Author Showcase: The Tales of Teacups

By Rochelle O’Neal Thorpe, for The Children’s Book Review
Published: October 4, 2010

The Tales of Teacups is an imaginative story about a little girl, Keisha, who discovers a collection of teacups from around the world in her mother’s cupboard. Keisha takes three cups out of the cabinet and sets them on the kitchen table for her own little tea party. The daydreamer makes believe they come alive and tell her of their journeys.

First Ms. Bei (杯) tells her about how she has Chinese Black Tea (Hei Cha 黑茶) with Mrs. Chen and Shelly in Taiwan. Next, Ms. Ocha explains Omiai, the Japanese tea ceremony for arranged marriages in Japan, and how parents seek a Nakodo なこど or Matchmaker (媒酌人) to find a suitable husband for their daughters.

Furtuna, a teacup belonging to the African Heritage Collection, explains to Keisha their shared African ancestry and then tells Keisha about Shahi, the Tigrinya word for tea (a spice tea served in Eritrea, East Africa). Readers will have an enjoyable teatime with Keisha and her mother, and are encouraged to share intimate moments between friends.

Tea is not just for the English. It is a universal tradition for everyone to enjoy!

Add this book to your collection: The Tales of Teacups (Volume 1) by Rochelle O’Neal Thorpe

Author Showcase: A place for authors and illustrators to gain visibility for their works. Titles featured in the Author Showcase have not been reviewed by The Children’s Book Review, and reflect the thoughts of the author, illustrator, or publishing company. Read more …