Literary High Tea acknowledges Cherry Valley readers

For the past seven years, the Cherry Valley Library has hosted a Literary Tea for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students, parents and staff who have read at least 10 fairly difficult books nominated for the Washington State Sasquatch Award or the Pacific Northwest Young Readers Choice Award. Twenty-eight students, parents and teachers met the reading challenge for 2006 and were invited to attend the honorary tea on Thursday, April 6th. The tea has brought back memories of old-fashioned times of afternoon tea while reminiscing about current social affairs. In this case, it was an opportunity to acknowledge literary achievements and to reminisce about favorite literary highlights.

To set the scene, Nelda Brangwin, Cherry Valley’s librarian, along with mothers and staff, turned the book-filled library into a lovely tea setting. The tea was complemented with the finest variety of sandwiches, scones and clotted cream, fruits and cakes. Peppermint and English tea were also served.

This was definitely one of Cherry Valley’s social events of the year.

The girls curled their hair and dressed up in their best, many wearing dresses they’ve worn in weddings or other formal events. Even the boys were out to impress as they shined their shoes and dressed up in their finest suits. They were just as excited about the tea as any one of the girls.

“The thing I find most interesting is the number of boys who come,” said Ms. Brangwin. “This year more boys than girls read for the tea. It’s hard for me to believe they are so willing to dress up and read 10 fairly difficult books in order to get a free meal – although it is very good.” The participants had a fun time and enjoyed listening to guest speaker Karen Solar from Borders Books tell about two of next year’s nominees: Charlie and the Invisible Boy and Chasing Vermeer.

At the end of the tea, attendees received a sneak peak of next year’s book nominees. Many of these students have already picked out their first book and are getting a head start.

The book list for the 2006-2007 Literary Tea program has just been released to the whole student body and is available at the Cherry Valley Elementary Library or via the Web site at http://www.cv.riverview.wednet.ed.

Participants do not have to be super readers. Nine of the books are available for iPod listening as well. Listening to the books is another great way to enjoy literature. This is a favorite event for young readers and many are enjoying their adventures with a parent or teacher at Cherry Valley Elementary. Students, parents and staff at Cherry Valley Elementary are all welcome to participate.