Children’s Authors Tea Returns to Belknap Mill

Children gather for an author’s book reading at the popular Children’s Authors Tea event for families.

On Monday, April 18 from 5-7 pm, a well-loved family event, the Children’s Authors Tea, will return to the Belknap Mill in downtown Laconia.  In celebration of “Strengthening Families and Communities Month,” the Family Resource Center of Central New Hampshire has invited six NH authors and illustrators to  a ‘Tea’  with the children of our community.  Through the generous sponsorship of Curt’s Catering, the Tea is offered free to children and families in the Lakes Region.

The Children’s Authors Tea provides a great opportunity for quality family time while promoting early literacy.  Cheryl Bloser, Kathy Brodsky, Jennifer Carson, Robbie Neylon & Denise Ortakales, all New Hampshire authors and illustrators, will share their love of literacy with young children in the Lakes Region.

Joining the authors ranks this year will be Richard Lennon, a Laconia High School student who wrote his first published book at age 16. With the guidance and support of his high school English teacher, Tate Aldrich, Richard wrote his first novel “Journey to Ernie: An Adventure of Friendship,”  and shared his book and story of personal achievement and overcoming challenges with students at the Laconia elementary schools.

“Giving children the opportunity to visit with their favorite authors is a wonderful and concrete experience that supports early literacy,” explains Julie Choiniere, a long-time member of the LRCS staff who has helped organize the event for a number of years.

Families attending the Tea can meet the local authors and illustrators, hear them read their stories aloud, and purchase signed copies of their books and enjoy live music.  Curt’s Caterers offers attendees hot tea served in china cups along with favorite tea sandwiches, fruit, desserts and pastries. Every child that attends will receive a free book.

Erin Klasen, a Family Support Specialist at the Family Resource Center, enjoys playing a role in bringing the Tea to the community.  “It is so exciting to help organize an event that brings families together, while also promoting early literacy. I hope this event will continue for years to come.”

For more information on the Children’s Authors Tea, please contact Tricia Tousignant at the Family Resource Center, 528-0391 or email tricia.tousignant@lrcs.org.