Circle Round

Dive into a captivating Shona legend that flips the script on strength and size. An arrogant elephant challenges a clever squirrel to a lighthearted eating contest, sparking a humorous rivalry. As they face off, the showdown proves that wit can indeed triumph over brawn. Along the way, themes of teamwork and humility emerge, teaching valuable lessons to both the contestants and the audience. Celebrate creativity as listeners reflect on their favorite tales, encouraging all to recognize their unique strengths.

This week, Jack De Sena, known for his roles in "Lego Monkie Kid" and "Avatar: The Last Airbender," joins Tatyana Ali, famed from "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." They dive into a whimsical Filipino fable where Turtle and Monkey navigate themes of teamwork and the importance of patience. The narrative takes a humorous turn as Turtle devises a clever revenge on Monkey for his greed. Ultimately, they explore valuable lessons on trust, kindness, and the true worth of what we have while sharing witty banter and playful threats.

David Giuntoli and Elizabeth Tulloch, a real-life couple and actors from Grimm, bring a delightful twist to a tale rooted in Georgian, Kazakh, and Ghanaian traditions. The story juxtaposes a humble farmer's wisdom against a proud queen's arrogance. As they engage in clever banter, the farmer faces the queen's puzzling challenges and extravagant requests with ingenuity. Through humorous exchanges and thought-provoking proverbs, the narrative showcases the folly of pride and the value of humility, leaving listeners with lasting insights.

Broadway stars Aaron Bartz, Erik Christopher Peterson, and Cara Ricketts, known for their roles in "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," explore a captivating tale woven from Jewish and Egyptian folklore. They delve into the adventures of Solomon the Peddler as he faces a cunning trickster and a corrupt mayor. The trio discusses themes of resilience, cleverness, and the importance of honesty. Young listeners also get to share their favorite stories, fostering creativity and community engagement.

Join Duchess Sarah Ferguson, known for her captivating storytelling, and actress Suzie McGrath, famed for her animated roles, as they bring to life a heartwarming folktale about leadership and empathy. They discuss the themes of wisdom versus authority, following a princess on her quest to prove her worthiness. Notable moments include the princess's clever rescue of a bee and her resourceful solutions to daunting royal challenges. It's a delightful blend of adventure and invaluable lessons on kindness and cleverness.

Jonica Booth (Rap Stuff, Bad Girls Club) and Jay Pharoah (Out of Office, Saturday Night Live) co-star in this West African tale about a clothing-obsessed goddess and a crafty, colorful chameleon.

Dive into a captivating Haitian and Creole tale featuring farmers Jean and Claude, who face financial woes after their horse disappears. They humorously negotiate a horse rental with their wealthy neighbor, Pierre, but help arrives in the form of a clever carpenter named Marie. A series of comical hijinks ensues as they navigate a horse's carrying capacity and market day debates. Ultimately, unexpected friendships bloom, sparking listener imagination through imaginative storytelling and shared favorite moments.

A live performance features a queen and her whimsical price maker, blending laughter with lessons on fairness. The price master crafts ridiculous valuations, creating a humorous atmosphere as greed takes the stage. Clever disguises and surprising twists unfold when two gentlemen attempt to trick the queen over a cup of rice. As the tale concludes, themes of deception are unmasked, leading to valuable insights about worth. Listeners even share their favorite stories, fostering a community of shared adventures.

A farmer's quest to find his missing magical cow, Bukotla, leads him into a dark cave filled with tension and heartache. As he faces comedic ogres in pursuit, laughter ensues alongside the thrill of adventure. Bukotla’s enchanting abilities turn danger into creativity, showcasing how love and resilience can guide one through challenges. Children joyfully share their favorite tales from the series, reminding us all of the deep connections stories can nurture. It's a lively blend of humor, magic, and heartfelt storytelling.

Recorded live at The Athenaeum Center in Chicago, IL, this tale with East Asian and Egyptian roots pits a proud king against a sharp-witted schoolteacher who proves she's nobody's fool.