Stealing Summer

Summary

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Circle Round: "Stealing Summer" (February 24, 2026)

Episode Overview

This enchanting episode of Circle Round, hosted by Rebecca Sheir, adapts a Native American folktale about an endless winter and a group of animal friends who work together to bring summer back to the world. “Stealing Summer” explores themes of teamwork, resourcefulness, and—most importantly—sharing. The story is told with vivid narration, lively animal characters, and gentle humor, making it accessible and engaging for kids (and adults) of all ages.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. The Mystery of the Missing Summer

• Setting the Scene ([00:09]–[02:00])
  • The episode opens with the animals bewildered and freezing in what ought to be summer.
  • Rebecca Sheir’s narration pulls the listener in:

    "It was summertime and the animals were chilled to the bone… But this year, for reasons the animals simply could not fathom, summer never came." ([01:21])

• The animals (Coyote, Wolf, Eagle, and Raven) lament their icy predicament.

2. Raven's Discovery

• The Revelation ([02:28]–[04:26])
  • Raven claims she knows where summer is kept:

    "The house belongs to an old, old woman and she keeps Summer locked inside, stuffed in a black bag. She opens the bag just enough so that summer can spread its warmth around her house and yard and she refuses to share it with anyone." (Raven, [03:22])

  • The animals realize that to return warmth to their world, they must steal summer back.

3. Planning the Heist

• Formulating a Plan ([04:27]–[05:36])
  • All eyes turn to clever Coyote, known for sly solutions:

    "Oh, I see. You all think I can steal back Summer." (Coyote, [04:38])

  • Coyote emphasizes teamwork:

    "I appreciate the praise, friends, but the truth is I can't steal back Summer. Not on my own anyway. ...I'll need a team of good friends. So, will you join me?" (Coyote, [04:53])

4. The Animal Team Mobilizes

• Roles and Readiness ([06:19]–[07:38])
  • Coyote assigns tasks to Wolf, Raven, and Eagle for their “heist.”
    • Wolf will distract the woman first, followed by Raven and then Eagle.

5. The Great Distraction & Theft

• Action Unfolds ([07:38]–[10:18])
  • Wolf howls to distract the old woman:

    "Wolf silently counted to three. Then he leaped out from behind the bush, jerked back his head and began to howl." ([07:38])

  • Raven swoops around the woman’s head, adding to the chaos.
  • Coyote sneaks into the house and grabs the warm black bag.
  • The woman catches up, but the friends execute a clever handoff:

    "Reckon I can take that bag off your hands?" (Eagle, [10:04])

    • Eagle carries it away in his talons.

6. Restoring Summer and Seeking Fairness

• Summer Freed ([10:33]–[11:08])
  • The animals untie the bag and summer bursts forth, banishing the cold:

    "There was a whoosh of hot air and summer came bursting out." (Narrator, [10:40])

• The old woman arrives, angry at having lost summer.
• Coyote proposes an equitable solution:

  "I propose we share summer. For half of the year you can have summer on your side of the world. And for the other half, we'll have summer on our side of the world. It's the right thing to do. The fair thing." (Coyote, [11:54])

7. Resolution: The Origin of Seasons

• A Lasting Compromise ([12:00]–[12:34])
  • The woman agrees, smiling:

    “We will share summer. And they did. To this very day. When it's winter on one side of the world, it's summer on the other.” (Narrator, [12:34])

• Theme reinforced: Sharing brings fairness and joy to all.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Selfishness and Sharing

  • "This woman stole Summer away and now she's keeping it for herself. So the only way Summer could visit the rest of the world is if somebody steals it back." (Raven, [03:22])

• Teamwork in Action

  • "But the truth is I can't steal back Summer. Not on my own anyway...I'll need a team of good friends. So, will you join me?" (Coyote, [04:53])

• Key Message of Sharing

  • "This warm, glorious season should belong to everyone, not just one person." (Coyote, [11:25])
  • "I propose we share summer... It's the right thing to do. The fair thing." (Coyote, [11:54])

• Origin of the Seasons (Folktale Explanation)

  • "To this very day. When it's winter on one side of the world, it's summer on the other. And when it's summer on one side of the world, it's winter on the other." (Narrator, [12:34])

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Episode’s Concluding Activity

• Inspiring Listeners to Share ([12:38]–[13:30])
  • Rebecca Sheir encourages children and families to think of ways to share—be it books, toys, clothes, time, or chores—emphasizing the positive impact sharing can have on the world.

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Important Timestamps

• 00:10–02:28: Setting up the mystery—endless winter and missing summer
• 02:28–04:27: Raven reveals who’s hoarding summer, and why
• 04:38–05:36: Coyote calls for a team effort
• 07:38–10:04: The distraction and clever theft unfold
• 10:33: The bag is opened, restoring summer
• 11:25–12:18: Coyote proposes to share summer
• 12:34: Folktale origin of the seasons explained
• 12:38–13:30: Activity: Inspiring real-life sharing

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Tone and Atmosphere

• Warm, playful, and inviting
• Narrative highlights teamwork, resourcefulness, and fairness
• Includes musical flourishes, lively animal voices, and educational asides

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For Listeners: Takeaway

"Stealing Summer" is a vibrant retelling that encourages kids and families to value sharing and cooperation. The episode illustrates—through clever animal heroes and a folktale origin of the seasons—how working together and considering others leads to a kinder, more harmonious world.

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For more stories, activities, and coloring pages, visit WBUR.org/CircleRound

Transcript

[Coyote]

Wbur podcasts, boston.

[Narrator (Rebecca Shear)]

Think about a time you felt cold. Did your body shiver? Did your teeth chatter? Did your skin prickle up with goosebumps? Now ask yourself, what if you felt that way every single day? Because that's what it's like for the characters in our story until a heroic canine figures out how to bring on the heat. I'm Rebecca Shear and welcome to Circle Round, where story time happens all the time. Today, our story is called Stealing Summer. We found versions of this tale from many Native American peoples. It including the Shoshone, Shasta and Hoopa. Some really great people came together to bring you our version of this folktale, including Mina Harris, best selling author of five children's books, including Kamala and Maya's Big Idea and Maya's Big question coming out March 3rd, 2026. So circle around everyone for some Stealing Summer. It was summertime and the animals were chilled to the bone. Yes, you heard right. They were chilled to the bone in summer. Why? Well, usually at this time of year they were basking in sunshine, enjoying long glorious days of cloudless skies and balmy temperatures. But this year, for reasons the animals simply could not fathom, summer never came. The skies were steely gray, the air was bitter cold, and their breath came out in white puffs whenever they ventured out of their nests and burrows.

[Raven]

Boy, oh boy, it's so frigid out here. It's like winter never left. You're right about that, Eagle. This long, bushy wolf tail of mine has been covered in frost for months.

[Coyote]

Same with my black tipped coyote tail. Where did summer go? Why did it never come?

[Raven]

Actually, I can answer that one.

[Narrator (Rebecca Shear)]

Eagle, wolf and coyote looked up. Perched in a snow covered tree was glossy, dark, thick feathered raven.

[Raven]

I've got big news, friends. I happen to find Summer, Eagle, Wolf

[Narrator (Rebecca Shear)]

and coyote let out a gasp.

[Raven]

Yup, I was just as surprised as you are. But today I flew all the way around the world. It was terribly cold everywhere. I was so chilly I couldn't feel my talons. But then I came to the house. A small wooden house tucked in a valley. And I kid you not, friends, all around that house the air was warm. The ground was covered with green grass, colorful flowers and blossoming trees. In other words, it was summer. But how? I'm glad you asked, Eagle. The house belongs to an old, old woman and she keeps Summer locked inside, stuffed in a black bag. She opens the bag just enough so that summer can spread its warmth around her house and yard and she refuses to share it with anyone. That's not very nice. Tell me about it, Wolf. It's downright selfish. This woman stole Summer away and now she's keeping it for herself. So the only way Summer could visit the rest of the world is if somebody steals it back.

[Narrator (Rebecca Shear)]

The animals darted a glance at Coyote. They all knew how legendary the pointy eared canine was for sussing out sly solutions to prickly problems.

[Coyote]

Oh, I see. You all think I can steal back Summer.

[Raven]

Well, can't you? You always come up with something. Nobody's quicker than you, Coyote.

[Narrator (Rebecca Shear)]

Coyote smiled.

[Coyote]

I appreciate the praise, friends, but the truth is I can't steal back Summer. Not on my own anyway. It's a long, dangerous mission and I'll need a team of good friends. So, will you join me?

[Narrator (Rebecca Shear)]

The other animals grew quiet. So quiet all they could hear was the chattering of their teeth and beaks.

[Raven]

But then I'll join you, Coyote. I will too. As will I.

[Coyote]

Thank you. Now listen up while I lay out the plan. And trust me, if we all work together, it won't be long before we let Summer out of the bag.

[Narrator (Rebecca Shear)]

What plan is Coyote hatching? If you were Coyote, what would you plan? We'll find out what happens 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.

[Listener/Caller]

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

[Narrator (Rebecca Shear)]

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 Stealing Summer. Before the break, Coyote formulated a plan to rescue Summer from an old woman who was keeping it for herself in a big black bag. Coyote, Raven, Eagle and Wolf made the long trip to the woman's house on the other side of the world. The air was warm and the yard was lush with flowers. Coyote led her friends behind a frog fragrant blossoming bush and leaned in close.

[Coyote]

Okay, folks, it's go time. Wolf, you'll be the one to kick things off.

[Raven]

You betcha.

[Coyote]

Raven, you'll go after Wolf.

[Raven]

Roger that.

[Coyote]

And Eagle, you go next.

[Raven]

Aye aye, captain.

[Coyote]

Alright then, let's get this party started. Whenever you're ready, Wolf. Take it away.

[Narrator (Rebecca Shear)]

Wolf silently counted to three. Then he leaped out from behind the bush, jerked back his head and began to howl. Ow.

[Raven]

Ow, ow, ow, ow.

[Narrator (Rebecca Shear)]

Howl after howl pierced the air until just as the Animals hoped. What is going on? The woman barreled out of her house and came storming over. You vexatious canine. Your infernal howling is disturbing my peace.

[Raven]

Stop it at once.

[Narrator (Rebecca Shear)]

But Wolf didn't stop it. Instead he kept howling. Did you hear me, you mangy mongrel? Silence yourself at once and leave me

[Raven]

be before I tylly ho.

[Narrator (Rebecca Shear)]

The woman glanced up, diving down from the sky and heading directly for her was Raven.

[Raven]

Don't you come near me, you brutish bird. Shoo from.

[Narrator (Rebecca Shear)]

Fly away. But Raven did not fly away. Instead, she set to circling around the woman's head.

[Raven]

Round and round and round I go. Where I stop, nobody knows.

[Narrator (Rebecca Shear)]

The woman threw up her hands, trying to swat Raven away.

[Raven]

Get off of me. Now cut it out. Here I come again.

[Narrator (Rebecca Shear)]

As you can imagine, between the howling wolf and the swooping raven, the woman was rather distracted. So distracted, in fact, that she didn't notice a certain bushy tailed canine come creeping past her and into the house. Coyote bounded from room to room, keeping her eyes peeled. Then she saw it. A big black bag that was warm to the touch.

[Coyote]

This must be it.

[Narrator (Rebecca Shear)]

Coyote jumped up and grabbed the bag in her teeth. But before she could leave the house.

[Raven]

Don't you dare steal my Summer.

[Narrator (Rebecca Shear)]

Standing in the doorway, hands on hips, eyes blazing with fury, was the woman. Fast as a flicker, Coyote pushed past and beat a hasty retreat. The woman took off after her. She was surprisingly speedy for her age. And before long, she was hot on Coyotes.

[Coyote]

Uh oh.

[Narrator (Rebecca Shear)]

Coyote picked up speed, her heart racing with exertion and anxiety. But then she heard the voice she'd been waiting for.

[Raven]

Reckon I can take that bag off your hands?

[Narrator (Rebecca Shear)]

Her eyes flashed upwards. And there was Eagle. According to plan, he was waiting for Coyote, high in a tree.

[Coyote]

Thanks a million, Eagle. It's all yours.

[Narrator (Rebecca Shear)]

Eagle dove down and snatched the bag in his talons. And he flapped his wings as hard as he could and. And flew all the way back to the other side of the world. Once all the other animals were home, safe and sound, Coyote gathered them round.

[Coyote]

Okay, friends, here it goes. The moment of truth and warmth.

[Narrator (Rebecca Shear)]

She untied the bag and yanked it open. There was a whoosh of hot air and summer came. Came bursting out. Within moments, the thick snow, slippery ice and silvery frost melted away and the ground was covered with lush grass, colorful flowers and leafy trees. But as the animals basked in the wondrous warmth.

[Coyote]

You.

[Narrator (Rebecca Shear)]

They turned their heads. And there, with clenched fists and a face twisted with fury, was the woman.

[Raven]

You took my Summer and You're trying to carry it away.

[Narrator (Rebecca Shear)]

The animals treated a look. Then Coyote took a careful step toward the woman.

[Coyote]

You know, madam, part of what you say is true. We did take summer. But it isn't yours. I know it's a warm, glorious season. A season of blue skies and warm breezes and endless sun on your face. But this warm, glorious season should belong to everyone, not just one person. And so I have a proposition.

[Raven]

And what would that be?

[Coyote]

I propose we share summer.

[Raven]

Share summer?

[Coyote]

Yes, share it. For half of the year you can have summer on your side of the world. And for the other half, we'll have summer on our side of the world. It's the right thing to do. The fair thing. So what do you say?

[Narrator (Rebecca Shear)]

The woman paused as she thought it over. Then slowly, her fists unclenched and her furious face melted into a smile. Very well.

[Raven]

We will do it.

[Narrator (Rebecca Shear)]

We will share summer. And they did. To this very day. When it's winter on one side of the world, it's summer on the other. And when it's summer on one side of the world, it's winter on the other. Thanks to Crafty Coyote and her fearless, faithful friends, we all share the seasons all the year round. Now it's your turn. What's one way you can share? Can you share with a friend by lending them a favorite book or toy? Maybe you can share with someone you've never met by donating your outgrown clothing to charity. Or you could share with a family member by giving them some of your time or splitting your chores. Think about how you might share. Then go out and do it. You'll help make the world a more thoughtful, kind and generous place. This week's episode, Stealing Summer 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 drone flute. You can learn more about it and see a photo of Eric playing one on our website, WBUR.org CircleRound. 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. Download our coloring [e-mail] CircleRound Special thanks to this week's actors, Kiran Kumar, Susanna Mars, Jefferson A. Russell, Dawn Ursula and Mina Harris. Mina is the founder and CEO of Phenomenal Media, a Tony Award winning company that elevates the stories of underrepresented women. She's also a lawyer and best selling author of five children's books, including her newest Maya's Big Idea, coming out next month. If you love our WBUR podcast and want to circle around with us us in even more ways, visit WBUR.org CircleRound and join the Circle Round Club. As thanks for your donation, we'll send all sorts of goodies, including special Circle Round Swag, an ad free feed, bonus bedtime stories, audio features about Eric's musical instruments, and the chance to order a personalized birthday message from me. Rebecca Shear Sign up for the Circle Round Club and support your family favorite public media [e-mail] CircleRound Grown Ups if you enjoy Circle Round and have a moment to spare, please leave us a five star rating or review on your favorite podcast app. Your feedback helps other fans find the show so we can keep Circling Round with you for years to come. 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.

[Listener/Caller]

Hi, my name is Nora and I I live in Ontario, Canada and my favorite Circle story is the Biscuit Up Ask and I like the part when the Cure sky gives back his past. Hello, my name is Rita and I live in Seattle, Washington. My favorite Circle Lamb story is the Starfruit Tree. My favorite part is when the Raven gives Kim the Gold Hi, my name is Leonard and I'm from Minnesota and my favorite Circle Round episode is Home Sweet Home and my favorite part is when hair goes up up up. Hi, my name is Noah. My favorite toy podcast is the Basilicious Tear. My favorite part is when the gold tufts the Basilisk from Getting the Bottle. Hi, my name is Ayla and I live in Utah and my favorite Circle Round story is Rabbit Swish. I like that she wants to go back to her normal side and how she's speedy. My name is Cece and I live in Oak Park, Illinois and my favorite Circle Round story is out of Time and my favorite part is when the Clockmaker finds the door wide open. My name is out of Atlas and I live in Chicago and my favorite Circle Round is the Mountain Garden because I like the pool when the uncle says sorry. My name is Trina, I'm from Vegas and my favorite Silk One story is the Bassist There's Avery. I live in Bloomfield, Colorado. I don't have a favorite silkworm story. I like all of them.

[Narrator (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.