Séance Tea Party is a tale of not wanting to grow older. Of course, this theme has been done before. However, Reimena Yee’s graphic novel is a fun way to re-introduce this idea.
Lora is a “late bloomer” and when she is having a séance tea party, she gets a surprise: a girl shows up. And just because she is a ghost does not stop the two of them from becoming fast friends. The trials of growing up are done in sweet, traditional graphic novel format. The colors and details are lovely. There is a slight bittersweet ending, but most readers ages 10 to 13 will enjoy. Younger can read, but I do not see them understanding the idea of “coming of age” as quickly as the “middle ages” who are entering this stage would.
The nice part of the story is that it is comfortable, makes you think and is not too over-the-top. You can believe that there is a ghost wandering around town. You can believe the coincidences of people from the past showing up now. There are several layers going on which most people can relate too. Especially the idea of growing up and losing that piece of you. And losing that child wonder and play that we had.
The art is sweet and cozy. There are bright colors, but not overwhelming. Everything is detailed and pulled together in the right amounts. The art is a great way to see what is happening, the little “quirks” of characters personalities and put faces to the several names/characters. They match the text perfectly. And like the theme of “the child still inside of us”, the child in all of us can find something to enjoy and possibly even relate too.
