Bitter Tea and Rock Candy

This tender and warm picture book is a touching ode to grandparents and family traditions--even picky eating.

Mimi's Waipo loves liangcha, but Mimi thinks her grandmother's favorite tea is just too bitter.

It burns her lips, it tastes sour on her tongue, and it smells like her grandfather's socks--yuck!

Mimi secretly feeds her liangcha to the fish, and hides it in a plant, and pours it down the sink--anything to avoid drinking it again. But Waipo has an idea. One morning, she makes a new batch of liangcha for them to share. Will Waipo's secret ingredient be enough to win Mimi over?

Author: Yan Gu
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
Published: 09/09/2025
Pages: 40
Weight: 0.92lbs
Size: 10.20h x 10.10w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781250340405


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 06/15/2025
School Library Journal 08/08/2025 pg. 1

About the Author
Yan Gu is an author and illustrator from Shanghai, China. She graduated from Rhode Island School of Design. Nature and fairytale themes are her most favorite to create. When she's not making art, Yan can be found on her terrace, taking care of her plants and spending time with her dog, Doudou.