One of the loveliest ways to spend an afternoon is to have a tea party with a friend or two. I must admit, I like the little sandwiches and scones more than the tea and I love the way the tables are set for tea time. Where ever I go, I seek out tea houses and have located quite a few.
I have read some wonderful books about tea parties. Here are three of my favorites:
Tea Party Rules
written by: Ame Dyckman
illustrated by K.G. Campbell
Viking, 2013
picture book ages 3-6
When an uninvited bear cub sniffs cookies and finds himself at a tea party, he soon learns from the little hostess that there are rules to proper tea party behavior. The cub is cleaned and dressed because the first tea party rule is that you must be neat. The cub tries but when it comes to eating daintily, the urge for cookies is just too strong and both the girl and the cub enjoy some bearish behavior.
The pictures are delightful, the text is simple and together they combine to make a joyous book!
Tea With Grandpa
written and illustrated by Barney Saltzberg
Roaring Brook Press, 2014
picture book
In gentle, rhyming text, a young girl shares tea with her grandfather. Their warm and loving relationship is shown through words and illustrations. The ending is unexpected however when the almost clink their cups together and the reader realizes that this is a long distance tea party done via computer screen.
This sweet book shows how relationships can be maintained even when those we love are not nearby. This book is also special because of the special bond shown between a child and her grandfather.
The Tea Party Book
Written by Lucille Recht Penner
Illustrated by Jody Wheeler
Random House, 1993
The Tea Party Book is a lovely guide to tea parties. Included are recipes, crafts, and suggestions for table settings for a broad variety of children’s tea parties including a garden tea, a royal tea, a moon tea, a Teddy Bear tea, and a Valentine tea. We have sampled many of the recipes and
enjoyed most of these theme teas. This book has been a hit with both girls and boys.
Tea Time is popular with the Kindergarteners. These girls are explaining proper tea party etiquette.
What is it about tea parties that encourages such civilized behavior?
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