I thought of Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White, but those are Western tales, and it is entirely possible Miyakoshi was referencing Japanese lore of which I am ignorant. Akiko Miyakoshi's book has a contemporary, yet somehow also timeless feeling to it, and seems to be an exploration of some classic fairy-tale themes, from the child lost in the wood to the helpful animal companions. Originally published in Japan in 2010, and translated into English in 2015, The Tea Party in the Woods is a lovely picture-book, one which pairs a gentle and appealing story of winter-time woodland magic with absolutely beautiful artwork. After being invited to join them, Kikko shares her trouble - she has dropped the pie and ruined it - and the animals all pitch in to replace the damaged pastry, eventually escorting her to her grandmother's house. Thinking she sees him in the distance, she follows along, only to discover that it is a bear she has been trailing, and that he has led her to a strange, magical house in the middle of the woods, where a group of animal friends is having tea. When her father forgets the pie he is meant to take to her grandmother's house, young Kikko sets off through the snowy forest after him.
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