Children’s Authors Tea returns to the Belknap Mill

Children’s Authors Tea has become an enjoyable tradition for Lakes Region children and families.

On Monday, April 16 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 LRCS Family Resource Center has invited NH authors and illustrators to tea with the children of our community. Through generous sponsorship from Curt’s Catering and support from the community the “Tea” is offered free to children and families in the Lakes Region.

The Children’s Authors Tea provides an opportunity for quality family time while also promoting early literacy. Ann Biese, Kathy Brodsky, Robbie Neylon, Kathy Deady and Melissa Pilgrim, all local authors and illustrators, will share their love of literacy with young children in the Lakes Region. “Giving children the opportunity to visit with their favorite authors is a wonderful and concrete experience that supports early literacy”, explains Julie Choiniere, a member of the LRCS staff who has helped organize the event for a number of years.

Families attending the tea will have the chance to meet the local authors and illustrators, hear them read their stories aloud, and purchase signed copies of their books. Tea in china cups will be readily available, along with tea sandwiches and pastries. Every child that attends will receive a free book. The Belknap Mill and Lakes Region Coca-Cola are also supporters of this annual family event.

Erin Pettengill, Director of the Family Resource Center, especially enjoys bringing this event to the community. “It’s exciting to help organize an event that brings families together, while also promoting early literacy. I hope this unique gathering will continue to be a family tradition 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.