Children's Books about Tea

Other than the REALLY important things like family and health, there are only two things that come close to reaching the obsession level I have about tea - knitting and reading. I am truly happy when my interests collide, as they have when I've gotten the opportunity to review books about tea.

Lucy's Tea Party by Sally O. Lee, 2005

This simply illustrated story about a rabbit named Lucy who decides to throw a tea party for her cat, Seymour, her bear, Billy, and her mother. Lucy, Seymour, and Billy make invitations, find the teaware, bake the cookies, and get dressed up. It's a sweet story that captures a moment in time that so many children engage in.

At the end of the book are invitations you can photocopy and color and a recipe for Lucy's sugar cookies.


Not Another Tea Party by Mark Shulman and Vincent Nguyen, 2006

A bossy girl named Hilary holds a tea party that she will never forget. Hilary isn't much fun to be around because she has so many rules. When a chameleon comes to join the tea party, he shows her that not everyone can be ordered around. He convinces the other guests to stand up to her...literally...and they march out the door. That's pretty impressive for a stuffed bear and an action figure. Hilary learns how to treat people if she wants to have friends. Gorgeous, rich illustrations.


Apple Juice Tea by Martha Weston, 1994

Polly has a hard time adjusting to her family's new guest, her Gran. Gran tries to make Polly happy, but Polly wants no part of it. Then comes the night when Gran babysits and serves apple juice tea. A friendship blooms and the tea parties become a nightly event. Very nice illustrations. This is a great book for a child expecting a visitor that they might not see very often. It speaks to those fears and insecurities children might have around adults.



Miss Spider's Tea Party by David Kirk, 1994

This classic counting book has bright illustrations and clever rhymes. Miss Spider tries to find friends to join her for tea...but they all fear they'll be on the menu. Miss Spider eventually shows that she is a wonderful hostess, only interested in sharing tea with her friends.


Hannah and the Whistling Teakettle by Mindy Warshaw Skolsky, 2000

Hannah is going to visit her grandparents on her own for the first time. She wants to bring a very special present for her grandmother, a woman who refuses all presents on the basis that they are "not necessities." She picks out a whistling teakettle, believing she has finally found a "necessity." At first her grandmother refuses, but when the teakettle's whistle saves the family from robbers, she changes her mind. A clever story, but the robbers did worry my son, especially the (one or two) references to guns and shooting. Just be aware of that before you introduce it to children who may be worriers.


These were some nice volumes. I have a few others that I'm hoping to get to review soon. Please be sure to pass along your favorite titles too! I'd love to see what else is out there.

Have a great day everyone. (And it looks like Babette Donaldson will have a new addition to the Emma Lea series this spring!)