Part one of our special summer series with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Melora Hardin and Gildart Jackson co-star in this tale about a crafty countess who teaches a broke baker never to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Circle Round

Every Other Friday feat. Melora Hardin and Gildart Jackson

Recorded live with musicians from the Boston Symphony Orchestra as part of our 2019 summer pop-up series, this Aboriginal story from Australia imagines how the kangaroo got her indispensable pouch.

Encore: 'Kangaroo And Joey Too'

Is the bucket half empty or half full? This week's bonus episode comes from a Chinese folktale about the unexpected upside of imperfection.

Shortie: The Leaky Bucket

In this Native American story, William Jackson Harper (The Good Place) portrays a tiny creature who teaches the other animals and birds to appreciate what it means to be different. 

Encore: 'The Great Ball Game'

In this bite-sized bonus episode from West Africa, a tricky spider bites off more than he can chew when he tries outwitting a wise dinner guest.

Shortie: The Dinner Date

Iain Armitage (Young Sheldon, Big Little Lies) learns a surprising lesson about size, strength and power in this twist on a folktale from East Asia, India, Spain, Latin America and the southwestern U.S.

Encore: The Most Powerful Of All

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb (A Simple Trick to Happiness, Feel What U Feel) discovers the true meaning of goodness, virtue and honor in this folktale originally from Mexico. 

The Noblest Tale feat. Lisa Loeb

Public radio and podcast veteran Tonya Mosley (Here and Now, Truth Be Told) plays a clever turtle determined to outwit the local bully in this whimsical tale inspired by stories told in Ghana.

Leopard’s Rhythm feat. Tonya Mosley

In this story from the Zulu people of South Africa, Marshall Escamilla (Tumble: A Science Podcast for Kids) and Avi Nash (The Walking Dead, Hosea) star as brothers who are as different as sweet and sour.

Sweet and Sour feat. Avi Nash & Marshall Escamilla

Actor and musician Chris Sullivan (This Is Us, Joseph The Spouse) plays the boastful, blowhard title character in this Hawaiian tale about an egotistical chief who gets cut down to size.

Chief Know-It-All feat. Chris Sullivan

Shazad Latif (Star Trek: Discovery, Penny Dreadful) and Anthony Rapp (Star Trek: Discovery, Rent) headline this Middle Eastern/North African tale about sweet figs, bad breath, and the bitter truth. When you need advice, what kind of advisor do you turn to? Someone who’s honest? Trustworthy? Supportive? In today’s story, we’ll meet an advisor who’s none of these things. And the person he’s advising -- a wealthy, powerful sultan -- has no idea! Our story is called “The Sultan’s Figs.” Versions of this tale originally come from North Africa and the Middle East. Voices in this episode include Mike DelGaudio, Shazad Latif and Anthony Rapp. Grown-ups, you can see Shazad and Anthony on the CBS All-Access series, Star Trek. You can also check out Shazad Latif in three Netflix shows -- Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, Penny Dreadful and Toast of London -- plus the upcoming indie film, Falling For Figaro. Anthony Rapp has starred in dozens of Broadway plays and musicals, including Rent and If/Then, opposite Idina Menzel. He’s the author of the book, Without You: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and the Musical Rent. To give to Circle Round got to WBUR.org/supportcircleround

The Sultan’s Figs feat. Shazad Latif and Anthony Rapp

Adrian Martinez (Stumptown, Lady and the Tramp) stars in this classic folktale about the big treasures a little honesty can bring. Visit our website, www.wbur.org/circleround and print out our coloring pages! ----------- What does it mean to be “honest”? Being “honest” means being truthful in what you do and say - even if it isn’t easy! In today’s story, we’ll find out why telling the truth can be even more precious than bronze, silver, and gold! Our story is called “The Treasured Axe.” Versions of this tale come from all over the world, from Greece, Latvia and Russia, to Nigeria, Indonesia and Japan, to China, Thailand and Tibet. ------- www.wbur.org/circleround 

The Treasured Axe feat. Adrian Martinez

In this bonus episode inspired by a Chinese folktale, an industrious man finds a clever way to teach his brother the value of hard work. ------ If you’re looking for something extra to do while listening to today’s tale, ask a grown-up to print out the coloring page for this week’s story! You can find it at WBUR.org/circleround. At the end of this episode you'll hear more another activity -- an "I did it" jar!

Shortie: 'The Money Tree'

Children's podcast hosts Molly Bloom (Brains On!, Smash Boom Best) and Jane Lindholm (But Why: A Podcast For Curious Kids) co-star as twin sisters who reap what they sow in this story with origins in Korea, Tibet, Japan and China. 

The Fallen Sparrow feat. Molly Bloom and Jane Lindholm

In this bonus story with roots in Europe and China, a horse teaches a knight about loyalty and kindness. ------ If you’re looking for something extra to do while listening to today’s tale, ask a grown-up to print out the coloring page for this week’s story! You can find it at WBUR.org/circleround. At the end of this episode you'll hear more another activity -- writing notes. ------ Think about someone in your life who has helped you. Perhaps a teacher helped you learn something new. Or a family member gave you a smile and a hug when you were having a rough day. When people help us out, it’s nice to return the favor, by doing something helpful for them. But in this bonus edition of Circle Round, we’ll meet a character who forgets about that last part, even though his helper saved his life! 

Shorties: 'The First Ring'

Thoughtfully-selected folktales from around the world are adapted for today's families and feature top talent from the stage and screen. With original music and sound design, these stories delve into topics such as kindness, persistence and generosity. Geared for kids ages 4 to 10 and their grown-ups; created and produced by parents of young children.

hubhopper

Circle Round

hubhopper