

Circle Round
WBUR
Created and produced by parents of young children, WBUR's Circle Round adapts carefully-selected folktales from around the world into sound- and music-rich radio plays for kids ages 3-103. Each 15 to 25-minute episode explores important issues like kindness, persistence and generosity. And each episode ends with an activity that inspires a deeper conversation between children and grown-ups.
Episodes
Mentioned books

7 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 22min
Little Peacock’s Plumage | Ep. 304
Dive into a whimsical Chinese legend where a kind bird embarks on a journey of generosity. Little Peacock feels overshadowed by others but discovers true meaning in selflessness. From gifting feathers to a hard-working farmer to helping a sick girl experience the joy of fireworks, his acts of kindness shine brighter than mere appearances. Ultimately, the Peacock Fairy rewards his heart over his looks, creating a magical spectacle that uplifts a village. Tune in for a tale that warms the heart!

Nov 4, 2025 • 27min
Whatever You Like | Ep. 303
Join Mary Faber, a talented actor and singer, Lamont Price, a hilarious comedian, and Josh Gondelman, a witty writer, in a captivating live performance. They delve into the importance of words, showcasing a clever tug-of-war filled with playful exchanges. The story revolves around two siblings facing challenges, a tricky sea captain, and a courtroom showdown that leads to a surprising ruling. With a blend of humor and heart, the cast brings folklore to life, illustrating how words can have weight beyond their surface.

Oct 28, 2025 • 28min
The Sunlight Tree | Ep. 302
In this lively tale, Lars, a cheeky starling, adds comic flair as he narrates a magical story about kindness and resilience. With a glowing sunlight tree at the center, two sisters, Selma and Svea, find joy despite the greedy Wilhelm's attempts to claim it. As the tree mysteriously withers at his mansion, a brighter tree springs up on the hill, leading to a dramatic showdown where trees take flight to confront greed. This whimsical tale unfolds with humor and heart, reminding us of the power of community and caring.

12 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 26min
The Tree of Love | Ep. 301
A powerful Greek legend unfolds as a couple's boundless love faces challenges from a skeptical village. When they offer shelter to mysterious travelers, their kindness reveals divine connections. Transformations occur as the gods, testing hospitality, grant the couple a wish to never be parted. In a heartwarming twist, they become intertwined trees, symbolizing eternal togetherness. Listeners are invited to create their own 'Tree of Love' to honor cherished relationships. This tale beautifully intertwines love, kindness, and magical transformations.

Oct 14, 2025 • 26min
The Stone Horse | Ep. 300
Recorded live in Parker, CO, this Chinese adventure story shows how kindness and hard work can breathe new life into anything... including stone!
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Oct 7, 2025 • 28min
The Palace of Cats | Ep. 299
Jeffrey Donovan, known for his captivating storytelling skills and featured in the live performance, dives into a magical Palestinian tale. He narrates Rafi's journey—a kind neighbor enduring hardships who rescues a kitten, revealing her as the gracious Princess Patches. The tale explores themes of generosity as Rafi's act leads to unexpected rewards—turning peels into treasure that benefits his village. Meanwhile, his unkind neighbor Idris learns a hard lesson about selfishness when attempting to replicate Rafi's fortune.

Sep 30, 2025 • 25min
Encore: The Scholar’s Reward
In this captivating tale, Summer Bishil, known for her roles in The Magicians and Four Samosas, plays a brilliant scholar who introduces the war-hungry Raja to the game of Chaturanga. As they play, the scholar reveals the surprising ripple effects of her unusual request for grains of rice, demonstrating the power of exponential growth. This enchanting story weaves together themes of strategy, kindness, and the transformative potential of peaceful alternatives, leading the Raja to reconsider his obsession with conquest.

Sep 23, 2025 • 23min
The Right Apple | Ep. 298
Academy Award nominee June Squibb (Thelma, Eleanor the Great) headlines a Jewish Turkish story about taking a wrong turn and finding the right prize.
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Sep 16, 2025 • 21min
Sundown on Sunday | Ep. 297
Charlet Takahashi Chung (Wylde Pak, Rugrats) stars in a Japanese folktale about a clever farmer who gives herself a helping hand... and foot!
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Sep 9, 2025 • 25min
The Round Mossy Stone | Ep. 296
Bashir Sylvain, known for his role in Jurassic World Rebirth, voices the clever trickster Anansi in a captivating West African tale. Listeners dive into Anansi's mischief as he discovers a magic stone that puts others to sleep, allowing him to steal their fruit. However, the tables turn when Bush Deer, who witnessed the trickery, cleverly outsmarts Anansi by reading the spell slowly, putting him to sleep instead. The story wraps up with Anansi waking up embarrassed and fruitless, leaving a lesson about consequences and cleverness.


