall storyline in any way.
I would recommend this book to the intended audience and other younger readers. I think this would make a perfect teatime/bedtime story.
March 19, 2019
Suits age 6 onwards.
I read the book before passing it to my 6yo. There’s adventure, magic, mystery and friendship, everything that she loves so I wasn’t surprised when she says that she enjoyed the book and wants to be in Belzerac. The story is exciting and the pace is great. At less than 100 pages it didn’t take long for us to complete it and the pictures (illustrated by Author’s husband) makes such lovely accompaniment to the story.
I read the book before passing it to my 6yo. There’s adventure, magic, mystery and friendship, everything that she loves so I wasn’t surprised when she says that she enjoyed the book and wants to be in Belzerac. The story is exciting and the pace is great. At less than 100 pages it didn’t take long for us to complete it and the pictures (illustrated by Author’s husband) makes such lovely accompaniment to the story.
April 8, 2019
📖Title- Tea in Pajamas
📖Author- Rachel Tay
📖Publisher- Marshall Cavendish
📖Format - Paperback
📖Total number of pages - 95
📖 Genre - Children's Fiction
📖Brief review 📚 - Belle Marie is an ordinary girl who is transported into the magical world of Belzerac every Wednesday at 3 pm over a cup of tea & croissants. The enviable, joyous journey to the Wonderland of talking animals & pie-making competitions turns nasty when her best-friend, Tess goes missing. Will Belle be able to rescue Tess in time? An enchanting tale for everyone who believes in the power of true friendship, adventure & magic itself!💕
📖Author- Rachel Tay
📖Publisher- Marshall Cavendish
📖Format - Paperback
📖Total number of pages - 95
📖 Genre - Children's Fiction
📖Brief review 📚 - Belle Marie is an ordinary girl who is transported into the magical world of Belzerac every Wednesday at 3 pm over a cup of tea & croissants. The enviable, joyous journey to the Wonderland of talking animals & pie-making competitions turns nasty when her best-friend, Tess goes missing. Will Belle be able to rescue Tess in time? An enchanting tale for everyone who believes in the power of true friendship, adventure & magic itself!💕
December 5, 2018
Review up on @thelittlebookster
February 4, 2016
Tea in Pajamas is one of those books where you reach the end and go "awwwwww so sweet! <3" (Okay, maybe that's just me.)
Beautifully illustrated, this is one book any 8- to 12-year-old girl who loves fairy tales would love to read. Well, I'm guessing at the age range. Maybe ages 8 and up, though probably by the time they reach 15, it would probably too "childish" and they'd turn their nose up at it, until they pass 25 and get a little nostalgic.
Anyway.
Belle Marie and Tess have tea in their pajamas at 3 o'clock every Wednesday afternoon (though Belle really has coffee) because it is the key that unlocks their entry into the magical world of Belzerac. Belzerac is filled with talking animals and magical adventures, and is the highlight of Belle's week - until the unexpected happens: Tess goes missing. Engaging the help of a new friend at school, Julien Edgehawk, Belle and her Belzerac friends set off to rescue Tess.
Tea in Pajamas is whimsical and endearing, a wonderful read for any child.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Beautifully illustrated, this is one book any 8- to 12-year-old girl who loves fairy tales would love to read. Well, I'm guessing at the age range. Maybe ages 8 and up, though probably by the time they reach 15, it would probably too "childish" and they'd turn their nose up at it, until they pass 25 and get a little nostalgic.
Anyway.
Belle Marie and Tess have tea in their pajamas at 3 o'clock every Wednesday afternoon (though Belle really has coffee) because it is the key that unlocks their entry into the magical world of Belzerac. Belzerac is filled with talking animals and magical adventures, and is the highlight of Belle's week - until the unexpected happens: Tess goes missing. Engaging the help of a new friend at school, Julien Edgehawk, Belle and her Belzerac friends set off to rescue Tess.
Tea in Pajamas is whimsical and endearing, a wonderful read for any child.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2016
A lovely, strange and whimsical addition to young adult fiction. Tea in Pyjamas is a delightfully detailed escapist fantasy, cautionary tale and feel-good fable wrapped up in a tongue-in-cheek Frenchiness, with some good ol' Greek mythology thrown in adding a darker edge to the story. The premise is imaginative: every Wednesday, Belle Marie of Michelmont sits down at the kitchen table for tea in pyjamas, which transports her to the archetypal fairytale land of Belzerac where animals and stuffed teddy bears live, joined by her friend Tess... until one day, Tess suddenly disappears. The whole narrative is dreamlike, with little explanation for the impact of the girls' regular journeying and Tess' disappearance on the "real" world. Still, the journey is satisfying, like comfort food, and the characters likeable and quirky.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2016
Tea in Pajamas is delightful. I know my granddaughter wold love this book. Rachel's writing has creativity, a rhythm and cadence and a bit of a twist both to the first story and the entire book. What I particularly like about this book is the way it might ignite a child's imagination, to create his or her own story. The drawings are sweet, child-appropriate.
This book has a premise, “There was once a girl who struggled with some disordered behaviors. …she searched far and wide for a key that might unlock her from her freedoms. …the exact tools she sought for this purpose lay deep within her. …That girl was me.”
I wouldn't have read Tea in Pajamas were it not for Rachel reviewing my book, and my subsequent interest, author to author, in what she wrote. I'm glad I read her children's book, I would have missed something lovely if I hadn't read it..
This book has a premise, “There was once a girl who struggled with some disordered behaviors. …she searched far and wide for a key that might unlock her from her freedoms. …the exact tools she sought for this purpose lay deep within her. …That girl was me.”
I wouldn't have read Tea in Pajamas were it not for Rachel reviewing my book, and my subsequent interest, author to author, in what she wrote. I'm glad I read her children's book, I would have missed something lovely if I hadn't read it..
December 22, 2015
And down the rabbit hole we go... Maybe because the author has such a personal connection to the story (read the Author’s Note) or maybe it’s because the writing itself is simply so enthralling, but you can feel the depth with which this book was written. It’s a read that reminds of Alice in Wonderland meets Dorothy–just without the ruby slippers. It’s a gentle and carefully told tale–and nothing too scary even if events sound ominous (the Musicians!) at times. It's a story of hope: of a life that is beautiful and inspiring when seen through the eyes of a child—and with a discerning heart.
January 10, 2016
Evoking Alice in Wonderland, the Faraway Tree series, and A Wrinkle in Time, this children's book follows the tradition of seeking adventure in an alternative imaginative space where the rules are different. Equally fun and meaningful, it also reminds readers that what we consider everyday and mundane also brings us security and its own pleasures. Complemented by lovely illustrations and design, this publication will be an enjoyable and easy read for children below the age of ten.
January 12, 2016
Full of magical scenes, enchanting dialogues and dreamy illustrations, Tea in Pajamas is a real charmer to read in a sitting! Join Belle Marie, her best friend Tess Brown and Julien as they enter the quirky world of Belzerac on Wednesdays. Amidst the adventure and mystery, the plot has a tender note that wraps up Belle's growth and is a wonderful exploration on friendship, courage and life.
December 15, 2015
I loved the illustrations in this book and the light prose. It's the tale of a young girl named Belle who is transported to the land of Belzerac on a certain day of the week and only when wearing pajamas and drinking tea. The author creates an imaginative world full of charming animals and adds a bit of mystery that Belle and her friends must solve.
December 4, 2015
Tea in Pajamas is exactly the kind of book I’d love to be reading while drinking tea in my jammies! It’s evocatively escapist and yet the characters feel fleshed-out and authentic, like the childhood playmates I used to imagine alternate worlds with in my neighbourhood playground.
January 10, 2016
Adventure, mystery and delicious food - this book has it all. Brings me back to my childhood Enid Blyton days and speaks to the closet dreamer in me. Rachel fleshes out the characters and scenes brilliantly with her vivid descriptions. A delightful read for both kids and adults!
July 28, 2019
TEA IN PAJAMAS BY RACHEL TEY
°°°
This was a short and quick read. Surely, as a kid I could have enjoyed reading it. It's the book that you definitely want to read in your summer holidays. Being an eighteen years old, I still enjoyed reading it and this book took me to another world, the beautiful world of Belzerac. The language used is simple and easy to understand. Writing style of the author is easy to adapt for children and can really motivate your child to read more books. The story is well narrated and gripping. The cover page of the book is beautiful and eye catching. Title of the book is interesting and totally related to the story.
°°°
What if, by doing something ordinary, you unlocked the gateway into a world of the extraordinary? The story basically revolves around Belle Marie and her search for Tess Brown, her best friend in the world of Belzerac with her another classmate Julien Edgehawk. With all the ups and downs, twists and turns, it was an amazing journey.
°°°
Can they save Tess?
Will they be able to get out from Belzerac?
°°°
Overall, it was a nice read.
I would like to give it 🌟🌟🌟.5/5.
°°°
This was a short and quick read. Surely, as a kid I could have enjoyed reading it. It's the book that you definitely want to read in your summer holidays. Being an eighteen years old, I still enjoyed reading it and this book took me to another world, the beautiful world of Belzerac. The language used is simple and easy to understand. Writing style of the author is easy to adapt for children and can really motivate your child to read more books. The story is well narrated and gripping. The cover page of the book is beautiful and eye catching. Title of the book is interesting and totally related to the story.
°°°
What if, by doing something ordinary, you unlocked the gateway into a world of the extraordinary? The story basically revolves around Belle Marie and her search for Tess Brown, her best friend in the world of Belzerac with her another classmate Julien Edgehawk. With all the ups and downs, twists and turns, it was an amazing journey.
°°°
Can they save Tess?
Will they be able to get out from Belzerac?
°°°
Overall, it was a nice read.
I would like to give it 🌟🌟🌟.5/5.
April 20, 2019
**Rachel sent me a paperback copy of the series in exchange for an honest review**
Honestly, this one was amazing, yet I still have no time ti read the second book, but I will try my best to read the second book asap since I'm done with my final project. So speaking of the book, it's amazing, I loved the story-line. Highly recommended!!
P.S. So sorry for this brief review, I'll make it up real soon.
Honestly, this one was amazing, yet I still have no time ti read the second book, but I will try my best to read the second book asap since I'm done with my final project. So speaking of the book, it's amazing, I loved the story-line. Highly recommended!!
P.S. So sorry for this brief review, I'll make it up real soon.
October 25, 2020
Very heavily inspired by A Wrinkle in Time but without the charm. The characters and their struggles don't appeal to the reader, but rather seem very reflective of the author's own perspectives. It ends with the children seeing their journey as an escape which is...painted in a negative light? Even though it did not seem as though the main characters were being irresponsible by traveling to another dimension? Overall it really felt like the author should have kept this in their diary instead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2019
This was a lovely read! My daughter Vera (then aged 8) especially enjoyed the book – its magical qualities drew her in like honey to a bee. She even told me that she wished she could travel to Belzerac and taste Belle Marie’s cherry pie. Friendship and hope are the main themes of the book, as Belle and her new friend Julien, try to find and rescue Tess from danger.
January 7, 2018
The art and story mix well together although the point of interest looks like it's for readers between 9-11 years of age.
Nicely done, though!
Nicely done, though!
February 16, 2022
Hmm. Cute maar verwachtte er veeel meer van?
May 31, 2019
•BOOK REVIEW•
🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars
🍃🌻TEA IN PAJAMAS by Rachel Tey
This cute book is meant for children age 6 onwards. Beautiful illustrations and I like the inspirations in this book as it ventures on the the adventures, friendship and magic which can fascinate a reader once you read it. The characters (Belle Marie, Julien Edgehawk, Tess Brown) were great in a way that a normal kids can do like they were mature enough to think of a solution to the problem they encounter, and the whole concept reminds me of the film and novel ‘Bridge to Terabithia’ but more focus on the adventures in their magical land and their mission is to rescue one friend so that they can turn back to their own world. Also, who would have thought that you can actually drink your afternoon tea with your pajamas! 😄
🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars
🍃🌻TEA IN PAJAMAS by Rachel Tey
This cute book is meant for children age 6 onwards. Beautiful illustrations and I like the inspirations in this book as it ventures on the the adventures, friendship and magic which can fascinate a reader once you read it. The characters (Belle Marie, Julien Edgehawk, Tess Brown) were great in a way that a normal kids can do like they were mature enough to think of a solution to the problem they encounter, and the whole concept reminds me of the film and novel ‘Bridge to Terabithia’ but more focus on the adventures in their magical land and their mission is to rescue one friend so that they can turn back to their own world. Also, who would have thought that you can actually drink your afternoon tea with your pajamas! 😄
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews