A few reviews back I wrote about another A Circle Round Book by Rebecca Sheir. Each one has been illustrated by different people. Therefore, that change might help you enjoy one over the other. But also, the flow and tone of the story is slightly different and that can help one’s enjoyment of them.
The Great Ballgame was illustrated by Joshua Pawis-Steckley and is based on Native American mythology and culture. A Taste of Honey: Kamala Outsmarts the Seven Thieves (illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat) has its roots in India and The Tale of the Unwelcome Guest: Nasruddin Teaches the Town a Lesson (illustrated by Mert Tugen) has its story with a Turkish background. These stories touch on history, mythology and give a lesson on how one should act. As we saw with The Great Ballgame Sheir makes stories that are accessible to the modern reader but keeps the charm of the classical tale.
The story A Taste of Honey: Kamala Outsmarts the Seven Thieves shows how one must be clever and resourceful to obtain their goals. One cannot wait upon others to give it to them, but they must be hard working and that will help them find the results they want. And they show how one woman can trick blood-thirsty thieves by just wording things in a not as expected way. The lush illustrations are busy, and sometimes it is a little hard to see what is going on, but that also fits the nature of the story. It has a classic overtone to it. It is a nice book with a prominent female character and diversity as well.
After finishing The Tale of the Unwelcome Guest, I realized I had read this story (or had it read to me) in other formats. Within this version the man Nasruddin teaches his town that it does not matter what you look like, rich and poor was not only invited to the feast, but just because he was wearing stained clothing from the wine, does not mean he is not the same person as before. And our hero also finds a cleaver way to show the village, and even the mayor themselves, what it means to be kind. This too has clever and lush illustrations, and while they are also busy, they tend to be a bit easier to view.
Lion’s Whisker: Sister and Brother Take on a Challenge Together is due mid-late May 2023.
