The Tale of the Unwelcome Guest: Nasruddin Teaches the Town a Lesson; A Circle Round Book

Ages 5 And Up, Grades K And Up

The award-winning children’s storytelling podcast Circle Round shares some of their most popular folktales in the new Circle Round book series, with each interactive book featuring a colorfully illustrated read-aloud story accompanied by storytelling prompts that explore an important theme. The Tale of the Unwelcome Guest invites kids to explore the value of acceptance and the danger of judging others by their appearance. The illustrations of Turkish illustrator Mert Tugen amplify the narrative text by Circle Round host and writer, Rebecca Sheir. 

The town beside the sea was abuzz with the news. The governor was holding a grand banquet and everyone was invited—everyone! But no one was as excited as Nasruddin. On the day of the celebration, Nasruddin works hard in his vineyard picking and squishing grapes. He planned to wear his special long red silk coat, but at the end of the day it’s too late for him to go home and change! When he arrives at the banquet in his grape-juice-stained work clothes, he looks different from what the townspeople were expecting. But Nasruddin is a clever fellow—and he figures out a most delicious way to teach the town a lesson about judging people for the way they look.  The colorful illustrations of Turkish-born artist Mert Tugen complement Circle Round podcast host Rebecca Sheir's original adaptation of this Middle Eastern folktale. Specially designed to be read aloud and shared, the story is accompanied by questions and prompts for conversation, along with creative storytelling activities.The creators of the award-winning podcast Circle Round, produced by WBUR radio (Boston's NPR station), bring their beloved combination of folktales and storytelling activities to book form in the first branded Circle Round book series. Podcast host, Rebecca Sheir, has uncovered folktales from a broad range of traditions, all exploring timeless values, such as kindness, generosity, acceptance, and more.

About the Author

Rebecca Sheir is the author of the Circle Round books The Unwelcome Guest and A Taste of Honey, and the host, writer, and producer of the Circle Round storytelling podcast for kids and the grown-ups they love. Distributed by WBUR (Boston's NPR station), Circle Round is heard in all 50 states and nearly 200 countries, and has been featured in the New York Times, The Washington Post, and TIME. Sheir has also brought thousands of stories to life as a news reporter on public-radio shows like Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Here & Now, The Splendid Table, and Marketplace. She's hosted several weekly news programs, including AK (Alaska Public Media) and Metro Connection (WAMU 88.5), along with podcasts for the Folger Shakespeare Library and Slate Magazine. Sheir holds a BA in Film Studies from Columbia University and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from the University of Iowa. She lives in western Massachusetts with her husband and son.