One thing I like about literature for children is that, in trying to write more simply, looking for the essence of a subject, we more easily and obviously touch the spiritual aspects. In the case of tea as a theme, I’m always delighted to find stories for children with a tea element.

 Chachaji’s Cup by Uma Krishnaswami

ISBN-13: 978-0892391783  Children’s Book Press (March 2003) Ages 4-8

One of the most delightful and unusual twists on this is  Chachaji’s Cup by Uma Krishnaswami. It is a family story in which a careless boy breaks his uncle’s treasured teacup. A sad moment becomes an opportunity to better understand the meaning of their family history and legacy.

The book has been chosen for a transformational project, “TEA WITH CHACHAJI - a Making Books Sing”. It will be turned into a Broadway musical. It will become part of a 14 year history of this group’s commitment to great stories. The Lyrics will be written by Gwynne Watkins and the music by Denver Casado. Performances begin this month (January 2010) in New York City where more than 12,000 school children will have the opportunity to attend performances. Then, in February, the show will travel to the West Coast - Stanford University. 

http://losangeles.broadwayworld.com/article

Can you think of a better way to celebrate Hot Tea Month than introducing young children to the amazing culture of tea? Fortunately, I can offer some additional new books by devoted tea lovers and great writers.

Nature’s Royal Tea Party by Cheryl Kling

Another wonderful tea story for young children both written and illustrated by Cheryl Kling is Nature’s Royal Tea Party. Kling has given center stage to Mother Nature’s royal court - such as Queen Bee, Frog Prince, Monarch Butterfly. They are preparing to welcome a special guest.
Through this fanciful experience, the idea of sharing tea as a part of playtime is inspired. From there, parents and grandparents have an opportunity to develop the joys and benefits of a family teatime as part of every-day life.

As the story goes, Little Firefly enjoys a private cuppa while she wishes that she be invited to join the royal gathering. I loved the idea of tea wishing. Haven’t you also spent some quiet time imagining and wishing for something special to happen or a problem to be solved? I think that we parents and grandparents frequently look for ways to help children relax. I found myself appreciating this example of stopping to have a cuppa to focus on a desired outcome. It’s delightful to discover something so fanciful that is also very practical.

Author, Cheryl Kling is now actively promoting her new book and the special spirit of tea at bookstores and fairs, gatherings of all ages. With her books and speaking, she is finding new tea lovers - one cup at a time.

Mr. Putter & Tabby Pour The Tea by Cynthia Rylant

Ages 6 to 9. Harcourt, 1994, 0-15-200901-9

There’s also a series of books - Mr. Putter & Tabby - that started with Mr. Putter & Tabby Pour The Tea. Mr. Putter is lonely and wants someone to share his tea and muffins. By adopting an older cat, he finds a companion who loves his teatime. Of course, Mr. Putter loves his muffins with jam while Tabby prefers cream cheese.

But the endearing quality of sharing tea with a friend is the central theme. And this particular story helps us cross the gender and generation gap from teatime being limited to little girls and grannies.

I know that this discussion is a bit self-serving. But I believe this is an important topic, even if it wasn’t my particular tea-writing niche. I’m happy to find other authors who incorporate a tea theme into their stories for young children. For me, recognizing these titles aren’t simply book reviews. They are ways in which we can reach out to the upcoming generations of tea lovers.

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