Call of the Cuckoo

Summary

Circle Round – Episode: Call of the Cuckoo

Release Date: May 6, 2025

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Introduction

"Circle Round," a beloved WBUR podcast created and produced by parents of young children, masterfully adapts folktales from around the world into engaging, sound-rich radio plays. Aimed at children aged 3-103, each 15 to 25-minute episode explores important themes such as kindness, persistence, and generosity, concluding with activities that foster deeper conversations between children and adults. In the episode titled "Call of the Cuckoo," adapted by Rebecca Sheer, listeners embark on a heartwarming and thought-provoking journey that delves into the complexities of anger management and the power of brotherly support.

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Story Summary

Struggling Through Winter (00:00 – 05:57)

The story opens with two brothers, Balthazar and Barnaby, facing the harshest of winters. Their countryside cottage is cold and damp, their potato fields are buried under ice, and their livestock have ceased production, leaving them in dire straits.

• Barnaby (02:16): "Balthazar, how will we survive this long, long, bleak winter? We're down to our last bag of potatoes and I'm down to my last straw of patience."

• Balthazar (02:27): "I hear you, Barnaby. It's so brutal out there. Our chickens have stopped laying eggs and our cow has stopped giving milk."

Realizing the severity of their situation, Balthazar decides to seek employment to provide for them, assuring Barnaby that together they can overcome the adversity.

The Farmer's Unusual Conditions (03:20 – 05:57)

Balthazar finds work at a neighboring farm, where a welcoming Farmer offers him a job with seemingly fair compensation: five silver pieces a week, along with food, drink, and shelter. However, the job comes with two stringent conditions:

1. Work Until the First Cuckoo Call of Spring
2. Never Lose His Temper

• Farmer (04:09): "Boy, oh, boy, I sure am glad you came along. I've been seeking some help here on the farm, so I'd like to hire you as a farmhand."

• Farmer (04:35): "While working for me, you must never blow your top, flip your lid, flip, fly into a rage. Lose your temper, Balthazar, and I will pay you nothing. Instead, you will pay me 100 gold pieces."

Confident in his steady demeanor, Balthazar agrees and signs the contract (05:10). He begins his duties by mowing the overgrown meadow diligently from dawn till dusk.

The Breaking Point (07:39 – 11:55)

As evening falls, the farmer confronts Balthazar, criticizing him for working beyond daylight hours by including moonlight and starlight as part of his working time.

• Farmer (07:25): "Balthazar. What are you doing here? I told you to work as long as there was light."

Exhausted and hungry, Balthazar challenges the farmer's unreasonable demands, leading to his eventual loss of temper.

• Balthazar (10:00): "That's it. I can't stand it anymore. So why don't you take your cockamamie conditions and hare brained rules and find some other lackey to follow them? I am out of here."

The farmer, adhering strictly to the contract, demands Balthazar pay the penalty of 100 gold pieces (10:26):

• Farmer (10:30): "According to my cockamamie conditions, the first one of us to lose our temper must pay the other 100 gold pieces. That's what it says in the contract you signed, does it not?"

Unable to pay, Balthazar returns home despondent, sharing his ordeal with Barnaby (11:00 – 11:55).

Barnaby's Plan (12:02 – 18:54)

Determined to help his brother, Barnaby devises a plan to confront the farmer and negate the penalty. He takes on the same job but negotiates a higher penalty of 200 gold pieces, ensuring that if either he or the farmer loses their temper, the other must pay the stipulated amount.

• Barnaby (14:14): "I'm sorry, ma'am, but 100 gold pieces. That's not nearly enough. How about we up the ante and make it 200 gold pieces?"

The farmer, confident from her previous encounter with Balthazar, accepts Barnaby's terms, believing she can induce him to lose his temper as well (15:10 – 17:46). However, Barnaby remains composed, strategically managing his emotions to avoid triggering the penalty.

Clever Resolution (19:15 – 25:17)

Barnaby and Balthazar collaborate to outsmart the farmer. Barnaby deliberately engages in behavior that provokes the farmer, leading her to exhibit signs of frustration.

• Barnaby (23:28): "Boss, am I sensing that you're blowing your top?"

Upon confirming the farmer has lost her temper, Barnaby invokes the contract, demanding payment of the 200 gold pieces. The farmer, now indebted, agrees to pay, recognizing the brothers' cleverness in navigating the contractual trap.

• Farmer (23:58): "Fine. I'll pay you 200 gold pieces. It will be worth it to have you out of my life."

With the penalties settled, Balthazar and Barnaby use the coins to repair their cottage and secure enough provisions to survive the remainder of the winter, strengthening their bond and resourcefulness.

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Notable Quotes

• Barnaby (02:16): "Balthazar, how will we survive this long, long, bleak winter? We're down to our last bag of potatoes and I'm down to my last straw of patience."

• Farmer (04:35): "While working for me, you must never blow your top, flip your lid, flip, fly into a rage. Lose your temper, Balthazar, and I will pay you nothing. Instead, you will pay me 100 gold pieces."

• Balthazar (10:00): "That's it. I can't stand it anymore. So why don't you take your cockamamie conditions and hare brained rules and find some other lackey to follow them? I am out of here."

• Barnaby (12:02): "Balthazar, I think I know what to do. And if my plan works, you won't have to pay that stingy farmer anything because she'll be the one paying the price."

• Barnaby (23:28): "Boss, am I sensing that you're blowing your top?"

• Farmer (23:58): "Fine. I'll pay you 200 gold pieces. It will be worth it to have you out of my life."

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Themes and Insights

"Call of the Cuckoo" masterfully explores several profound themes:

1. Anger Management: The farmer's stringent conditions highlight the challenges and consequences of suppressing anger. The story illustrates how repressing emotions can lead to tension and conflict.

2. Perseverance and Resilience: Balthazar and Barnaby's unwavering determination to overcome adversity showcases the importance of persistence in the face of hardship.

3. Cunning and Strategy: The brothers' collaborative plan to outsmart the farmer emphasizes the power of strategic thinking and teamwork in resolving conflicts.

4. Contracts and Fairness: The narrative delves into the implications of contractual agreements, especially when terms are manipulated unfairly, underscoring the necessity for equitable dealings.

5. Brotherly Support: The bond between Balthazar and Barnaby reinforces the significance of familial support and solidarity during challenging times.

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Conclusion

In "Call of the Cuckoo," listeners are treated to a richly woven tale that not only entertains but also imparts valuable life lessons. Through the experiences of Balthazar and Barnaby, the story underscores the importance of managing emotions, the strength found in unity, and the cleverness required to navigate unfair circumstances. Rebecca Sheer's adaptation is a testament to "Circle Round's" commitment to delivering meaningful and engaging content that resonates across generations. As the episode concludes, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own ways of handling anger, fostering conversations that promote emotional intelligence and resilience.

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Transcript

[Rebecca Shear]

Hey there grown ups. We want to learn more about you and why you listen to Circle Round. Take our short 10 minute survey and get a special bonus story from me, Rebecca Shear. Find a link in the show notes of this episode or visit WBUR.org survey WBUR podcasts Boston Think about the last time you felt angry. It's normal for us to feel angry at times, and it helps if we can express our feelings in a safe and appropriate way and do what we can to work through them. In today's story, we'll hear what happens when anger is outlawed and frustration is forbidden. And boy oh boy, do the feathers fly. I'm Rebecca Scheer and welcome to Circle Round, where story time happens all the time. Today our story is called Call of the Cuckoo. You'll find versions of this tale from many places, including the Asian countries of Armenia and Afghanistan and the European nations of Denmark, Ireland and Italy. Some really great people came together to bring you our version of this folktale, including Broadway performers, lifestyle bloggers, educators and real life husbands and dads. Brett Shuford and Stephen Hanna, the dynamic duo behind Broadway Husbands, listen for their new podcast Husbands to Dads this summer. So circle around everyone for Call of the Cuckoo. It was an especially harsh winter and Balthazar and Barnaby weren't sure how they would make it to spring. Their countryside cottage was leaky and drafty, their fields of potatoes were crusted over with ice and their peace of mind was at an all time low.

[Barnaby]

Balthazar, how will we survive this long, long, bleak winter? We're down to our last bag of potatoes and I'm down to my last straw of patience.

[Balthazar]

I hear you, Barnaby. It's so brutal out there. Our chickens have stopped laying eggs and our cow has stopped giving milk.

[Barnaby]

I'm surprised she isn't giving milk shakes at this point. Balthazar, what are we going to do?

[Balthazar]

Well, Barnaby, we may not have much, but we've got each other. So how about this? You stay here, tend the cottage and animals, and I go out and find work. Soon as I make some money, I'll send it right back home to you.

[Rebecca Shear]

The next morning, Balthazar and Barnaby shared a boiled potato and a goodbye embrace. Then Balthazar set off down the road. He crossed frozen rivers. He passed through forests twinkling with frost. He had just climbed to the top of a snowy hill when he halted in his tracks.

[Balthazar]

Look there in the valley below. There's a wide, sweeping farm and the snow is melting. Even though spring is a ways away, the fields are turning green.

[Rebecca Shear]

Balthazar raced down the hill and knocked at the farmhouse door. When he introduced himself and told the farmer he was looking for work, her face broke into a wide grin.

[Farmer]

Boy, oh, boy, I sure am glad you came along. I've been seeking some help here on the farm, so I'd like to hire you as a farmhand. I'll give you five silver pieces a week, plus food and drink and a place to sleep. There are just two conditions, two requirements that go along with the job.

[Balthazar]

All right. Let's hear the conditions.

[Farmer]

Well, the first condition is you must work for me until the first cuckoo call of spring.

[Rebecca Shear]

Balthazar smiled to himself. Technically, it was still winter, but with the balmy weather in this valley, working till the first cuckoo call would be easy.

[Balthazar]

Easy sounds reasonable to me, ma'am. What's the second condition?

[Farmer]

The second condition is you must never lose your temper.

[Rebecca Shear]

Balthazar cocked his head.

[Balthazar]

I'm sorry. Did you just say I must never lose my temper? That's the second condition of the job?

[Farmer]

It is? While working for me, you must never blow your top, flip your lid, flip, fly into a rage. Lose your temper, Balthazar, and I will pay you nothing. Instead, you will pay me 100 gold pieces. However.

[Balthazar]

But wait. I don't have that kind of money.

[Farmer]

You didn't let me finish. You see, there's more to this second condition of mine. Because if I lose my temper, if I blow my top, flip my lid, then I will pay you 100 gold pieces and let you go free.

[Rebecca Shear]

Balthasar considered the farmer's bargain. He knew he was a hard worker and an easygoing person. He should be able to keep his temper. And besides, if the farmer lost her temper, then he and Barnaby would be rich. So Balthazar agreed to the farmer's conditions. She wrote up a contract to make it official, and Balthazar signed his name on the dotted line.

[Farmer]

Thank you very much, Balthazar. You'll start work first thing tomorrow. Meet me in the meadow at the far end of my property at sunrise.

[Rebecca Shear]

After a hearty dinner and a good night's sleep in the farmhouse, Balthazar met the farmer in the meadow. The first glimmers of daylight were just peeking out from the horizon, but he could see how overgrown the meadow was, tangled grasses and weeds reaching well past his waist.

[Farmer]

Good morning, Balthazar. Clearly, this meadow hasn't been cared for in some time. So your first job is to mow it and get it ready for planting. And promise me you'll keep mowing as long as there is light, okay?

[Balthazar]

You've got it, boss.

[Rebecca Shear]

The farmer handed Balthazar a scythe, a long, thin pole with a sharp, curved Blade at the end. Then she bustled away and Balthasar got to work. He mowed all morning. He mowed all afternoon. And come evening, once the sun had set and the moon had risen, he trudged back to the farmhouse. When he entered the kitchen, the farmer stared at him as if he had sprouted an extra arm and head.

[Farmer]

Balthazar. What are you doing here? I told you to work as long as there was light.

[Balthazar]

Right. That's why I spent all day mowing. I worked all the way until the sun went down.

[Farmer]

Then, apparently you misunderstood my directions. The sun did go down. But look outside. The moon is up. See how brilliantly it shines in the sky. To say nothing of those glittering stars. Moonlight and starlight count as light, too. So get back to work.

[Rebecca Shear]

Balthasar furrowed his brow.

[Balthazar]

Look, boss, no disrespect, but I'm hungry, I'm tired. I've been working all day. Do you actually expect me to keep mowing without any.

[Farmer]

Balthazar.

[Rebecca Shear]

The farmer gave Balthazar a stunned look.

[Farmer]

Are you losing your temper? Because if you are, a penalty of 100 gold pieces is an awful lot to pay.

[Rebecca Shear]

Balthazar took a breath.

[Balthazar]

Am I losing my temper? Of course not. Far from it. I'm as cool as a cucumber, as chill as a penguin, as composed as a symphony.

[Farmer]

In that case, take that scythe, return to the meadow and keep mowing. Now.

[Rebecca Shear]

Balthazar let out a sigh, and under the light of the moon and the glint of the stars, he went back to the meadow and continued to mow. Eventually, his tired body and empty belly got the best of him. And as the stars faded and the moon dropped from view, his scythe dropped to the ground and he dropped off to sleep. Moments later.

[Farmer]

Balthazar, wake up.

[Rebecca Shear]

Balthazar blinked open his eyes. Looming over him was, you guessed it. The farmer.

[Farmer]

The sun is up and you haven't done a lick of work. I told you, you must keep working as long as there is. So choppity chop. Get to it.

[Rebecca Shear]

Balthazar's stomach twisted, his nostrils flared, his cheeks burned. And then, with his racing pulse thudding in his ears, he balled his fists, clenched his jaw and let loose.

[Balthazar]

That's it. I can't stand it anymore. So why don't you take your cockamamie conditions and hare brained rules and find some other lackey to follow them? I am out of here.

[Rebecca Shear]

Before Balthazar could leave, the farmer held up a hand.

[Farmer]

Not so fast, Balthazar. Am I sensing that you're blowing your top?

[Balthazar]

You bet.

[Farmer]

Flipping your lid.

[Balthazar]

Oh, yeah.

[Farmer]

Flying into a rage?

[Balthazar]

Absolutely.

[Farmer]

Then you owe me 100 gold pieces? Because according to my cockamamie conditions, the first one of us to lose our temper must pay the other 100 gold pieces. That's what it says in the contract you signed, does it not?

[Rebecca Shear]

Balthazar gave a sigh and a nod.

[Balthazar]

Yes, it does say that. So listen, I will pay you 100 gold pieces. I just need a little time. Can you give me a few days, please?

[Rebecca Shear]

The farmer crossed her arms.

[Farmer]

Fine. I'll give you two days. And if you don't come back with the money you owe, I'll have you arrested for breaking our contract.

[Rebecca Shear]

Despair settled like a stone in Balthazar's stomach. Tears blurred his vision as he staggered back to his snow covered cottage where he greeted Barnaby with a miserable wave.

[Balthazar]

Hi honey, I'm home.

[Barnaby]

Balthazar, what happened? Why are you crying?

[Rebecca Shear]

Balthazar dropped into a chair and told Barnaby all about the farmer and the curious conditions he had agreed to in her contract.

[Balthazar]

And since I promised I wouldn't lose my temper and then I went and flew off the handle. I owe that woman 100 gold pieces or I'll go to jail.

[Rebecca Shear]

Barnaby was quiet for a moment. Then his eyes began to glow.

[Barnaby]

Balthazar, I think I know what to do. And if my plan works, you won't have to pay that stingy farmer anything because she'll be the one paying the price.

[Rebecca Shear]

What do you think Barnaby is up to? Will his plan work? We'll find out what happens after a quick break. Before we return to our story, a quick reminder and request to take our short survey so we can learn how to make your Circle Round experience even more fun. It takes 10 minutes and all survey takers get a bonus story from me, Rebecca Scheer. Click the link in the show notes or visit WBUR.org circle survey welcome back to Circle Round. I'm Rebecca Scheer. Today our story is called the Call of the Cuckoo. Before the break, Balthazar and Barnaby were struggling to survive the long, harsh winter. To help bring in some money, Balthazar got hired at a farm in the valley. But his crafty new boss tricked him into breaking his contract by losing his temper. Which meant he had to shell out 100 gold pieces in two days. When Barnaby heard the story, he promised to help. And the next morning he set off for the farm in the valley. When he asked the farmer for a job, she offered the same conditions she had offered.

[Farmer]

Balthazar, you must work for me until the first cuckoo call of spring. And you must never lose your temper. If you do, you must pay me 100 gold pieces. But if I lose my Temper. I must pay you 100 gold pieces and let you go free.

[Rebecca Shear]

Barnaby gave his shoulders a shrug.

[Barnaby]

I'm sorry, ma'am, but 100 gold pieces. That's not nearly enough. How about we up the ante and make it 200 gold pieces?

[Rebecca Shear]

After the farmer's success throwing Balthazar into a tizzy, she was confident she could do the same with this new fellow. And if she could get 200 gold pieces for her efforts, all the better.

[Farmer]

200 gold pieces sounds good to me. Barnaby. Meet me tomorrow at sunrise in the meadow at the far end of my property. I need you to do some mowing. And promise me you'll keep mowing as long as there is light.

[Barnaby]

You've got it, boss.

[Rebecca Shear]

Barnaby signed the contract, then enjoyed a hot dinner and warm bed. And at sunrise, when the farmer went to meet him in the meadow.

[Farmer]

Barnaby?

[Rebecca Shear]

He was nowhere to be seen.

[Farmer]

Barnaby.

[Rebecca Shear]

The farmer waited all morning long. Come noon, she stomped back to her farmhouse where Barnaby was still in bed.

[Farmer]

Barnaby, the sun is high in the sky and you haven't started work yet. Get up. This way minute, you lazy bones.

[Barnaby]

Lazy bones?

[Rebecca Shear]

Barnaby's eyes snapped open.

[Barnaby]

You aren't losing your temper, boss, are you?

[Rebecca Shear]

The farmer shook her head.

[Farmer]

No, I'm not losing my temper. I'm merely suggesting it's time for you to start mowing the meadow.

[Barnaby]

All right then, I. I'll get dressed.

[Rebecca Shear]

The farmer stepped into the hallway and closed the door to wait. She waited 10 minutes.

[Farmer]

You done getting dressed, Barnaby?

[Barnaby]

Just putting on my pants.

[Rebecca Shear]

She waited 20 minutes.

[Farmer]

You done getting dressed, Barnaby?

[Barnaby]

Just buttoning up my shirt.

[Rebecca Shear]

She waited 3:30 minutes.

[Farmer]

You done getting dressed, Barnaby?

[Barnaby]

Just lacing up my boots.

[Rebecca Shear]

By the time Barnaby emerged fully dressed, 60 minutes had gone by. An entire hour. Think about how long it takes you to get dressed. Even on the most sluggish of days. I doubt it takes you a whole hour. So, as you can imagine, the farmer was not pleased.

[Farmer]

For goodness sake, Barnaby, what took you so long? Are you part snail?

[Rebecca Shear]

Barnaby studied the farmer's face.

[Barnaby]

Gee, if I didn't know better, boss, I'd say you're losing your temper. Are you losing your temper?

[Rebecca Shear]

The farmer pushed her mouth into a semblance of a smile.

[Farmer]

Losing my temper? Oh, pish posh. I am not losing my temper. I am simply eager for the meadow to get mowed. It's past noon already past noon.

[Rebecca Shear]

Barnaby patted his belly.

[Barnaby]

No wonder I'm so hungry. I'd better eat lunch.

[Farmer]

You have got to be kidding.

[Barnaby]

Actually, I am. It's my first meal of the day, so technically it's breakfast. Let's eat.

[Rebecca Shear]

The farmer was ready to explode. But she knew she mustn't lose her cool. So she gritted her teeth and followed Barnaby to the kitchen. Barnaby took his sweet time sipping his coffee and chewing his bacon and eggs.

[Barnaby]

Three hours later, that hit the spot. But you know what? I think I may have eaten too fast. My stomach's all gurgly. I'd better lie down then.

[Rebecca Shear]

Before the farmer could say a word, Barnaby collapsed on the kitchen floor and fell asleep. The farmer was practically foaming at the mouth by now.

[Farmer]

Barnaby. Wake up this instant. You good for nothing work shirking pathetic excuse for.

[Barnaby]

Did you say something, boss?

[Rebecca Shear]

Barnaby sat bolt upright.

[Barnaby]

Because I could have sworn I heard someone losing their temper, flipping their lid, flying into a rage. Was it you?

[Rebecca Shear]

The farmer averted her gaze.

[Farmer]

No, it wasn't me. It must have been a dream.

[Barnaby]

More like a nightmare. Oh, it was awful. But listen, I'm still not feeling well. I'm gonna head back to my room and get more sleep. That is, if it's okay with you.

[Rebecca Shear]

Barnaby flashed the farmer a smile. She forced a smile back.

[Farmer]

Of course it's okay with me. Get all the rest you need.

[Barnaby]

Thanks, boss.

[Rebecca Shear]

Once Barnaby went back to bed, the farmer slumped down at the table.

[Farmer]

This Barnaby character is driving me mad. I must find a way to get out of this contract without having to pay him too. 200 gold pieces. The contract says he must work until the first cuckoo call of spring. If only I could speed that call up.

[Rebecca Shear]

The farmer spent the rest of the day and night plotting and planning. By morning, she had concocted an idea. She pasted on her warmest grin and knocked at Barnaby's door.

[Farmer]

Barnaby, how would you feel about some roasted pheasant for lunch?

[Rebecca Shear]

There was a shuffling sound in the bedroom. Then Barnaby came bounding to the door.

[Barnaby]

Roasted pheasant. Oh, I love roasted pheasant.

[Farmer]

Well, there's a whole mess of pheasants living in the woods on my property. How about I give you my extra bow and arrow and we go out for a hunt?

[Rebecca Shear]

Barnaby suspected the farmer was up to no good, but he agreed. And minutes later, as he and the farmer stepped through the trees, their bows and quivers slung across their backs, the farmer suddenly froze. Oh.

[Farmer]

Do you hear that?

[Rebecca Shear]

Now Barnaby froze.

[Barnaby]

I don't hear anything. Is it a pheasant?

[Farmer]

No. I do believe it's a cuckoo. Cuckoo. Cuckoo. Yes, that is definitely the call of a cuckoo. Why, it must be the first cuckoo call of spring. You know what that means?

[Barnaby]

That we're having cuckoo for lunch instead of pheasants.

[Farmer]

No. Don't you remember the first condition in your contract? You must work for me until the first cuckoo call of spring. Well, we just heard it. Cuckoo. Cuckoo. Oh. And there it is again. You were free to go home.

[Rebecca Shear]

Barnaby immediately sensed the farmer's plot. Clearly, she had enlisted someone to hide at the top of the tree and mimic the call of a cuckoo. So Barnaby hatched a plot of his own.

[Barnaby]

I don't know, boss. It's rare to hear a cuckoo call this early in the year. I must see this bird for myself.

[Rebecca Shear]

He raced to the tree and wrapped his arms around the trunk as if getting ready to climb. The farmer felt a rush of panic, because guess what? She had enlisted someone to hide at the top of the tree and mimic the call of a cuckoo. And Barnaby was about to blow her cover.

[Farmer]

Barnaby, wait. Don't climb that tree. The bird will fly away. Cuckoo. Cuckoo. You're scaring it, Barnaby. It sounds nervous.

[Barnaby]

I think it sounds pretty. Maybe I'll catch it and keep it as a pet.

[Farmer]

Cuckoo. Cuckoo.

[Rebecca Shear]

As Barnaby shimmied up the trunk, the farmer felt something tighten in her chest. Something dark and hot. It began to bubble and boil. And next thing she knew.

[Farmer]

That's.

[Rebecca Shear]

She unleashed a torrent of rage.

[Farmer]

If you must know, that's not a cuckoo. It's my cousin, Steve. Cuckoo. Can it, Steve. I'm trying to yell at Barnaby.

[Rebecca Shear]

Oh, Sorry. The farmer shot Barnaby a stormy look.

[Farmer]

Oh, Barnaby. Ever since you showed up at my farm, you have been getting on my nerves. Driving me up the wall, making me batty. So get out of my sight, you rascal. You rogue. You scoundrelly scamp of a scalar wag.

[Rebecca Shear]

Barnaby batted his eyes.

[Barnaby]

Boss, am I sensing that you're blowing your top?

[Farmer]

Yes.

[Barnaby]

Flipping your lid?

[Rebecca Shear]

Yes.

[Barnaby]

Flying into a rage?

[Farmer]

Yes.

[Barnaby]

Then you owe me 200 gold pieces. Because according to our contract, which despite your little trick today is still in play, the first one of us to lose our temper must pay the other 200 gold pieces.

[Rebecca Shear]

The farmer heaved a sigh.

[Farmer]

Fine. I'll pay you 200 gold pieces. It will be worth it to have you out of my life. Wait here while I fetch the money from the farmhouse.

[Barnaby]

Hang on.

[Rebecca Shear]

Barnaby leaped to the ground.

[Barnaby]

You only need to pay me 100 gold pieces. Someone very dear to me owes you the other hundred. So consider his debt paid. As of today, Balthazar owes you nothing.

[Rebecca Shear]

The farmer's eyes widened as she made the connection between her two latest hires. Of course they knew each other, and Barnaby had come to save Balthasar's good name. The farmer sagged in defeat and went to fetch 100 gold pieces from the farmhouse. And as Barnaby made his way back home, his purse was plump with coins. He and Balthazar used their newfound cash to buy more food and fix up their cottage. And now that they were back on their feet, they lived happily all winter long, though they did look forward to warmer weather and eagerly kept their ears open for the first cuckoo call of spring.

[Farmer]

Cuckoo. Cuckoo.

[Rebecca Shear]

No, Steve. The real first cuckoo call of spring.

[Farmer]

Oh, sorry.

[Rebecca Shear]

Now it's your turn. Next time you feel angry, what are some things you can do to manage your anger in a safe, healthy, even fun way? Find a grown up and start brainstorming ideas. You could write down what's bothering you, then crumple up the paper. You could draw a picture of your anger or just scribble on a page. You could squish some clay or squeeze a squishy ball. Or you could take a long, slow breath and talk about your anger with someone you trust. Remember, we all experience a variety of feelings, including anger. It's what we do with those feelings that counts. This week's episode, Call of the Cuckoo, was adapted by me, Rebecca Scheer. It was edited by Dean Russell. Our original music and sound design is by Eric Shyamalonis. Eric's featured instrument this week was the steel guitar. To learn more about this staple in country music and to see a photo of Eric playing one, visit our website WBUR.org Circle Round Circle Round's artist is Sabina Hahn. Sabina has created a black and white coloring page for all of our Circle Round stories and you can print them out and color them in Grown Ups. You can find them [e-mail] CircleRound Special thanks to this week's actors, Evan Casey, Susannah Mars, Stephen Hannah and Brett Shuford. Stephen and Brett are the real life couple behind the website and podcast Broadway Husbands. This summer they'll release Husbands to Dads, a new podcast where Broadway meets bedtime stories, ballet meets baby bottles, and two former stage stars tackle fatherhood. You can also hear this dynamic duo in our episode the Little Blue Pebble. Want to circle round with us in even more ways while also supporting public media? Join the Circle Round Club and help keep our WBOR podcast going strong while also getting ad free episodes, bonus bedtime stories, music education videos, a newsletter from me and Eric, plus early access to our live events. Become a member [e-mail] Circleround Grown Ups. If you have a moment, please leave us a 5 star rating or review on whatever podcast app you're using right now. It helps other listeners find the show so we can make the Circle Round circle even bigger. Circle Round is a production of wbur, Boston's NPR News Station. I'm Rebecca Scheer. Thanks for circling Round with us. Now that you've made it to the end of this Circle Round episode, we want to know what's your favorite Circle Round story? Thousands of fans just like you have been telling us about the Circle Round stories they like best. Take a listen. Maybe one of their favorites is one of yours too.

[Caius]

My name is Caius. I live in Toronto, Kansas. My favorite Circle Round is the Crystal Box of Story. Hi, my name's Hollis and I live in Norman, Oklahoma. My favorite Circle Round is Giant Steps and my favorite part is when the giant says, okay human, you better explain yourself. What are you doing here? My name is Ambrose. I live in Portland, Oregon. My favorite story is to see in the Sky. I like the part when Kate gets tired from flapping his wings. My name is Ellie and I'm from Seattle. My favorite story is the Lion's School and I like all of it. My name is Rosie, I live in Seattle, Washington and my favorite story is the troop of 10. My name is Kahir, I live in Florida and my favorite Circle Round story is like Oil and Water. And my favorite part is when they sent the rock to jail for 10 years. Hello, my name is Toby and I'm from Seattle City and my favorite story is the Price Master. I like the part where they throw up their disguises and trick the Crack Queen and the Price Master.

[Rebecca Shear]

Did someone mention a story you've missed? Not to worry, grownups. You can find all of our Circle Round stories plus links to the Circle Round Club, picture books, coloring pages and oh so much more on our website, WBUR. Org CircleRound.