Join Hill Center and the popular public-radio kids’ podcast Circle Round for a reading of their newly released picture book The Lion’s Whisker. The event will feature a reading by author Rebecca Sheir with live accompaniment by Eric Shimelonis on the mbira!

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

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 working together, being brave, and showing patience and understanding for others.

Beloved for their lively storytelling and modern adaptations of values-based folktales from around the world, Circle Round brings their wildly popular adaptation of Brother and Sister’s story to colorful picture-book form, with vibrant illustrations by Kenyan illustrator Nikita Abuya. Once families have read The Lion’s Whisker, resources in the back prompt further exploration of the tale, with conversation questions and creative storytelling activities.

Rebecca Sheir is the author of the Circle Round books, and the host, writer, and producer of the Circle Round storytelling podcast. 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. Before moving to western Massachusetts with her husband and son, she was a reporter and host for D.C.’s own WAMU 88.5!

Eric Shimelonis is a composer, musician and audio producer whose work has been heard on stage, screen and over the airwaves. Audiences have enjoyed his classical compositions at the Juilliard School, the Rattlestick New Music Series, the Kennedy Center and at a sold-out concert at Carnegie Hall. With more than 300 sound designs in the theater, Eric has won a Helen Hayes Award, and has been nominated for Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, Big Easy and Henry Hewes Design Awards. Film highlights include the features International Falls and Winter Passing, for which he performed a duet with Will Ferrell.

Each attendee must have their own ticket. Children under the age of 2 do not require a ticket. 

East City Books will be onsite to sell copies of the author’s work.