

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

Mar 4, 2025 • 21min
Maushop and the Shark
Román Zaragoza (Ghosts) stars in a Wampanoag tale about a gentle giant, a hungry shark, and the power of fun and games.

Feb 25, 2025 • 20min
Diamonds in the Sky
Kyriana Kratter (Star Wars: Skeleton Crew) and Mila Harris (Mary, World-Breaker) headline an out-of-this-world Filipino tale about how the sun and moon came to be.

Feb 18, 2025 • 24min
The Salmon Famine
Dive into an enchanting tale from the Pacific Northwest, featuring a cunning coyote who embarks on a daring rescue during the 'Salmon Famine.' With shapeshifting skills, he deceives three giant sisters hoarding fish and devises a clever escape plan. The narrative highlights themes of cooperation and sharing, as Coyote faces challenges while ultimately triumphing. Engaging moments from young listeners add a personal touch, inviting reflection on community and generosity.

Feb 11, 2025 • 23min
The Well of Honor
Recorded live at Symphony Hall with Boston Symphony Orchestra musicians and a star-studded cast, this Egyptian, Iraqi, Palestinian, Sudanese and Tunisian tale shows the importance of never biting off more than you can chew.

Feb 4, 2025 • 21min
Encore: The Lumps of Clay
Maulik Pancholy (Phineas and Ferb, Sanjay and Craig) stars in a classic Indian story about a witty royal adviser who finds an ingenious way to bring the truth to light.

Jan 28, 2025 • 30min
The Zodiac Twelve
Tzi Ma (Five Blind Dates, Interior Chinatown) and Jimmy Wong (Mulan, Wish Dragon) co-star in an action-packed legend about the origin of the Chinese zodiac animals.

Jan 21, 2025 • 23min
Hot Potatoes
Arlen Escarpeta (Found, The Oath) headlines a tale from southern Africa about stolen spuds and hare-brained schemes.

Jan 14, 2025 • 30min
The Cobbler’s Soul
John Patrick Amedori (Three Women, Dear White People) headlines an internationally-inspired story about fixing soles and saving souls.

Jan 7, 2025 • 22min
Encore: Ariana’s Music
Mireille Enos (Hanna, The Killing) headlines this new spin on an ancient Greek legend about an instrument that captivates everyone who hears it – whether they have skin, scales, hair, hides, feathers or fur!

Dec 31, 2024 • 20min
Encore: Three Clever Brothers
Alexandra Billings (Transparent, Paddleton) stars in a North African, Middle Eastern and central and north-central Asian folktale about the power of a keen eye and a quick mind.