TEA, by Susan Branch

Thursday is our day to share about tea books. Let's take a mini-break from learning about Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony to review...TEA, by Susan Branch.


TEA, by Susan Branch, is a very small book that contains lots of tea wisdom. Each page is a small, tag-board unit with two holes punched on the side. Pages are stacked and placed in a folded cover, then tied with a pretty blue ribbon. The theme is tea and friendship, but the contents are otherwise eclectic. The font is Susan's beautiful script. Tiny hearts dot the pages. And drawings of teacups, polka dots, laces, and food fill the space between the covers. There's even a recipe for Lavender Tea Cookies! On one page, Susan advises the reader to invite your girlfriends over for tea --- make it cozy in front of a fire, eat treats, and talk, talk, talk. Isn't that wonderful advice? I love it! This book was published by Cedco Publishing with date not given. 

Photo: miniature tea set in blue

A Little English Book of Teas

I don't know if I like this book best for its artistic illustrations of food and drink, or for the wealth of recipes it contains. A Little English Book of Teas presents an exquisite array of afternoon tea fare. From crumpets, to watercress sandwiches, Florentines, Bramble jelly, scones, and more, each recipe is accompanied by a delightful full-color illustration. This darling little book was first published in 1989 by Chronicle Books. It's authored by Rosa Mashiter with illustrations by Milanda Lopez. If you enjoy the art of afternoon tea, I think you will like this book.

Photo: Teapot, St. Petersburg, Russia; a gift from Rylan.

Tea Time Friends

Tea Time Friends is a darling little book that is illustrated by Debbie Mumm. Most know Debbie for her artistic quilt and  fabric design, and home decor. I'm quite partial to her work because she's known in our part of the state as a local gal. Her art is whimsical, inviting, and cheerful. This little book is chalk-full of paintings of teapots, teacups, teddy bears, and honeybees. Quotes from famous people speak of teatime, friendship, and   life lessons. This is the kind of book that fits nicely into a table-top vignette or in a basket beside a cozy chair so it can be picked up and read in bits and pieces over time. This book was published in 1998 by The Brownlow Corporation. Text by Caroline Brownlow. If you like miniature books, this would be a great addition to your small book library.


Felted nest and eggs in photo by Salina of Moon Flower Creations.

With a Cup of Tea

The art of Sandy Lynam Clough draws richly upon scenes that include teacups, teapots, linens, and lace. If those are things you enjoy, you will not be disappointed with this little book. "With a Cup of Tea" is a small book that features the art of Sandy Lynam Clough. Interspersed between Sandy's paintings are quotes related to tea and a genteel lifestyle. I appreciate how thoughts from Emilie Barnes are liberally sprinkled among the quotes. This book was published in 1997 by Harvest House Publishers. If you are interested in discovering what it is about tea that warms and comforts us, I think you'll enjoy being drawn into the pages of this book. It beautifully shares the ritual of taking a cup of tea for any occasion.


Do you enjoy the art of Sandy Lynam Clough? Do you have any hanging on your walls or in your bookcase?


This chintz patterned teapot was a gift from my friend, Tari. It is Royal Patrician, England.

A Passion for Tea

Do you have a passion for tea? Hattie Ellis does, and she writes all about it in this delightful little book called "A Passion for Tea". Published by Ryland Peters & Small, this book contains a wealth of information about preparing a perfect cup of tea. Artistic photography by Debi Treloar accompanies each page. Ms. Ellis starts by explaining the origins of tea and of the different tastes of tea from around the world. Then she explains how to make this versatile beverage, including buying, storing, and using the best equipment for the task of tea making. The finer points of tea service are shared, beginning with adding citrus, milk, and sugar. Then she discusses pairing tea with food. The author doe not forget to talk about tea's health benefits. Before she's done, she shares some of the main points of specific types of tea service and gives some delightful recipes for tea, the beverage. Although this is a small book, it's packed full of information. As the description on the back cover states, this book has "Enough facts and flavors to refresh any tea lover. Perfect with a slice of cake!"


I'll be sharing about other tea books in my collection as times goes on. In the meantime, see if your library has this helpful book so you can enjoy it too!


Teacup: the marking says D & C - France. It was a $2.99 find at Goodwill.