The Teacup

With a comfy place to live and three good friends, the stranger - who once arrived with nothing but a suitcase containing a teacup and a picture of home - has settled, finding safety and contentment. One day, however, a new stranger arrives and a misunderstanding quickly leads to suspicion and accusations. But the three friends soon realise that everything is not what it seems . . . 

The Teacup is another triumph from Chris Naylor-Ballesteros! Perfect for sharing, it encourages readers to pause and think before acting and reacting to others. The Suitcase is one of my all-time favourite picture books. Powerful and poignant, it encourages empathy and understanding, and is a wonderful book to share with a class, sparking conversations and generating excellent work in many ways. The Teacup is a companion to this, picking up the stranger's story and, once again, giving readers plenty to reflect on.

Having accepted one stranger, the three friends are far more welcoming when they encounter someone new. However, their words quickly become harsh and hostile when they spot a teacup which they recognise. Not waiting to listen to any explanation, they make assumptions which prove to be completely unfounded. Fortunately, their blunder ends in a tender reunion when the two teacups bring the two strangers together once more, resulting in a very happy ending.

There are plenty of opportunities to explore the story further using role play and drama techniques, encouraging children to consider differing viewpoints. For teachers, the book could easily provide inspiration for work across the curriculum, no doubt producing some excellent results. A gentle and emotive story, The Teacup is full of hope and heart.

Picture book / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 3+

The Teacup is a beautifully illustrated and thought-provoking picture book that tells the story of a mysterious stranger who arrives carrying only a suitcase containing a teacup and a photograph of home.

Having once experienced kindness themselves, the animals must decide whether to welcome this new arrival. Initially, they are suspicious and assume the stranger is a thief, but as events unfold, they learn an important lesson about understanding others and challenging their own assumptions.

The Teacup is an engaging and emotionally powerful text that explores themes of belonging, empathy, friendship, migration and prejudice in a way that is accessible to young children. The simple narrative, combined with rich illustrations, encourages readers to think deeply about how people can feel when they are new, different, or misunderstood.

The book provides an excellent opportunity for Key Stage 1 pupils to discuss feelings and relationships while developing their understanding of diversity and inclusion. Its gentle message helps children recognise that first impressions are not always accurate and that kindness and acceptance are important values.

Picture book / Reviewed by Louise Gahan, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 7+