Ava's Secret Tea Party

Littlest Angels

Children - Picture Book
24 Pages
Reviewed on 09/01/2013
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Donna Shepherd's children's books, Topsy Turvy Land, No More Gunk! & OUCH! Sunburn!, Chizzy's Topsy Tale, Dotty's Topsy Tale, Poodle and Doodle, Sully's Topsy Tale, Bradybug, and Where is Salami? feature short, playful rhymes and humorous illustrations. Be sure to look for the items hidden in each picture by the imaginative artists. Her newest book for children, "Ava's Secret Tea Party," is her first 'girly' book with an old-fashioned fairy tale, hidden teacups and cookies, and recipes and crafts. Available in both paperback and hardcover.

A columnist for The Dabbling Mum, NABBW, and CWAHM, Donna Shepherd has hundreds of articles and devotions to her credit. Her devotions and stories appear in Daily Grace for Women, Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms, and The Best Grandma in the World to name a few. Donna's newest fiction release is a 'hen-lit' called "Love Under the Bubble Wrap - a novelette."

Donna, the founder of Greater Harvest Workshops and Middletown Area Christian Writers, is a speaker, Bible teacher, and singer. For writing tips, useful links, and updates about Donna's books, visit her Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/donnajshepherd

    Book Review

Reviewed by Tania Staley for Readers' Favorite

Ava’s Secret Tea Party by Donna J. Shepherd is a delightfully whimsical children’s picture book. Little Ava knows that very special people often visit her, but unfortunately she never gets to see them. Late at night, on days she has lost a tooth, she knows the Tooth Fairy visits, and every morning she knows the Sandman has been there by the sand left at the corners of her eyes. Each Easter and Christmas, the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus leave her favorite sweets and treats, but she never gets to thank them in person. So, Ava devises a plan. She leaves a note for the Sandman asking him to invite them all to a special tea party. Will Ava get to meet the kind visitors that have done so much for her? What adventures await her if they agree to come?

Ava’s Secret Tea Party is a fun read that young children and their parents are sure to enjoy. Donna Shepherd’s prose has a rhythmic quality combined with simple rhyme that makes this an entertaining tale and a great book for children learning to read. Special recognition should also be given to the book’s illustrator, Bella Sinclair. Her bright and colorful pictures are exciting and serve well to immerse readers in the story. On each page she has added to the fun by hiding tea cups and cookies in the pictures. Will you be able to find them all? I highly encourage you to try.

Ava’s Secret Tea Party is a fun book that I would love to share with my own children. Unpack that china tea set, set the kettle to brew, bake some cookies, pick up a copy of Donna Shepherd’s book, and let the tea party begin.

Penelope Anne Cole

Donna J. Shepherd’s new book, Ava’s Secret Tea Party, illustrated by Bella Sinclair, is every little girl’s secret dream! Who wouldn’t want to invite the Sandman, Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny, and Santa Claus to come for tea? This is another one of those books that children’s book writers see and say, “Now why didn’t I think of that?” It’s also one of those delicious little books that children will scoop up and demand for a bedtime story again and again.

Ms. Shepherd handily scoops us up for a magical romp through the nighttime mysteries that parents don’t have to explain to children. Yes, the Sandman exists – who else puts the sand in our sleepy eyes? You know the Tooth Fairy brings you money for baby teeth – who else could fly so softly and silently? Of course, the Easter Bunny brings all the Easter candy – who else could do it so hoppity fast and well? And, we all know Santa Claus brings toys to good girls and boys in his huge sleigh pulled by magic flying reindeer. Ava wonders if these magical beings have ever met all at one time and decides to remedy the situation by asking them to come for tea through a note to the Sandman.

Bella Sinclair’s artwork is pure delight. Every picture is fun and engaging, especially coupled with Ms. Shepherd’s rhymes. We have no trouble imagining being in the story with little Ava – hopping with Easter Bunny, flying with Tooth Fairy, riding along with Santa Claus, scooping sand with Sandman, and helping them all out so they’ll have time to come to her tea party.

At the end of the book are other special treats: recipes for the goodies Ava serves her magical guests at her secret tea party. Plus, there are crafts to help kids decorate for their own tea parties. This is a very special, not-to-be-missed children’s book.

Available from: http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/avas-tea-party.htm