When I cracked open "A Taste of Honey: Kamala Outsmarts the Seven Thieves," I was already enchanted by the stories from the Circle Round podcast. This book, true to the podcast's charm, delivers a five-star experience filled with cleverness, warmth, and a splash of vibrant jewel tones that dance off the pages.

Rebecca Sheir's narrative introduces us to Kamala, a woman with the most delectable honey in the countryside. As she navigates the challenges of a struggling business and the antics of seven tricky thieves, Kamala's wit takes center stage. It's a delightful tale that not only captivates but also imparts a sweet reward – both for Kamala and the reader.

The illustrations by Chaaya Prabhat are a visual feast. Bold, bright, and wonderfully complementing the text, they elevate the reading experience to new heights. It's like stepping into a world painted with the richest hues of tradition and imagination.

Adapted from various versions, the story retains the essence of a folktale passed down through the rich cultures of India, Pakistan, and the Middle East. Kamala's name adds a touch of contemporary intrigue, connecting the narrative to the USA's first female vice president. It's a delightful nod that adds an extra layer of joy for those in the know.

This book isn't just meant to be read; it's a shared experience. Specially crafted for read-aloud sessions, it invites families and friends to gather and immerse themselves in Kamala's world. The inclusion of questions, prompts, and creative storytelling activities adds an interactive layer, turning the story into a delightful journey for all.

In a world filled with sweetness and trickery, "A Taste of Honey" stands as a shining gem, earning its five-star status. For anyone seeking a tale that combines wit, tradition, and a dash of contemporary flair, this book is an absolute must-read.

This book was received as an ARC from Storey Publishing - Storey Publishing, LLC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have read many folktales in my lifetime, and I was waiting for a modern folktale conveying a powerful message. A Taste of Honey is about expressing your gift, and most importantly yourself unveiling the true you, and the right people will come. Kamala made the best tasting honey in the village, she got an invitation from the royal family to attend the ball, she had a creative idea, the execution does not pan out, seven thieves attempt to steal her honey, and Kamala is not as gullible as one thinks. She uses her knowledge and wits to defeat the thieves and express & share her gift with everyone in the land. I could not get enough of this book. I already bought a copy, and I'll share it with my niece and nephews. I really hope young readers worldwide will have the same love, and memories through folktales through A Taste of Honey.

A modern folktale with a powerful message. This book deserves 5 stars.

Beekeeper Kamala, though successful at making very tasty honey, isn't making enough money from her sales to keep her and her father from struggling financially. She asks the King for help, and he gives her a plot of land to cultivate. She finds out that the plot will need much work before she can plant anything on it. Also, there are seven thieves in the vicinity.

Kamala cleverly figures out a way to get the thieves to clear the land for her, then, months later, to trick them out of finding the gold she received from selling all the produce she grew on the plot.

It's an amusing retelling of an old Indian folktale about resilience and thinking one's way through problems. More intriguingly, it has an intelligent young woman saving her family.

The whimsical illustrations convey amusement, and Kamala's intelligence well.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Storey Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my review.

A lovely little book of folktale and honey! I really enjoyed the illustrations and I am a sucker for a good retelling.

First of all, I just want to commend the illustrator because I really really like the illustrations! With regards to the story, I like Kamala's wit and problem-solving skills. It's funny how she outsmarts the thieves, so I'm pretty sure children will have fun reading this! I believe the young readers will also be inspired by Kamala because of how hard she works for herself and her father. This is a cute retelling of a folktale that children will surely enjoy.

Thanks to Storey Publishing and NetGalley for the e-ARC.💗

"A Taste of Honey" is a fun retelling of a folk tale featuring a smart heroine who uses her creativity to solve her problems. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is entertaining. Bonus features include several suggestions for activities and play that will make the story come alive in many ways for children. An author's note provides more information about the original tale and the differences between that tale and this retelling. It is an excellent book for teachers, librarians, and parents who want to bring the story out of the book in creative ways that will entertain and engage children.

Representation: 10
Story: 10
Illustration: 10

A Taste of Honey is a great book. I love Kamala as a protagonist; she is witty, clever, and excellent at problem-solving. Not only does this book have a great message, but Sheir included many extension ideas at the end, really helping parents and educators prolong the experience.

** Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review. **

A lovely retelling of a Indian/Pakistani folktales, readapted to fit a younger audience. It is both fun and inspiring, and I could see many kids really taking to this story. In addition there are quite a few activity-/worksheets for kids towards the end of the book.
The artwork is also really nice with a lot of bold colours and details. All in all a nice colour book read.

I received an electronic ARC from Storey Publishing through NetGalley.
Sheir retells an older folktale and shifts it to bring out the female protagonist as the breadwinner. Kamala is a beekeeper who makes money by selling her honey. She asks the king for help when sales drop off. From here, readers see how the story unfolds and Kamala outwits thieves and prospers as both a farmer and a beekeeper. Lovely illustrations offer details that enhance the story.
Sheir explains why it is a Circle Round story and defines folktales. She also provides information on the original tale.

I liked this book! It wasn’t the greatest writing in the world but it was a great story with beautiful illustrations. I liked the smart, hardworking main character Kamala. I enjoyed reading a folktale I hadn’t read before. I think kids and adults both would enjoy it. I would recommend it to a child who was interested in bees to diversify their interest and help expand it into a project. I really appreciate the discussion guide and activity suggestions at the end of the book. I think those resources will be helpful to adults who want to grow strong readers.

This is a beautifully told story of an intelligent woman, one who makes the most out of her situation. She is full of courage, has her head firmly on her shoulders and is exactly what a role model for modern Indian girls should be. Do read this book to your girls and boys both.

Thank you NetGalley and Storey Publishing for presenting me with an ARC of this book in exchange of a honest review.

A TASTE OF HONEY is a charming folktale inspired from the Indo-Pakistan regions. Being a part of the culture, I really loved how the illustrator decided to go with the art and colors. They were truly mesmerising!

The story itself—I enjoyed it! Of course, it felt sort of predictable but that's just my 7 year old self, who's read like hundreds of folktales. The author's note in the end and those little activities were so fun to read through. This also has such an important message and I'm sure kids would enjoy this story!

A Taste of Honey is a simple and nice folktale. It is an adaptation from a traditional Indian folktale. The illustrations are bright and colourful.

This is the story of Kamala, a young woman who is smart, persistent and thinks out-of-the-box. When her family goes through a financially difficult time, Kamala thinks 'smart', and helps her family.

4 ✨

Meet Kamala, a brave woman who makes delicious honey and loves in a house with her old father.

To improve the situation of her family, Kamala decides to ask for the king's help.
The king kindly offers her a piece of land to farm. But when she gets there she finds out the that land is surrounded by a group of thieves.
Kamala decides to use her wits to get rid of the thieves.

This was a very interesting story about a very brave woman. I highly recommend it. The art style was amazing.

Thanks to Netgalley and Storey Publishing for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a cute book! The colorful illustrations are beautiful and definitely what drew me into the book. I liked that it read as a story you’d tell your child in bed without a physical book in your hands. Kamala was quirky and witty. Overall a cute read!

This book is so gorgeous! This is the type of book that young girls should be reading because it shows that girls can also be hardworking and smart.

Absolutely brilliant. Fantastic. I will definitely buy it as soon as it comes out because it is not only a great story which send an amazing message, it is also allowing children to be creative and ask the right questions.
It has been so long since I was so ion love with a children book so thank you guys: great job!

A beautifully illustrated picture book about Kamala. Kamala lives a simple life with her father and sells honey from her beehives to provide for them both. But when her sales slump, Kamala reaches out to others to help before realising the best person to help is within her. Kamala displays creativity, leadership, bravery, resilience and more to prove to herself that she has the power to change things around.


Potential lessons (not exhaustive):
Health & Wellbeing- building resilience and bravery
Maths/Numeracy- profit and loss
Literacy + Art - persuasive writing: advertising posters/ leaflets
Developing Young Workforce- company roles
Technology- farming technology through the ages, design a new piece of machinery to help plough and sow
Digital Technology- creative an advert for the honey
P4C- morals: was Kamala right to trick the thieves? Do the thieves have a right to be angry? Did the king deserve his cut? What does it mean to be brave? What does it mean to be rich?
Music + Dance- Find out about traditional Indian music and dance,
Drama- role play, recreate marketplaces.
Social Studies- study the difference in markets between diff countries and the reasons behind the differences.

Heartiest thanks to Netgalley and the author for providing me an E-copy in exchange of honest and unbiased opinion.

Rebecca Sheir's 'A Taste Of Honey' is a cute, charismatic and entertaining read featuring a strong willed, self reliant female lead. Kamala's clever tricks and strong determination help her to survive in unfavorable situations and turn them into favorable ones. There might have been better alternatives to tackle those situations but I like that she relied on herself, didn't complain/whine, made the best use of every situation and didn't wait for others to solve her problems. I love how Rebecca has put her own spin on an age-old folktale. Her reasoning behind the changes was heartwarming. Now the illustrations, man! Rich and vibrant with colors. Simply outstanding. My heart fills with warmth and happiness at their sight. There are also a lot of full-filled activities at the end which are interesting and engaging as well as thought provoking questions that would enable kids to ponder over the story connecting to it it on a deeper level. Definitely recommended!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with the digital copy of this book. I loved it. it is a very colorful story that teaches how to solve problem ourselves. Kamala is such a lovely character.