Thursday, October 9, 2014

"Emma Lea's First Tea Ceremony" by Babette Donaldson

Culturally enticing and unique, this book will teach readers of all ages about Japanese tea ceremonies.  Emma Lea has a tea party with her friend Sam.  His family teaches Emma Lea and her mother about the intricacies of Japanese tea.  Emma Lea gets a beautiful traditional garment and is involved in the tea ceremony--which is explained so readers may learn about it.  Sam, Emma Lea's friend, points out that tea is for men and warriors and boys...not just women and girls.  New vocabulary is introduced to youngsters as they experience the meaning of words like tranquility and peace.  The illustrations are also beautifully painted, from the Japanese tea room to the authentic gardens.  Also included at the end of the book is a wonderful tea cook recipe based off of Japanese tradition.  This is a great book for learning, and it would easily make a great book report project on the culture of Japan.

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