Last year I reviewed a lovely book by Sarahjane Funnell. We were invited to afternoon tea at the pet friendly hotel, The Athenaeum, for the launch of her second book – Phillipa Fairy Cake and the Secret Pets’ Tea Party.

Afternoon tea at The Athenaeum

First of all we enjoyed a really delicious afternoon tea with delicate finger sandwiches, fairy cakes and macaroons.

The kids loved trying the sandwiches and pretty fairy cakes.

We were all given lovely rosettes with our names on which I thought was a lovely personal touch.

Phillipa loves fairy cakes. She loves them almost as much as she loves her pet cat, Little Miss Whiskers. When Phillipa Fairy Cake and her friends decide to host a Pets’ Tea Party, an unexpected series of events turns the tea party into a secret, magical adventure.

Phillipa Fairy Cake and the Secret Pets’ Tea Party is based on a magical journey to a dog show, so there were some representatives from the charity Dogs Trust, along with some lovely rescue dogs that needed rehoming. One of their dogs ‘Pip’ has been sponsored by the author and features on the inner cover of the picture book. The children loved meeting the dogs who were very friendly – although I couldn’t persuade the toddler that we should re-home one ourselves!

Then we enjoyed a reading by the author herself. The children were very over-excited by this point but they just about managed to sit still.

Phillipa Fairy Cake and the Secret Pets’ Tea Party is a lovely book for girls and boys. My children loved the story and the illustrations, and we have spent hours spotting all the dogs throughout the book and planning our own tea party. We can’t wait for Phillipa’s next adventure!