There’s some debate about the appropriate age to introduce children to drinking tea, but books about tea are suitable for readers of any age. One excellent starting point is the Emma Lea series, a collection of tea-themed children’s picture books by Babette Donaldson. The series currently includes six volumes, following a young character as she explores tea culture around the world. I recently discussed the author in this profile of Babette Donaldson and her contributions to tea literature, although I had not previously encountered this particular series.
Another notable title worth exploring is The Soul & Spirit of Tea, edited by Phil Cousineau and Scott Chamberlin Hoyt. Released in 2013, the book features a foreword by respected tea authority James Norwood Pratt and includes a collection of essays from prominent voices in the tea world.
The editors may be familiar to some readers due to their work on The Meaning of Tea, a documentary film directed by Hoyt that examines tea traditions across cultures. In addition, they produced a companion book that expands on the themes of the film through interviews and commentary. Learn more at this collection of resources related to The Meaning of Tea documentary and companion books.
Finally, there is Green is the New Black by Holly Helt, an American writer raised in Japan—a country closely associated with the production of Japanese green tea known for its cultural and culinary significance. According to this description of Green is the New Black and its exploration of Japanese tea culture, the book takes readers on a journey through Japan’s tea landscape, covering everything from cultivation and preparation to pottery traditions and the broader role of tea in daily life.
Whether for young readers or seasoned tea enthusiasts, these books highlight the diverse ways tea continues to inspire storytelling, culture, and exploration.
See more of William I. Lengeman’s articles in this archive of tea-related writing by the author.
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