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
Jun 4, 2024 • 26min
Encore: The Bright Yellow Hat
Jona Xiao plays a flower peddler in a story with diverse cultural roots. Topics include generosity, resilience in nature, magical encounters with talking plants, and engaging children in creative activities through storytelling.
May 28, 2024 • 25min
The Crystal Story Box
Bashir Salahuddin plays the legendary trickster Anansi in a West African tale about how stories first came to the world. Anansi cleverly outwits Python and Hornet to acquire a crystal box of stories from the sky goddess through his cunning and inventive schemes, leading to a captivating mix of tales.
May 21, 2024 • 24min
Encore: The Troupe of Ten
Malia Baker, Kelly Jenrette, and Kenny Leu share the story of a traveling acting troupe facing challenges from a harsh king and queen. The actors spread joy through their performances, but deceitful schemes threaten their reputation. Through clever tactics and a showcase of innocence, they prove their worth and continue to bring happiness through their art.
May 14, 2024 • 21min
The Long Crimson Thread
Jessika Van and Mark Pellegrino co-star in a Welsh tale about a girl, a drought, and a mouse with a life-saving secret. The story showcases resilience and intelligence in the face of adversity, as Catrin and the mouse uncover a hidden granary, ultimately saving their village from famine. The podcast also delves into Jessica Van's acting career and introduces The Croof instrument.
May 7, 2024 • 22min
The Snow Eater
Cree Summer (Good Times, Abbott Elementary) headlines a Blackfoot legend about fast friends, warm winds, and why bears hibernate during the winter.
Apr 30, 2024 • 21min
The Laughing Bird
Guest Kenny Curtis from Greeking Out stars in a legend from Aboriginal Australia about a small bird named Kookaburra whose laughter saves the world from darkness and cold, bringing light and warmth. The story explores unique abilities and how they can transform dark days into ones filled with light and vision.
Apr 23, 2024 • 23min
The Rightful Heir
Oliver Stark plays a clever king determining the rightful heir based on inner traits. The twins' test involves a coin toss after symbolic items are presented. The story highlights the value of sharing and listener engagement with favorite stories.
Apr 16, 2024 • 17min
Encore: The Friendship Orchard
NPR veterans Linda Wertheimer and Susan Stamberg share the heartwarming Kazakh folktale of lifelong friends who discover a chest of gold coins on their farm, leading to the creation of a friendship orchard to help others. The friends must decide between keeping the coins or freeing captive birds, ultimately choosing compassion over wealth.
Apr 9, 2024 • 23min
A Bee in the Bush
Actress Erika Ishii joins the podcast to tell a Vietnamese tale about facing financial challenges, deceitful landlords, and the power of creative problem-solving. The story highlights the importance of valuing wisdom over material wealth and working together to overcome obstacles.
Apr 2, 2024 • 26min
The Cleverest Person in the Room
Vanessa Aspillaga (Dora Saves the Snow Princess, Leave the World Behind) stars in this Puerto Rican and Chilean tale about baby basil, cuddly kittens, and how two heads can be better than one.
