The Lion's Whisker - (Circle Round) by Rebecca Sheir (Hardcover)

About the Book

In this version of the Ethiopian folktale, a Grandmother sends her bickering grandchildren on a dangerous mission to pluck a lion's whisker for her magical potion, where they learn valuable lessons about working together, being brave, and showing patience and understanding for others.

Book Synopsis

Nautilus Book Awards, Gold Winner

Filled with vibrant folk art and thoughtful lessons, this picture book rooted in Ethiopian folktales reveals the power of patience, understanding, and sibling love.

Courage, collaboration, patience, and sibling love prevail in this folktale with its roots in the Ethiopian tradition. The Lion's Whisker tells the story of Brother and Sister who are constantly arguing. When Grandmother sends them on a dangerous mission to pluck a lion's whisker for her magical potion, the siblings learn valuable lessons about the strength gained by working together, being brave, and showing patience and understanding for others. This classic folktale is brought to life for today's kids by Rebecca Sheir--creator and host of the award-winning Circle Round storytelling podcast­--with the vibrant and modern folk art of Kenyan illustrator Nikita Abuya. Beloved for their lively storytelling and modern adaptations of values-based tales from around the world, Circle Round bring their wildly popular adaptation of Brother and Sister's story to colorful picture-book form. Once kids and families have read The Lion's Whisker, resources in the back prompt further exploration of the tale, with conversation questions and creative storytelling prompts and activities.

Review Quotes

"This book is a beautiful and fun way to learn how to share and get along with others, especially your sibling. I remember the days when I fought constantly with my sister . . . but now we share everything, including a deep love of Circle Round!"

--Hrishikesh Hirway, musician and host of the podcast Song Exploder

"This age-old Ethiopian folktale gets a Circle Round refresh. Relatable and fun for young readers everywhere, this book will have families and classrooms talking, creating, and playing together. A wonderful read-aloud or read-alone for any home or classroom."

--Mindy Thomas, host of the podcast Wow in the World

About the Author

Rebecca Sheir is the author of the Circle Round books The Tale of the Unwelcome Guest, A Taste of Honey, and The Great Ball Game, and the host, writer, and producer of the Circle Round storytelling podcast. 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 lives in western Massachusetts with her husband and son.
Nikita Abuya is a digital illustrator and graphic designer from Nairobi, Kenya. Her work celebrates the current generation in pop culture and fashion, as well as aspects from her African heritage.