Lighting a Spark

Summary

Circle Round: "Lighting a Spark"

Podcast: Circle Round (WBUR)
Host: Rebecca Sheir
Date: April 14, 2026
Episode Length: ~17 minutes
Main Theme: Taking risks, persistence, and the power of believing in yourself, adapted from French folktales for a young (and young-at-heart) audience.

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Episode Overview

In "Lighting a Spark," Circle Round adapts an old French folktale about a tiny bird with a big dream: to bring fire to humans from the sun and change life on Earth forever. Through engaging sound-rich storytelling, the episode explores themes of taking chances, overcoming self-doubt, helping others, and the importance of supporting each other's bold ideas. The story is followed by an interactive, confidence-building activity for kids and grown-ups to try together.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

Setting the Tale (00:01 – 03:04)

• Rebecca Sheir introduces the proverb "nothing ventured, nothing gained," setting the tone for the episode about risk-taking and trying new things.
• The world is cold and dark because only the sun contains fire, and people suffer without warmth or light. Animals manage well, but one, the "teeny tiny" Jenny Wren, feels empathy for the people.

Quote:
"It isn't fair that the people have to shiver and stumble and chew on rubbery, stringy food. If only there were a way to fly up to the sun, grab a spark and bring it down to earth."
— Jenny Wren, [02:16]

The Meeting of Birds (03:04 – 05:20)

• Jenny Wren organizes a meeting to see if any birds will volunteer to bring down fire from the sun.
• Robin, Goldfinch, and Pheasant all refuse, worried about ruining their voices, feathers, or being unable to fly such a distance.
• They mock Jenny when she bravely offers to try herself.

Quotes:
"Jenny Wren, you're tiny, no bigger than a thumb. You'll never make it to the sun and back. Isn't that right, gang?"
— Robin, [04:54]

"You're on a fool's errand, Jenny Wren."
— Goldfinch and Pheasant, [05:04]

Skylark’s Encouragement (05:20 – 07:34)

• Jenny Wren is discouraged, but Skylark, who missed the meeting due to family duties, offers a pep talk about persistence and facing the unknown.
• Skylark relates his own fears about impending fatherhood, drawing a parallel between his worries and Jenny’s mission.
• He reinforces the importance of trying, even when afraid.

Quotes:
"But nothing ventured, nothing gained. And look, let's not sugarcoat things. Venturing can be scary. Have a go at something new and unfamiliar. Can spook the heck out of you."
— Skylark, [06:46]

"It's brave ideas like yours that set the world on fire, Jenny. In more ways than one."
— Skylark, [07:34]

Jenny Wren’s Daring Attempt (09:18 – 10:09)

• Emboldened, Jenny Wren takes off for the sun, her wings a blur.
• She nabs a spark, stashing it in her long, fluffy tail, but soon realizes her tail is catching on fire.

Quote:
"My tail feathers are on fire. They're going to burn to a crisp."
— Jenny Wren, [09:58]

A Rescue and A Transformation (10:09 – 12:15)

• Robin sees Jenny’s distress and, feeling remorse, rushes to help extinguish the flames from her tail—though his breast catches flame in the process, turning from brown to the iconic robin-red.
• Both struggle until Skylark swoops in, transferring the fire to a bundle of twigs he carries down to Earth.
• The birds work together to kindle Earth’s first fire, and people everywhere rejoice.

Quotes:
"No, Jenny Wren. I was a fool for thinking you couldn't hang on."
— Robin, [10:47]

"Hey Robin, is it just me, or is there something you want to get off your chest?"
— Skylark (playfully referencing Robin's now-red breast), [11:33]

The New World and Bird Traditions (12:15 – 13:33)

• The triumphant act explains why the robin’s breast is bright red, why skylarks shoot up then parachute down from the sky, and why the wren’s once-fluffy tail is now short but proudly cocked upright.

Quote:
"She holds it high, nearly straight up from her body, as a mark of pride for taking a leap of faith and setting the world on fire."
— Rebecca Sheir (narration), [13:19]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Skylark’s Wisdom:
  "Venturing can be scary... It's brave ideas like yours that set the world on fire." [06:46, 07:34]

• Robin’s Change of Heart:
  "No, Jenny Wren. I was a fool for thinking you couldn't hang on." [10:47]

• The Lesson:
  "You'll never know if you don't try." (A refrain throughout, attributed to both Jenny Wren and Skylark)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:01 – 02:16: Opening, world without fire, introduction of Jenny Wren
• 03:04 – 05:20: Birds' meeting, ridicule, and Jenny’s commitment
• 05:20 – 07:34: Skylark’s pep talk and theme of persistence
• 09:18 – 10:09: Jenny Wren’s journey and the fiery crisis
• 10:09 – 12:15: Robin's rescue, Skylark's solution, and the birth of fire
• 13:19 – 13:33: Explanation of bird traditions and physical features

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Activity for Kids & Grown-Ups (13:34 – 14:46)

• Rebecca introduces the "Three Stars and a Wish" activity.
  • Draw pictures of three things you’re confident doing (your "stars")
  • Share and discuss what it took to gain these skills with a grown-up.
  • Then, draw a "wish"—something you want to learn—and discuss steps to achieve it.
• The message: With practice and persistence, wishes (like new skills) can come true.

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Episode Highlights & Style

• Tone: Warm, playful, and encouraging, with gentle humor and supportive dialogue appropriate for all ages.
• Storytelling: Rich sound design and music (including acoustic guitar) enhance immersion.
• Cultural Roots: Inspired by French animal folktales, reflecting universal themes.
• Interactivity: The activity nurtures self-reflection and confidence in children.

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Engaging Community Segment (16:46 – 18:21)

• Young listeners from around the world share their favorite Circle Round stories and favorite story moments, encouraging further community engagement and discovery.

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Conclusion

"Lighting a Spark" is a heartening tale about overcoming ridicule, finding the courage to try, and the unexpected rewards of perseverance and teamwork. The episode's uplifting message—"nothing ventured, nothing gained"—comes alive through endearing animal characters and a magical origin story for birds’ features. The accompanying activity encourages listeners to celebrate their skills and dream big, inspiring confidence and conversation between children and adults.

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For stories, coloring pages, and club information: WBUR.org/CircleRound

Transcript

[Rebecca Scheer]

Wbur podcasts, boston. Have you ever heard the expression nothing ventured, nothing gained? What this saying means is if you never venture, if you never try, you never take any risks, then there's not much you can expect to gain or achieve. This expression comes to life in today's tale, care of a teeny tiny bird with sky high dreams. I'm Rebecca Scheer, and welcome to Circle Round, where storytime happens all the time. Today our story is called Lighting a Spark. It was inspired by tales from the Western European country of France. Some really great people came together to bring you our story, including Charlene Amoya, whom you grown ups may know from such TV shows as Sons of Thunder and How I Met yout Mother. Watch for her new comedy film, the Breadwinner, coming to a theater near you on May 29th. So circle around everyone for Lighting a Spark. Once upon a time, the earth had no fire, because every flame, every spark, every light was contained in the sun. Living without fire was tough on the people. They had to go to bed at dusk so they wouldn't stumble in the dark past sunset. They had to eat their food raw and spend the chilliest months huddled under blankets, trying to rub sensation back into their frozen toes. The animals, on the other hand, fared much better. They had fur and feathers to keep them warm, and many had night vision, helping them find their way in the shadows. But one animal took notice of the people's suffering and took pity. That animal was the reddish brown bird known as Jenny Wren.

[Jenny Wren]

It isn't fair that the people have to shiver and stumble and chew on rubbery, stringy food. If only there were a way to fly up to the sun, grab a spark and bring it down to earth.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Jenny Wren had a long, fluffy, feathery tail, but her round wings were puny and short, and her body was no larger than your thumb.

[Jenny Wren]

Clearly, I'm too small to do the deed, so perhaps I can get one of my feathered friends to help. I'll invite the birds to a meeting and see which one of them can

[Child Listeners]

bring a spark from the sun.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Jenny Wren put out the call, and the next day, as the sun rose above the treetops, she addressed a small group of birds who had gathered in the forest.

[Jenny Wren]

Thanks for meeting me, friends. I've invited you here to ask a favor. Will one of you please fly up to the sun and bring back fire for the people?

[Rebecca Scheer]

The birds were quiet for a moment. Then their unofficial ringleader, Robin, puffed out his breast, which in those early days was as brown as a hazelnut.

[Robin]

You can't expect me to volunteer, Jenny Wren. I'm one of the forest's most beautiful singers. If I fly too close to the sun, I might ruin my fabulous voice.

[Goldfinch and Pheasant]

And I might ruin my colorful feathers.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Goldfinch spoke next, bobbing his bright red head and fluttering his yellow striped wings.

[Goldfinch and Pheasant]

See my pristine polychromatic plumage? It would get scorched if I flew to the well. At least you could make it to

[Rebecca Scheer]

the sun now, pheasant piped up, twitching her slender black brown tail.

[Goldfinch and Pheasant]

I may look elegant and majestic with my speckled feathers and long flowing tail, but I wasn't built for flying long distances. And from here to the sun is a very long distance.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Shen Yen released a sigh.

[Jenny Wren]

I understand your hesitation, friends, but if one of us doesn't get fire from the sun, the people will be in big trouble. Won't any of you volunteer?

[Child Listeners]

Please?

[Rebecca Scheer]

She fixed the birds with a hopeful gaze but was met with silence.

[Jenny Wren]

Okay, fine. If none of you will volunteer to bring fire from the sun, then I'll do it.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The birds exchanged a look. Then Robin let out a cackle.

[Robin]

Have you looked at yourself lately, Jenny Wren? You're tiny, no bigger than a thumb. You'll never make it to the sun and back. Isn't that right, gang?

[Goldfinch and Pheasant]

It's totally right. You're on a fool's errand, Jenny Wren.

[Robin]

Come along, friends. Let's get out of here and leave Jenny Wren with her pie in the sky. Ideas or fire in the sky?

[Rebecca Scheer]

Jenny Wren's small body shook with indignation as Robin, Goldfinch, and Pheasant flew away.

[Jenny Wren]

Well, thanks for the vote of confidence, friends.

[Rebecca Scheer]

You know what?

[Jenny Wren]

Maybe I am too tiny. Maybe I'll fail on this mission. Maybe I'll crash and burn. Or, given how hot the sun is, just burn. But I'll never know if I don't try, Dar Tootin. You won't.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Jenny Wren spun around and there was the brown crested bird known as Skylark.

[Jenny Wren]

Skylark, I didn't see you. Why weren't you at the meeting?

[Rebecca Scheer]

Skylark shrugged his pointy wings.

[Skylark]

I would have been there, Jenny Wren, but Lady lark's been sitting on eggs for over a week. Our first clutch ever since. Those youngsters will be hatching any minute now. Been keeping close to the nest.

[Child Listeners]

Wow.

[Jenny Wren]

You're gonna be a dad.

[Skylark]

I sure am. But listen, Jenny, I got here just in time to hear those turkeys laughing at you.

[Jenny Wren]

Oh, there weren't any turkeys there. It was just Robin and Goldfinch.

[Skylark]

Those clowns. I mean, I heard them teasing and Razzing And I heard what you said in response. That whole thing about how you'll never know if you don't try.

[Jenny Wren]

That's what I've always believed. But now I believe those clowns might be right. I'd be crazy to fly all the way to the sun.

[Skylark]

Maybe, maybe not. But nothing ventured, nothing gained. And look, let's not sugarcoat things. Venturing can be scary. Have a go at something new and unfamiliar. Can spook the heck out of you. I mean, look at me. I'm becoming a dad for the first time and I have no idea what to expect. I might be great at it or I might be a big, hot mess.

[Jenny Wren]

Something tells me it'll be the first one.

[Skylark]

Thanks. I believe in you, Jenny. Friend, you just have to decide if you believe in you, too. Now, if you'll excuse me, I promised Lady Lark a dozen wriggling worms for dinner and I mustn't leave her hanging.

[Jenny Wren]

Thank you, Skylark. That was just the pep talk I needed. Congrats on your babies.

[Skylark]

And congrats on your boldness. It's brave ideas like yours that set the world on fire, Jenny. In more ways than one.

[Rebecca Scheer]

What will happen next? Will Jenny Wren succeed in her fiery feat? We'll find out after a quick break. The reviews are in and super fans like you are loving the Circle Round Club. An exciting opportunity to support public radio and get cool stuff, including ad free episodes and a personalized birthday message from me.

[Child Listeners]

What I like about the Circle Round Cloud is that Rebecca Shearer sends extra messages and and it supports the show and there are no ads.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Grown ups support public radio and sign up [e-mail] CircleRoundClub. Welcome back to Circle Round. I'm Rebecca Scheer. Today our story is called Lighting a Spark. Before the break, Jenny Wren was determined to bring fire to the earth from the sun. Robin, Goldfinch and Pheasant ridiculed the idea. But Skylark gave Jenny Wren an encouraging pep talk. And the next morning.

[Jenny Wren]

Okay, here I go.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The small bodied long tailed bird set out on her mission. Her short round wings a blur as she whizzed toward the sky.

[Jenny Wren]

Boy, it sure is a long way to the sun. But I won't give up. I won't.

[Rebecca Scheer]

And she didn't. When she finally reached the sun, she plucked out a spark of fire. Gotcha. Then set the flame on her long fluffy tail to keep it safe till she landed. But as she headed to Earth, she noticed a sizzling sound and a smoldering smell. Oh, no.

[Jenny Wren]

My tail feathers are on fire. They're going to burn to a crisp.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Why didn't I think of this before?

[Jenny Wren]

Somebody help me, please.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The tiny reddish brown bird was too high up for anyone to hear. But she wasn't too high up for anyone to see. When Robin looked up and saw the bright red, brown, blazing ball hurtling his way, he immediately put two and two together.

[Robin]

It's Jenny Wren.

[Rebecca Scheer]

She did it.

[Robin]

She brought fire from the sun. But now she's on fire. I wasn't very helpful before, but I'm determined to be helpful now.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Robin launched himself skyward. Jenny Wren frowned as he approached.

[Jenny Wren]

Oh, Robin, you were right. I was a fool to think I could pull this off.

[Robin]

No, Jenny Wren. I was a fool for thinking you couldn't hang on.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Robin flapped his wings to snuff out Jenny's flames. Soon her tail was no longer on fire, but Robin's breast was. The brown feathers crackled and sparked as they turned a blazing crimson.

[Robin]

Oh, no. Oh, dear. Oh, drat.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Jenny Wren jumped into action, beating her puny wings to stifle the fire.

[Jenny Wren]

The flames refuse to go out. They keep blazing bright, but I'll keep trying.

[Skylark]

That's my girl. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Am I right, Jenny Wren? And Robin glanced down. And there, rocketing upward with a cluster of twigs in his claws, was Skylark.

[Skylark]

Hey, Robin. Is it just me, or is there something you want to get off your chest?

[Rebecca Scheer]

He dove toward the burning bird. As he zipped past, the flames leapt off Robin's breast feathers and onto the twigs.

[Skylark]

There. That's better. I'll see you two fireballs back on Earth.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Skylark spread his wings and glided to the ground like a parachute. He dropped the burning twigs onto a pile of rocks sprinkled in some dried grass and began fanning the flames, helping the air flow and the flames fire glow. Jenny Wren and Robin joined him. Eventually, Goldfinch and Pheasant fluttered over.

[Goldfinch and Pheasant]

Great work on that daring feat, Jenny Wren. Nice going on that daring rescue. Robin and Skylark.

[Rebecca Scheer]

As the scent of burning wood filled the air, the forest filled with people beaming, awestruck people who drifted over to admire the dark, dancing, crackling flames and rejoice. After that, the world was never the same. And neither were Skylark, Robin or Jenny Wren. Skylark had so much fun rocketing up to the sky that he's done it ever since. To this day, you'll see male skylarks launch from the ground in a near vertical line, hover for a moment, then glide back down like a parachute. As for Robin, the feathers on his breast are no longer as brown as a hazelnut. After the fire, they turned bright crimson, giving him a nickname you may have heard before. Robin Redbreast Then there's Jenny Wren. The petite little bird is still no larger than your thumb, but after her tangle with the flower flames, her long fluffy tail became short and stumpy. Still, she holds it high, nearly straight up from her body as a mark of pride for taking a leap of faith and setting the world on fire. Now it's your turn. Jenny Wren had a big goal and worked hard to achieve it. You can do the same by playing three Stars and a Wish first, ask a grown up to help you cut out three paper stars. Inside each star, draw a picture of something you feel confident doing. Examples might include doing a somersault, telling funny jokes and ordering all by yourself at a restaurant. Show your stars to your grown up and talk about how you got these skills. Did it take a while? How and how much did you practice? Now that you have your stars, get more paper and draw your wish. Something you'd like to be confident doing. It could be swimming underwater, riding a two wheeled bike, or doing a backflip on the trampoline. Show your grown up your wish and talk about the steps you can take to achieve. Won't happen overnight, but with practice and persistence, you're bound to make your wish come true. This week's episode, Lighting a Spark was adapted by me, Rebecca Scheer. It was edited by Dean Russell. Our original music and sound design is by Eric Shimalonis. Eric's featured instrument this week was the acoustic guitar. You can learn more about this popular string instrument whose earliest versions date back over 3,000 years and see a photo of Eric playing one on our website WBUR.org CircleRound's artist is Sabina Hahn. Sabina has created a black and white coloring page for all of our Circle Round stories and you can color them in while you listen. Grown Ups Download our coloring [e-mail] Circle Circle Round Special thanks to this week's actors, Evan Casey, GM Hakim, Erica Rose, Matt Sombrano and Charlene Amoya. Watch for Charlene in the new comedy film the Breadwinner, coming to theaters this May. Grown Ups if Circle Round is a favorite in your household, please leave us a five star rating or review on whatever podcast app you're using right now. And to learn more about our merch, picture books and more, Visit our website WBUR.org CircleRound Circle Round is a production of WBUR Boston's NPR. I'm Rebecca Shear. 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.

[Child Listeners]

My name is Alana, I live in Japan and I'm 7 years old. My favorite circle round stories are them all. But my most favorite circle Round story is the Fairy Fort. I like the part when the fairies are having a party. My name is Miranda and I live in Wisconsin. And my favorite story is the Chattering Clams. And my favorite part is when the owl takes them up and then they say ah. My name is Lois, I live in Weston, Vermont. And my favorite circle round story is the Nine Sticks. I like the part when the servant cuts her stick two inches shorter. Hi, my name is Lucia and I live in Fallburg, California. And my favorite circle round story is the Big Ball Game. And my favorite part is when the bat asks everybody if he can play and what side he's on. My name is Sage and I'm from Logan, Utah. And my favorite Silk Ground episode is the Upside Down Tree. I like the part when it's the Upside Down Tree. Hi, my name is Margo and I live in Michigan. My favorite Silk Road story is a Seamstress and a Deep My favorite part is when the seamstress gets often snatched, often boats it snatches up the purse.

[Rebecca Scheer]

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.