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The Queen Is Coming to Tea
One day there was a knock at Ellie's door. There stood the Queen's Footman. "A message from Her Royal Highness." He offered Ellie a note on a silver tray.
May I please come for tea?
Sincerely yours,
The Queen Herself
When Ellie finds out the Queen is coming to tea, she snaps to attention! After all, the Queen deserves the best: cake from Paris, tea from China, lemons from Italy... "Pish posh," says Ellie. "We can do it!"
But will the Queen patiently wait? And what exactly will be waiting for the Queen?
May I please come for tea?
Sincerely yours,
The Queen Herself
When Ellie finds out the Queen is coming to tea, she snaps to attention! After all, the Queen deserves the best: cake from Paris, tea from China, lemons from Italy... "Pish posh," says Ellie. "We can do it!"
But will the Queen patiently wait? And what exactly will be waiting for the Queen?
32 pages, Hardcover
First published February 7, 2017
1 person is currently reading
441 people want to read
About the author
Linda Ravin Lodding
13 books64 followersLinda Ravin Lodding is the award-winning author of ten children’s picture books, including her latest, Babies Are Not Bears (Reycraft Books). Her stories brim with humor, heart, and curiosity—often inspired by the world around her.
Her debut picture book, The Busy Life of Ernestine Buckmeister (Flashlight Press), won the Comstock-Gág Read Aloud Book Award and was read aloud by Emmy Award–winning actress Connie Britton for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Storyline Online. Its timeless message about the importance of play continues to resonate in classrooms and homes worldwide.
Linda’s other books include A Gift for Mama (a New York Times notable title), Painting Pepette, Hold That Thought, Milton!, The Queen Is Coming to Tea, Little Red Riding Sheep, Wakey, Wakey, Elephant!, When We Had to Leave Home, and Flipflopi: How a Boat Made from Flip-Flops Is Helping to Save the Ocean. Flipflopi has received both the prestigious Children’s Africana Book Award and the Skipping Stones Honor Award as a "timely and timeless resource in multicultural and global education."
A native New Yorker, Linda earned her BA in English from Barnard College, Columbia University, and an MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business. She has since lived in Austria and the Netherlands and now calls Stockholm, Sweden home.
When she’s not writing, Linda works as Head of Communications for Global Child Forum—a foundation initiated by the Swedish Royal Family to advance children’s rights in the corporate sector. She’s also active in the writing community as founder of the Stockholm Children’s & Illustrator’s Network, faculty at the Stockholm Writers Festival, and a longtime member of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators).
Linda regularly offers school visits—both virtual and in-person—with a focus on international schools. Her sessions are engaging, curriculum-connected, and filled with laughter, behind-the-scenes stories, and practical tips for young storytellers.
To learn more, visit www.lindalodding.com, or follow her on Instagram (@lindaravinlodding_author) and Facebook.
Her debut picture book, The Busy Life of Ernestine Buckmeister (Flashlight Press), won the Comstock-Gág Read Aloud Book Award and was read aloud by Emmy Award–winning actress Connie Britton for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Storyline Online. Its timeless message about the importance of play continues to resonate in classrooms and homes worldwide.
Linda’s other books include A Gift for Mama (a New York Times notable title), Painting Pepette, Hold That Thought, Milton!, The Queen Is Coming to Tea, Little Red Riding Sheep, Wakey, Wakey, Elephant!, When We Had to Leave Home, and Flipflopi: How a Boat Made from Flip-Flops Is Helping to Save the Ocean. Flipflopi has received both the prestigious Children’s Africana Book Award and the Skipping Stones Honor Award as a "timely and timeless resource in multicultural and global education."
A native New Yorker, Linda earned her BA in English from Barnard College, Columbia University, and an MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business. She has since lived in Austria and the Netherlands and now calls Stockholm, Sweden home.
When she’s not writing, Linda works as Head of Communications for Global Child Forum—a foundation initiated by the Swedish Royal Family to advance children’s rights in the corporate sector. She’s also active in the writing community as founder of the Stockholm Children’s & Illustrator’s Network, faculty at the Stockholm Writers Festival, and a longtime member of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators).
Linda regularly offers school visits—both virtual and in-person—with a focus on international schools. Her sessions are engaging, curriculum-connected, and filled with laughter, behind-the-scenes stories, and practical tips for young storytellers.
To learn more, visit www.lindalodding.com, or follow her on Instagram (@lindaravinlodding_author) and Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 14, 2019
Rating: 4 STARS
2017; Sourcebooks Jabberwocky/Sourcebooks
(Review Not on Blog)
A young girl receives a note from the Queen that she will be joining her for tea. Ellie must find the perfect tea and food for her Majesty. A very cute book on adventure and tea parties.
***I received an eARC from EDELWEISS***
2017; Sourcebooks Jabberwocky/Sourcebooks
(Review Not on Blog)
A young girl receives a note from the Queen that she will be joining her for tea. Ellie must find the perfect tea and food for her Majesty. A very cute book on adventure and tea parties.
***I received an eARC from EDELWEISS***
June 3, 2017
The Queen Is Coming to Tea - Linda Ravin Lodding,Constanze Von Kitzing I really liked the text, and mostly liked the illustrations, except what the hell is with Ming? I get that it is all pretend, but where would she get such a weird look from? What is that outfit even? Why is Ming bald? What!?!
Library copy
Library copy
August 5, 2016
The thing about picture books is that if a kid loves it, they will ask to read it or be read to, over and over again. Some books pull you in that way.
This book, which is bright and colorful and cute, did not draw me in. A little girl finds out that the "Queen" is coming to tea, and she has to prepare for it. So, she flies to New York, Paris, Italy, and China to get all the ingredients. Amafi Coast in Italy for lemons, Paris for cake, New York for fashion and China for tea. Some locations are more stereotypical than others. For China, the illustrator shows the great wall, as well as tea fields, and the boy she brings back with her appears to be a monk. For Italy she brings back an anthopormophic lizard. For Paris, a Fox chef.
It turns out in the end that the "queen" is her mother, and she has a tea party in her bedroom with her (or playroom or nursery). And all the animals are toys on her floor.
It is ok. It is cute. But it doesn't appeal to me, and I didn't find it that engaging, nor did I see the point. So, yeah, three stars.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
This book, which is bright and colorful and cute, did not draw me in. A little girl finds out that the "Queen" is coming to tea, and she has to prepare for it. So, she flies to New York, Paris, Italy, and China to get all the ingredients. Amafi Coast in Italy for lemons, Paris for cake, New York for fashion and China for tea. Some locations are more stereotypical than others. For China, the illustrator shows the great wall, as well as tea fields, and the boy she brings back with her appears to be a monk. For Italy she brings back an anthopormophic lizard. For Paris, a Fox chef.
It turns out in the end that the "queen" is her mother, and she has a tea party in her bedroom with her (or playroom or nursery). And all the animals are toys on her floor.
It is ok. It is cute. But it doesn't appeal to me, and I didn't find it that engaging, nor did I see the point. So, yeah, three stars.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
August 9, 2016
What do you do when the Queen asks if she can come for tea? This is a delightful book about a little girl who uses her imagination very well. When she finds out the Queen wants to come for tea, she must get the best of everything. Off she flies in an airplane with her elephant friend. Off to China for tea, Italy for lemons, Paris for pastries and New York for clothes. At each spot she brings someone back with her to meet the Queen. While they wait for the queen they play and have so much fun they all fall asleep except for Ellie. She and the queen (her mother) have tea together. The illustrations are colourful and cute. They have all her toys come to life as the footman, her elephant sidekick etc. A good book for primary students and young children developing their imagination.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest reveiw.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest reveiw.
December 18, 2017
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I loved reading this book to my kids. It was an excellent read for both me and my little ones. To tell you the truth, even my eldest enjoyed it and has read the story several times to her younger siblings since the first read. The whimsically fun cover image drew them in from the start. My son (5 y) was particularly curious about the Fox carrying the cake. Truth be told, the artwork in this book is beautifully drawn, colored, and rendered. Despite it being an eBook, all the images scaled correctly and appeared in the correct position in relation to the story text. The repetitive nature of the story does leave a bit to be desired for us adult readers, but the tiny ones loved it and even chimed in on the "catch line."
The big reveal at the end was no surprise to me or my daughter (aged: 10 y), but it fascinated my two younger ones (ages: 5 y and 2 y) who at first completely missed the surprise. Instead, they were sad that in the end the tea party didn't turn out as expected. Once the true nature of the book was revealed (through extensive review) my son found it very comical and immediately asked me to read it again so that he too could find clues to the surprise as his eldest sibling had done. Worked very well as a whimsical bedtime adventure. I recommend for parents of children 5 years or under.
The big reveal at the end was no surprise to me or my daughter (aged: 10 y), but it fascinated my two younger ones (ages: 5 y and 2 y) who at first completely missed the surprise. Instead, they were sad that in the end the tea party didn't turn out as expected. Once the true nature of the book was revealed (through extensive review) my son found it very comical and immediately asked me to read it again so that he too could find clues to the surprise as his eldest sibling had done. Worked very well as a whimsical bedtime adventure. I recommend for parents of children 5 years or under.
May 21, 2024
Genre Fiction
Grades kinder- 3rd grade
This is such a fun story to read to little girls, or have older girls read to you. This is all about a little girl preparing for the Queen to have tea. The book is full of hope and colorful pages. It is full of all the things the Queen would love. However, when you reach the end, we find out the Queen is her mom, and she wants to spend time with her. Such a good reminder to spend time with our kids and how much they value us. Puts what we value in perspective.
Grades kinder- 3rd grade
This is such a fun story to read to little girls, or have older girls read to you. This is all about a little girl preparing for the Queen to have tea. The book is full of hope and colorful pages. It is full of all the things the Queen would love. However, when you reach the end, we find out the Queen is her mom, and she wants to spend time with her. Such a good reminder to spend time with our kids and how much they value us. Puts what we value in perspective.
July 12, 2017
The Queen is Coming to Tea whisks your child away on an imaginative journey around several major cities in the world. The illustrations are beautiful pastels that are appealing and perfect for the tea party theme. My girls enjoyed learning a bit about other places they aren't familiar with, especially China. They especially loved the tea leaves in the shape of a dragon's tongue! And the surprise at the end was special!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review.
August 26, 2017
Cute story about a little girl who receives a note from the Queen saying she would like to come for tea. The little girl realizes that she will need a cake, - from Paris - tea, - from China - lemons from Italy, and a special dress to wear - from NYC. Once everything is gathered and put in place, she and her friends proceed to consume the special treats and forget to wait for the Queen - oh, no!
October 6, 2023
This book would have a pretty niche audience, as unless the child is into tea parties, I don't think it'd appeal much. It is also a strictly entertainment book- no "lesson" to learn, though you do learn a bit about where certain foods could come from.
It is perfect bedtime story length, with a few short sentences per page.
I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
It is perfect bedtime story length, with a few short sentences per page.
I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2019
This book was super cute. I likes that it had to deal with a little girl having a tea party. Most little girls enjoy have tea parties and inviting fancy people to them. This book also gave its readers a tour of some different cultures they probably haven't experienced.
September 18, 2025
Bright, colorful illustrations are a wonderful compliment to this story of a little girl preparing to have the queen come for tea. She's super clever and has a wonderful imagination. This is a fun group read aloud!
March 24, 2017
I cute book about imaginative play.
May 27, 2017
My niece loved The Queen is Coming to Tea. She enjoyed the story immensely.
July 13, 2017
A whimsical read with a delightful surprise at the end!
Full review to come.
Kris @Imaginary Reads
Full review to come.
Kris @Imaginary Reads
September 26, 2017
Totally adorable. Loved the global aspect and the illustrations. Wonderful!
August 6, 2018
Unsurprisingly, I found this delightful.
June 22, 2019
This is a story filled with imagination and whimsy.
July 17, 2017
The Queen is Coming To Tea, by Linda Ravin Lodding and illustrated by Constanze von Kitzing, is a deliciously charming and delightful picture book! When Ellie finds out that the Queen is coming for tea, she and her animal pals travel across the globe in search of the perfect tea, snacks, clothes, and more for a tea party fit for, well, a queen.
With an exciting story (travel adventures and tea with THE Queen?!) and Lodding's sweet, endearing, and fanciful text, little readers will be enchanted by Ellie's whirlwind country hopping trip and will love meeting all the fun new friends Ellie picks up along the way. von Kitzing's whimsical illustrations, with their soft colors; humorous scenes; and lively action, will captivate readers, and perfectly bring the story to life.
The Queen is Coming To Tea is sure to be a hit with all the little princesses and princes in your life and will surely inspire many tea parties!
March 20, 2017
TOo long for storytime BUT it will fit the bill perfectly for those asking for "Around the World" or "Travel" books!
August 30, 2016
This charming book will ignite your child's imagination and have her joining in a smashing good day as Ellie and her best friend Langley prepare to host a tea party for the Queen. The Queen's footman brings a formal request from the Queen herself to see if she could attend afternoon tea with Ellie and company. Does Ellie accept? Of course!!! But then she has to put on her thinking cap as the planning begins....
Ellie and Langley fly to Paris, France to purchase the best cream cake ever baked at La Patisserie. She is delighted with the cake and and the Chef agrees it is, "Très delicious! She brings both the cake and the Chef back for the party. Then it's on to China to visit Ming for the finest tea in the world (Ming escorts her back), then on to Amalfi Coast, Italy for "limonis". These fresh picked lemons are perfect to serve to her majesty, the Queen. Luigi tags along back to the party with Ellie too. Of course she needs suitable clothing for the occasion so a quick trip to New York is required to Miss Twinkle's dressing room of ballet where she finds the "Fluffiest, fanciest, and frilliest tutu" on the planet to wear to the party. Guess who accompanies her back... yes, you are right...Miss Twinkle-toes herself? Each time she collects someone new to bring back to enjoy the party with her and her royal guest.
After telling the doorman that the tea will be served at 2:00 her excited group of friends get busy decorating her bedroom with flowers, finest china, ribbons, that scrumptious cake, a fancy teapot and cups and those fresh-scented lemons. While they prepare they sip the tea, nibble the sweets, dance, play, giggle and prance so much that they become exhausted, curl up in a pile and fall sound asleep. Oh my! The food is all gobbled up, the room is in disarray and everyone is snoring when suddenly Ellie hears the Queen herself knocking at the door.
What will happen when the Queen enters her room? Will the Queen be upset at what she finds awaiting her? You will love how Ellie handles the dilemma and the fun twist at the end of the story... end of the story maybe.... but never ever the end of Ellie's unlimited imagination.
The illustrations are so vibrant and I love the girly colour palette. They are expressive and just plain fun fitting the narrative of the text perfectly.
Ellie and Langley fly to Paris, France to purchase the best cream cake ever baked at La Patisserie. She is delighted with the cake and and the Chef agrees it is, "Très delicious! She brings both the cake and the Chef back for the party. Then it's on to China to visit Ming for the finest tea in the world (Ming escorts her back), then on to Amalfi Coast, Italy for "limonis". These fresh picked lemons are perfect to serve to her majesty, the Queen. Luigi tags along back to the party with Ellie too. Of course she needs suitable clothing for the occasion so a quick trip to New York is required to Miss Twinkle's dressing room of ballet where she finds the "Fluffiest, fanciest, and frilliest tutu" on the planet to wear to the party. Guess who accompanies her back... yes, you are right...Miss Twinkle-toes herself? Each time she collects someone new to bring back to enjoy the party with her and her royal guest.
After telling the doorman that the tea will be served at 2:00 her excited group of friends get busy decorating her bedroom with flowers, finest china, ribbons, that scrumptious cake, a fancy teapot and cups and those fresh-scented lemons. While they prepare they sip the tea, nibble the sweets, dance, play, giggle and prance so much that they become exhausted, curl up in a pile and fall sound asleep. Oh my! The food is all gobbled up, the room is in disarray and everyone is snoring when suddenly Ellie hears the Queen herself knocking at the door.
What will happen when the Queen enters her room? Will the Queen be upset at what she finds awaiting her? You will love how Ellie handles the dilemma and the fun twist at the end of the story... end of the story maybe.... but never ever the end of Ellie's unlimited imagination.
The illustrations are so vibrant and I love the girly colour palette. They are expressive and just plain fun fitting the narrative of the text perfectly.
February 18, 2017
Perfect for a tea party story time!
YAY!
YAY!
February 20, 2017
I receive my copy through the Goodreads giveaway. My daughter and I really enjoyed this book. She requests it a lot as her nighttime book.
February 15, 2017
Bright illustrations and simple text told in the present tense make the make-believe seem real. This will work for readers who also like to have tea parties, but on the whole there isn't anything here that stands out or seems particularly memorable or even all that engaging.
January 12, 2017
The Queen is Coming to Tea is a picture book by Linda Ravin Lodding which is currently scheduled for release on February 1 2017. When Ellie finds out the Queen is coming to tea, she snaps to attention! But will the Queen patiently wait? And what exactly will be waiting for the queen? Ellie enlists the help of all of her stuffed animal friends to make it a memorable affair. Together they travel to Paris, China, Italy, and New York to gather everything they need.
The Queen is Coming to Tea is a sweet picture book about family and imagination. Ellie receives a note that the Queen is coming to tea. She immediately sets off to get the very best of everything for the visit. Along with her favorite toys she gathers the best cakes and tea then dresses in the very best. Spending the afternoon with the Queen is very special- and when she finally gets her one on one time with mom it is a wonderful treat for both. I like that the story stresses the importance of independent play, imagination, and family bonding time. Finding the balance can be hard- but it looks like Ellie's family has it right. Perhaps this will inspire some special tea times with parents, grandparents, or other important people or some other activities. I know i am inspired to do more in this vein, even if my children are older now.
The Queen is Coming to Tea is a sweet picture book about family and imagination. Ellie receives a note that the Queen is coming to tea. She immediately sets off to get the very best of everything for the visit. Along with her favorite toys she gathers the best cakes and tea then dresses in the very best. Spending the afternoon with the Queen is very special- and when she finally gets her one on one time with mom it is a wonderful treat for both. I like that the story stresses the importance of independent play, imagination, and family bonding time. Finding the balance can be hard- but it looks like Ellie's family has it right. Perhaps this will inspire some special tea times with parents, grandparents, or other important people or some other activities. I know i am inspired to do more in this vein, even if my children are older now.
January 25, 2017
The Queen is coming to tea indeed and there is so much to prepare, who would of thought that Ellie knew a baker in Paris, a tea grower in China and a Ballerina in New York to help make her afternoon tea grand. What vivid imagination Ellie has and what a great helper she has in her elephant Langley as they travel the globe to make the best tea party of all.
I like that the author is introducing the children to some other languages through simple words such as Limoni which is lemon on Italian. While it is only a few words it is a small introduction to other languages at an age where children absorb information easily.
The book is recommended for children aged 4 and up but I believe would also be suitable for 3 year olds.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with this book to give an honest review.
I like that the author is introducing the children to some other languages through simple words such as Limoni which is lemon on Italian. While it is only a few words it is a small introduction to other languages at an age where children absorb information easily.
The book is recommended for children aged 4 and up but I believe would also be suitable for 3 year olds.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with this book to give an honest review.
August 19, 2016
I really liked this book and think it is a great read for any young girl. It tells of Ellie and her stuffed elephant Langley and how they go all over the world to get things for a tea Ellie is having for the Queen. Along the way other animals join her because they want to meet the Queen too. The illustrations are colorful and characters are really cute. And the ending is a surprize. I recommend this book to anyone with a young girl who likes or would like to have a tea party. I received an advanced copy of this e-book free for my honest review.
December 29, 2016
When the queen's footman delivers a message asking if the queen can come to tea, Ellie sets out with her elephant Langley to get all the things she needs--tea from China, lemons from Italy, etc.--to prepare for the perfect visit with the queen.
This book didn't quite work for me. The illustrations are bright and colorful and the elephant is cute, overall, it just didn't draw me in that much.
I read a copy via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
This book didn't quite work for me. The illustrations are bright and colorful and the elephant is cute, overall, it just didn't draw me in that much.
I read a copy via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
February 4, 2017
Cute, simple book. Good pictures that flow with the story. I think this could be a hit with preschoolers. Wish it flowed a little smoother and there was more to the story but I am an adult so maybe it would be great for children who don't need long stories. I won this book in a goodreads giveaway, thank you.
January 29, 2017
The queen is coming to tea, and Ellie must travel to the ends of the earth to find the very best treats and outfit. The story is imaginative and heartwarming, and can easily be read both one-on-one or to a group. It's a great reminder of the power of imaginative play to transport us beyond our surroundings.
I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2016
This is a really cute picture book on how Ellie prepares tea for the Queen. She must get the very best for her very important guest. I love how Ellie travels to all of different places to pick up cake, tea, etc. It's a wonderful worldwide adventure and the charming illustrations really add to the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews