When a buzzing drill heralds the opening of a new China shop in town-right across the street from his own China shop-Clovis is alarmed. Worse, the shop is modern, classy, and run by the super charismatic elephant, Alastair, who everyone seems to love.

Soon Alastair's elevated events begin to overshadow Clovis's classic cozy atmosphere, and Clovis can't help but feel upset, with many of his regulars headed across the street. When Alastair boldly calls Clovis's shop "old-fashioned," Clovis convinces his buddies to give Alastair a hard time. But even they are taken in by Alastair's trendy tea, and trying to intimidate Alastair only makes Clovis feel worse.

Taking matters into his own hands, Clovis goes on the offense, tossing trouble into his rival's store. But when old connections are revealed between the two-connections that span generations back to Clovis's own beloved Granny Grace-can Clovis and Alastair see eye to eye and realize that they have more in common than at first glance?

Filled to the brim with community spirit, double the cozy tea shops, and fun, this playful timeless tale is ready to remind competitive kids that a rival can mean a friend rather than a fight.