Dive into the enchanting world of "The Tale of the Unwelcome Guest" by Rebecca Sheir, a gem that brings the beloved Circle Round podcast to life in the form of a captivating book. As a loyal podcast listener, I couldn't resist the allure of this Middle Eastern fable, and boy, was it a delightful journey!

Rebecca Sheir, the maestro behind the Circle Round podcast, seamlessly translates her storytelling prowess onto the pages, weaving a narrative that transcends cultural boundaries. This fable, rooted in Turkish traditions and beyond, serves up a timeless lesson on the pitfalls of judging others based on appearances.

What truly makes this book sparkle is the collaboration with Turkish-born artist Mert Tugen. The illustrations are a burst of color and energy, giving Nasruddin's clever antics and the overarching theme of acceptance a vibrant visual dimension. It's like the podcast, but with a sprinkle of magic for your eyes!

And oh, the interactive bits! Sheir goes above and beyond by tossing in extension activities like reader's theater and crafts. It's not just a book; it's an experience, an invitation to engage with the story in ways that go beyond the written word. Bravo, Sheir, for turning reading into an adventure!

For those already smitten by the Circle Round podcast, reading this tale with Tugen's lively illustrations is like a reunion with an old friend. For newcomers, get ready to be hooked on storytelling that feels like it's whispered just for you.

In a nutshell, "The Tale of the Unwelcome Guest" is a four-star recommendation from me. It's not just a book; it's a magical escape, a reminder that wisdom can be found in the most unexpected places. Share it with your fellow bookworms, and let the magic unfold!

This is a really sweet story about judging people on their actions rather than how they dress. My son loved this story and the fun games at the end. As soon as we finished reading, he wanted to read it again - a true sign of a great kids story! I think this would be perfect for a classroom setting with the additional activities offered at the end of the book.

I was given a copy of this story to read; but thoughts and opinions are all my own. Thank you to Netgalley and Storey Publishing for the chance to read this book!

Nasruddin is a friend who gets into trouble because they do not quite understand why their friends respond the way they do. Fun children's story of perception and dignity seem to be intertwined. Cute twist at the end and discussion questions.

Fun art style as well as names that speak to an array of audiences.

This book provides a great lesson for both children and adults alike. It is all too easy to judge and make assumptions based on someone's outward appearance, but we must try to not do that and instead focus on how someone behaves and treats others. Great illustrations as well and I like the extra activities at the end.

This book is absolutely fantastic! It is so engaging and warm. Even starting on the very first page, it feels like you are taking part in something. That you are entering an experience that is worth your while. And it definitely is! Can’t wait to buy this one and add it to the shelf!

A beautiful tale of how people can judge others and how the two-faced nature of people can be highlighted. This is a great story to use to discuss how we should view others and whether or not it's right to judge someone by their appearance. This is especially true for how the gentleman reacts and responds to their judgement.

I liked this book. I appreciate that there are discussion questions and activities in the back of the book. I think that is really helpful for parents who may need guidance in expanding a literary experience with their child beyond just reading the book. I liked the story. The illustrations were bright and colorful. There was one illustration where the main characters rear end was very distinct and I think that might be a distraction or it might be something that makes children laugh and draws them further in. That probably really depends on the child and on the attitude of the adult reading the book. I didn’t find the cover to be as pleasing to the eye as the illustrations inside. I read this book because I liked other books from this publisher a lot but probably wouldn’t have been drawn to it otherwise—which is interesting since the inside of the book is so beautiful! It was a simple folk tale and I enjoyed it. It had an easy to understand message for children. I would recommend it to families or teachers trying to talk about issues of classism or appearance based judgements. I would also recommend the book to folks trying to expose their children to content from other parts of the world, in this case the Middle East.

This is a vibrant book and the illustrations are brilliant. Nasruddin arrived at the fest for everyone to be rude. Having been judged on his appearance. He went and changed this for these people. He then went to make a point to these people. This book teaches a valuable lesson

We absolutely love a good folklore retelling and The Unwelcome Guest definitely delivered. With a powerful message and beautiful illustrations there really isn't much not to love!

I received an electronic ARC from Storey Publishing through NetGalley.
Retelling of an older folktale shared in many countries. This version is told Middle Eastern tales about Nasruddin. Readers learn an important lesson about looking beyond the surface to truly see people. Sheir opens the story by bringing readers in to the town where everyone lives. Then announces that the Governor will be throwing a banquet. Nasruddin is very excited as his wine will be served. However, when he arrives in his work clothes, no one will speak to or interact with him. Sheir makes her point when he returns dressed in his splendid robes and is treated like the star guest.
Terrific book for class or family discussion. After the story is completed, more materials are included to create games and crafts and open dialogue about situations like this.

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

The Unwelcome Guest is an interesting and thought provoking book for children with the added bonus of activities and crafts to do at the back.
The story is a retelling of a very old folktale about a man called Nasruddin who is a wine maker. Nasruddin is very wise. After working hard in his vineyard all day,he realises he is late for the governors banquet. He decides to go straight there instead of changing clothes. When he arrives everyone ignores him because of the way he looks and appears in his dirty work clothes (even though it is his wine they're drinking). Nasruddin leaves and goes home to get changed. He changes into his best clothes and upon returning to the banquet he is greeted by all. The ending of the book is very funny and through making it so fun it will endear into the hearts of children who will gladly remember the story. This is a good thing as it teaches children an important lesson - to look beyond the superficial and not judge others on looks, image etc bit on what is underneath.

There is a wise man named Nasruddin in the Middle Eastern folktale. His story had been translated to many languages in many form, for young and old, and it is always amusing reading his tales for me. Including this one. Some folktales have deep meaning to learn and applied in our daily lives, and Nasruddin's are some of the best. Written for children, this book is so interesting, moreover in the world when small thing divides people appart.

The Unwelcome Guest by Rebecca Sheir represents a well known folktale in different light. The story revolves around an intelligent and humorous man known as Nasruddin who is looking forward to a grand banquet arranged by the Governor. Every single person of the town is invited and much to his delight, the governor will be serving Nasruddin's wine. Overwhelmed with excitement, Nasruddin forgets to keep track of time while working in vineyard. To avoid being late, he heads to the banquet in soiled clothes. He notices after sometime that surprisingly no one is paying him any attention and making an effort to stay away from him. All on a sudden, he comes to realize that people are judging him based on his appearance. As a master of wit and sarcasm, he teaches them in a bizarre yet comical way that dresses don't hold any power over our true personalities. The story is a sharp reminder that who we are from the inside is more important than our outfits and extravagant lifestyles. In addition to the powerful message, there are interesting and engaging activities at the end of the book that will help young souls take the message to heart and implement them in real life. Not to mention that the bright and detailed Illustrations by Mert Tugen are a feast for the eyes. To sum it up, The Unwelcome Guest is a funny, exciting and impactful story appropriate for people of all ages. Many many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn't familiar with Circle Round books and was happy to read the NetGalley for The Tale of the Unwelcome Guest. This folktale from the Middle East is one that I am familiar with. It was an excellent retelling. Nasruddin was a great main character. This is a story with an important lesson that children will ask to hear again and again. The supplemental educational materials are also very well done and would make great additions to school or home learning.

The unwelcome guest is a nice story with a middle eastern plot. The main character, Nasruddin is an intelligent person who dealt with the humiliation he faced in a very funny way.

The whole story is told in a simple to understand language for children. The colorful pictures are detailed.

A beautifully illustrated, playful story of manners, empathy, and hospitality based on a Turkish folklore. The story is simple and clear, while holding some wonderful linguistic choices and excellent interactive opportunities. The activities at the end of the book create a dialogue for caregivers and children to discuss the events and take the magic from the page into the word around them.

I loved this book and will be buying a copy for the classroom.

This is a traditional, Middle Eastern folktale presented in a very engaging way. The lively illustrations are beautiful and the extra touches add humour which will keep even reluctant readers engaged. I especially appreciated the multicultural feel of the characters along with traditional foods. This book definitely makes you think about why we shouldn’t judge on first impressions or appearance.

The extra activities would work well either at home or in a group setting and would inspire lots of creative play as well as meaningful discussions. This book deserves to become a children’s classic.

This is a fun-filled activity book with a view to explain what a folktale is with the help of a story. The characters are fun. The illustration is really enjoyable with a scrapbook kind of feel to it. I love the vibrant colours used.

I am sure this will keep the target audience busy and entertained.

Thank you, Storey Publishing, for the advance reading copy.

Very entertaining and lovely.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read a digital arc in exchange for my feedback.

A fable from the Middle Eastern that I'm not aware of.

The story begin when an announcement that there is a banquet will be held in town and everyone is invited, Nasruddin was excited. But the townspeople start judging him on his appearance. Nasruddin is brilliant with his own way. He starts a plan and shows the guest that what's inside is more important than just a facade.

The illustrations are stunning with vibrant color. Following the story is discussion activities.

My rating 4 ⭐. It will be published on July 2022. Check it out!

Thanks to the NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc inexchange an honest review.