A standoff in a forest, with birds on the left side and animals on the ride side. Both groups glare at each other.
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Joshua Pawis-Steckley, illustration for The Great Ball Game, by Rebecca Sheir (Storey Publishing). © 2022 Joshua Pawis-Steckley.

Special Storytime with Circle Round's Rebecca Sheir and Eric Shimelonis

Artists & Authors
For Families
Performances
-
Auditorium
Free with Museum admission. Seating is first come, first served.

Join author Rebecca Sheir and composer Eric Shimelonis — creators of WBUR’s award-winning children’s podcast, Circle Round — as they present the latest in a new picture book series that highlights a range of folktales exploring timeless values of kindness, generosity, acceptance, and more!

The Great Ball Game: How Bat Settles the Rivalry between the Animals and the Birds tells the story of the animals’ and birds’ decision to hold a ball game to determine which side is best. But when a tiny creature shows up who doesn’t seem to fit on either team, all participants learn the value of diversity and celebrating those who seem “different.”

Inspired by a classic folktale originating from the Cherokee, Creek, Ojibwe and Menominee people of North America, The Great Ball Game: How Bat Settles the Rivalry between the Animals and the Birds is the third in the Circle Round picture book series and features text by Rebecca Sheir and vibrant illustrations by Ojibwe Woodland artist Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley. Accompanying activities and prompts encourage children to develop their own storytelling skills.

Book signing to follow program. Can’t make the event? You may reserve signed books online!

Who You'll Meet
Eric Shimelonis and Rebecca Sheir

Rebecca Sheir and Eric Shimelonis

Rebecca Sheir is the host and writer of WBUR’s Circle Round podcast. She has brought thousands of stories to life as a public radio reporter and host, appearing on such shows as Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Here & Now, The Splendid Table and Marketplace. Her first book, Onions and Garlic, was adapted from a Circle Round episode and published by PJ Library.

Eric Shimelonis is the composer and sound designer of WBUR’s Circle Round podcast. As a composer, musician and audio producer, his 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.

Visit the shop

In the Bookshop

A bearded man wearing a stained red coat stands with arms and legs outstretched while townspeople look shocked.

The Tale of the Unwelcome Guest

A woman wearing a purple sari holds a jar of honey surrounded by onlookers.

A Taste of Honey

Two teams of woodland animals holding rackets and a ball face off against each other in competition.

The Great Ball Game