Tales Retold: A Time for Tea by Dawn Caldwell follows the enchanting journey of Layla, a small mouse living in an antique store named Tales Retold. Her world comes alive at night as she embarks on magical adventures by touching historic items. When Layla discovers a special teacup with a famous owner, she is taken back in time by Joshua Wyeth, the youngest participant in the Boston Tea Party. Layla witnesses key moments in history and encounters legendary figures. This heartwarming tale weaves history, magic, and friendship, inviting readers to rediscover the enchantment of the past.
Tales Retold: Freedom's Eve by Dawn Caldwell is a historical fiction book that follows Layla, a little mouse living in an antique shop. Layla is magically transported back to a South Carolina plantation during the Civil War era by the spirit of Hawa, a young enslaved girl. Through Hawa's guidance, Layla witnesses the realitites of slavery from New Year's Eve 1862 (when the Emancipation Proclamation took effect) through the eventual freedom that came in 1865. The story explores the daily lives, struggles, and resilience of enslaved people, their rich Gulla culture and language, and their journey to freedom. The book aims to teach honest history about slavery while honoring the strength and cultural heritage of the Gullah people.