

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 26, 2024 • 21min
The Whole Cart
Actress Julia Chan from Bojack Horseman and Extinct stars in a story about clever deception and justice. A merchant swindles a woodcutter, but the woodcutter's wife outwits him in a satisfying revenge plot. The seamstress then tricks the merchant to reclaim what's rightfully hers. The podcast also features discussions on podcasts, music, and encourages listeners to explore more stories on the website.

Mar 19, 2024 • 26min
The Young Healer
Jonigan Booth from The Underdoggs and This Is Us shares an Angolan tale of following your heart and the healing power of dreams. Follow Omari's journey as he makes a fateful choice by the river, becoming a determined young healer despite facing opposition. The episode showcases forgiveness, generosity, and pursuing dreams, ending with listeners' favorite Circle Round stories.

Mar 12, 2024 • 28min
The Polka-Dotted Pigeon
Adam Goldberg stars in a Portuguese tale about a polka-dotted pigeon's ambitions to become the king's courier. The story unfolds with a rivalry, a royal race, and a test of loyalty with themes of envy and overcoming obstacles.

Mar 5, 2024 • 29min
The Uncommon Commoner
A new queen inherits a kingdom and engages in a puzzling conversation with an old man named Vidor. Their enigmatic encounter challenges the queen's advisor to decipher its true meaning, leading to a clever twist revealing the essence behind the queen's cryptic questions. Fans share their favorite Circle Round stories, expressing gratitude for the captivating narratives.

Feb 27, 2024 • 24min
Grime and Punishment
A tale of kind and grumpy neighbors unfolds live in a small village setting. A skeptical farmer meets a mysterious stranger who surprises with kindness. Acts of generosity lead to unexpected rewards, highlighting themes of selflessness and consequences. The episode concludes with a call for listener engagement and discussion of fan favorites.

Feb 20, 2024 • 20min
Encore: The Basilisk’s Stare
Actors Nabiyah Be and Evan Whitten face a basilisk in a Polish legend-inspired tale. Siblings explore a circus and battle the creature to save each other and the townspeople. The story highlights bravery, quick thinking, and family bonds, with a reflection on problem-solving and listener favorites.

Feb 13, 2024 • 18min
The Weeping Witness
Brittany Ishibashi stars in a tale about resolving conflicts with wisdom. The story involves a peddler accusing a farmer of robbery, leading to an unconventional witness request. The episode delves into problem-solving, positive traits, and audience engagement.

Feb 6, 2024 • 21min
The Lone Dragon
Ellen Wong (Beacon 23, GLOW) headlines a Chinese legend about how the dragon came to be a powerful symbol of prosperity and luck.

Jan 30, 2024 • 23min
Something Fishy
Jorma Taccone (The Lonely Island, Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse) stars in a tale from Hawaii about a fisherman whose magical gift leads to a fishy situation.

Jan 23, 2024 • 26min
The Seal of Fate
Ahmed Mawas, an actor known for his roles in Human Resources and Rescuing Christmas, plays a king in this tale from Persia. A candlemaker entrusts his life savings to the judge, only to find out they have been stolen. The king steps in, disguised as a stranger, to help the candlemaker. The king uncovers a previous cheating incident involving the judge through a talented tailor. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the Circle-Round community.