EMMA LEA'S CHILDREN BOOKS, WRITTEN BY BABETTE DONALDSON
CHOOSE FROM FOUR DIFFERENT BOOKS!
The Emma Lea picture books have been created in a partnership of three women; author, Babette Donaldson, illustrator, Jerianne Van Dijk and designer Patty Arnold. They are fiction, created by the author, Babette Donaldson. The stories have been brought to life with the illustrations of watercolorist, Jerianne Van Dijk. And the quality of the production has been directed by graphic designer, Patty Arnold.
*Hardcover
*32 Pages
*Emma Lea's First Tea Party
Emma Lea is finally old enough to attend her grandmother’s annual tea party for the ladies of the family but her excitement turns to disappointment when she realizes that Grammy has set her at a children’s table instead of at the main table with the other women. She transforms a family tradition to include the entire family and receives her own grown-up sized teapot.
*Emma Lea's Magic Teapot,
Emma Lea dreams the new teapot from her grandmother is as magical as Aladdin’s Lamp. She wishes for her favorite breakfast, for an argument with her best friend Sam to be resolved and to be able to sing in the school talent show. When the wishes come true, Emma Lea believes that the special powers come from her teapot. Her friend and family help her understand that the real magic in the world isn’t in objects. Spoiler: The magic is in our relationships with family and friends and in finding our own creative talents.
*Emma Lea's Tea with Daddy
Emma Lea and her father spend a day together while Mama is gone. Daddy has a list of chores but Emma Lea imagines something much more fun. “I’d rather have a tea party,” she tell him. “Like you have with Theodosia Teddy Bear?” he asks. “Not a playtime tea. A real tea. Like Mama and me.” Emma Lea creates a memorable afternoon for the two of them with the help of Grammie’s recipes and Mama’s crafts. She takes pride in being able to do most of it by herself and teaches her father what’s most important about tea parties.
*Emma Lea's First Tea Ceremony.
Emma Lea’s friend, Sam, invites her to join his family in their private tearoom for Japanese style tea. She experiences the peacefulness and beauty, the elegance and respect which has been a tradition since ancient times. Almost everything is new; the clothes, the Matcha tea, the delicate food. And yet, there are similarities that tea traditions around have in common. In the end, she returns to her own room for her tradition of sharing tea with her favorite stuffed animals . . . her way.
**NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:
What Is Family Tea Time?
Tea is a plant. Tea is a beverage. Tea is the time of day you decide to take a break with a 'cuppa'. In many countries around the world, taking tea is an important part of family life. Ancient customs are kept as they have been for generations. As different as tea traditions may be around the world, there are common elements.
We create a setting for conversation and relaxation. We behave with respect and courtesy. We listen. We pay attention to the small details. In so doing, everyone who joins us at the table feels important. We can make it easy. We make it fun. In doing so, we make it memorable.
We turn of the TV, abandon the electronics, don't answer phones and shift our focus to the people in our lives. Small talk is critical. Laughter sweets in the cup. For a few minutes we put aside our worries and share a bit of joy.
As I write this, I imagine being able to share tea with each of you. Not in the same physical room, perhaps, but by offering this little booklet as the beginning of a conversation. Take time to brew a favorite and let these offerings inspire a special time with your family.
Your friend in tea,
Babette Donaldson
Author, The Emma Lea Books