Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, was on the Today Show earlier this week promoting her new children's book, "Tea for Ruby." I bought a copy at Scott's Bookstore yesterday, and I must say, the new book is simply charming! But then I'm a fan of any book that's designed to promote good manners. The book is illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser, who has also illustrated patriotic books for children by Lynne Cheney, wife of the vice president.
In "Tea For Ruby," our heroine is invited to tea with the Queen and is so excited she runs all over town blabbing the news, loudly and somewhat rudely, to everyone she meets. I fear that would be me if *I* were ever invited to take tea with the Queen! But Ruby intends to set her party manners in order by the time she arrives for tea with the Queen, and since there is a bit of a "plot twist" to the book, that's all I'm going to say about THAT.
One thing Sarah Ferguson talked about in her Today Show interview that I found interesting was how she has tried to instill friendliness and people skills in her own daughters. Good for her! I have long been a fan of the Duchess, and don't you get the feeling you would really enjoy taking tea with her? May I just confess that one of my fondest dreams is that she and the Prince will get back together? I mean, please ... they get along so well. Why not?
Later today, if my colleagues in the photography department have time to help, I'll try to post some photos of Sarah when she visited Atlanta some years ago. She was speaking on behalf of Wedgwood, and I most remember the specially-designed case containing her traveling tea set. I think you'd enjoy seeing it, so check back in if you're inclined to like that sort of thing!
Looks like a fun book! Perhaps I'll pick up a copy to read to my grandsons' 2nd and 4th grade classes. I've always liked Sarah - do you remember her infamous tea quote when an American guest pouring her tea forgot to set a strainer over the cup: "As long as it's hot and wet and goes down the right way, it's fine with me."
ReplyDeleteThat's definitely a book I'll have to track down to add to my collection of books about tea. Part of that collection includes children's books about tea, which my nieces love to read (or have me read to them) when they come for a visit. I too love "All Things Fergie, " and--like Angela-- would love to see Fergie remarry her prince. If I'm not mistaken, they still share the same house (mini palace) they built long ago, so it's not that big a step to take!
ReplyDeleteI will definitely add this book to my list! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like such fun! Thank you for sharing it with us. tammyp
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