The Cobbler’s Soul

Summary

Circle Round: "The Cobbler’s Soul" – Detailed Summary

Introduction In the January 14, 2025 episode of WBUR's Circle Round, host Rebecca Scheer presents "The Cobbler’s Soul," a captivating adaptation of a global folktale. Aimed at children and listeners of all ages, the story weaves themes of kindness, sacrifice, and cleverness into a rich, sound-and-music-enhanced narrative. This summary delves into the episode's key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions, highlighting memorable moments and notable quotes to provide a comprehensive overview for those who haven't tuned in.

Setting the Scene The story introduces us to a humble cobbler living in a modest house with his triplet children. The cobbler diligently repairs shoes, striving to provide for his family. However, a challenging summer with slow business threatens their well-being.

“Think about the last time you did something kind for someone. How did you feel? Pretty good, right? Well, when the main character in today's story does a kind act for someone, he doesn't just feel good, he feels free.”
— Rebecca Scheer [00:38]

The Decline of Business As business dwindles, the cobbler grows increasingly anxious about feeding his children. Desperate for a solution, he devises a plan to approach the town's wealthy Duke, a reclusive figure known for his extensive collection of art and antiques.

“Oh dear, I haven't had a new order in months. With no cash coming in, how will I take care of my children? I must do something to drum up business. I must.”
— The Cobbler [02:43]

Encounter with the Duke (The Devil in Disguise) Upon visiting the Duke's mansion, the cobbler is surprisingly greeted by the Duke himself, who reveals an offer: unprecedented business prosperity in exchange for a future and dire consequence.

“I am sorry to hear about your woes, good cobbler. And though I do not have any shoes that need fixing, I would be thrilled to help you out, provided you're up for making a little deal.”
— The Duke [05:28]

The cobbler soon realizes that the Duke is no ordinary nobleman but the Devil, offering three years of success in return for his soul.

“You're the Devil. You answer people's wildest dreams by giving them exactly what they want. But in exchange, you demand their souls. And they have to come with you for all of eternity.”
— The Cobbler [07:35]

The Three-Year Prosperity Accepting the Faustian bargain, the cobbler experiences a remarkable surge in his business. His home flourishes, his children thrive, and his once-struggling shop becomes the town's bustling center for shoe repairs.

“Customers. Look at all these customers. I guess the devil doesn't mess around, because my three years of prosperity are starting right now.”
— The Cobbler [12:00]

The Arrival of the Old Woman As the three-year term concludes, the cobbler faces the inevitable appointment with the Devil. However, an unexpected visitor—a humble old woman—appears, offering magical gifts that alter the course of his fate.

“I'd like to give you something that might help. Three things, actually.”
— The Old Woman [16:55]

The Three Gifts The old woman bestows upon the cobbler three enchanted gifts:

1. Inescapable Sitters: Whoever sits on his stool cannot rise until given permission.
2. Binding Gaze: Anyone who looks into his window must stay until released.
3. Tree Binding: Anyone who shakes his apple trees is bound to them until freed.

“Whoever sits down on your cobbler's stool will be unable to get up until you permit them to do so.”
— The Old Woman [17:09]

Outsmarting the Devil Armed with these magical gifts, the cobbler confronts the Devil when he arrives to claim his soul. Each gift effectively traps the Devil, forcing him to renegotiate the terms of their deal multiple times. Ultimately, through clever manipulation and persistence, the cobbler frees himself permanently from the Devil's grasp.

“Your favorite. Very welcome. I hope they'll be put to good use.”
— The Old Woman [18:06]

Conclusion and Moral "The Cobbler’s Soul" underscores the virtues of kindness and ingenuity. The cobbler's willingness to help a stranger selflessly not only grants him temporary prosperity but also equips him with the means to overcome malevolent forces. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on the impact of their actions and the power of cleverness in the face of adversity.

“If you enjoy Circle Round, please leave us a five star review on your favorite podcast app and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.”
— Rebecca Scheer [31:27]

Key Takeaways

• Kindness Leads to Freedom: The cobbler's initial act of kindness sets the stage for his eventual liberation.
• Cleverness as a Tool: The magical gifts symbolize the importance of wit and strategy in overcoming challenges.
• Sacrifice and Family: The cobbler's willingness to sacrifice highlights the lengths one will go to protect loved ones.

Closing Thoughts Circle Round effectively brings "The Cobbler’s Soul" to life with rich soundscapes and engaging storytelling. By blending diverse cultural elements, the episode offers a universal lesson on the enduring power of kindness and intelligence. Listeners are left inspired to perform their own acts of kindness, fostering deeper connections and meaningful conversations within their communities.

Further Engagement Listeners are encouraged to participate in related activities, such as drawing acts of kindness and sharing them with Circle Round for potential feature in the Lion's Roar newsletter. Additional resources, including coloring pages and information about the featured bandoneon, are available on the Circle Round website.

For more stories and to join the Circle Round community, visit WBUR.org/CircleRound.

Transcript

[Rebecca Scheer]

Hi, Rebecca Shear here with some really Fun News. On February 8th, Circle Round LIVE is coming to Symphony hall in Boston and you're invited. Join us for a live recording of two new episodes featuring me, composer Eric Shyamalonis, plus Boston Symphony Orchestra players and a star studded cast. Get your Tickets [e-mail] CircleRound WBUR podcasts.

[The Duke]

Boston.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Think about the last time you did something kind for someone. How did you feel? Pretty good, right? Well, when the main character in today's story does a kind act for someone, he doesn't just feel good, he feels free. I'm Rebecca Scheer and welcome to Circle Round, where story time happens all the time. Today, our story is called the Cobbler's Soul. We found versions of this folktale from a number of places, including the South American countries of Argentina and Chile, the European countries of Germany, Ireland, Norway, Ukraine and the Czech Republic and the Appalachian region of the United States. Some really great people came together to bring you our version of this folk tale, including John Patrick Amadori, Grown Ups. You may know John Patrick from his starring role as Gabe in the original Netflix series Dear White People, as well as Gossip Girl, Hindsight, and most recently the acclaimed drama series Three Women. So circle around everyone for the Cobbler's Soul. The cobbler lived in a low slung little house where he would perch on his little wooden stool and stitch leather, repair soles and do all the other things a good cobbler does to make old shoes look new again. The cobbler shared the little house with his children, a bright eyed set of three year old triplets whom he worked hard to keep fed, dressed and happy. But one summer when business was unusually slow, money began to dwindle and the cobbler's worries began to grow.

[The Cobbler]

Oh dear, I haven't had a new order in months. With no cash coming in, how will I take care of my children? I must do something to drum up business. I must.

[Rebecca Scheer]

At the edge of the Cobbler's town, high on a hill, was a splendid mansion with stately pillars out front and a spacious garden out back. The grand estate had recently been built by a gentleman known as the Duke. Word in town had it that the Duke was a collector. Rumors flew about the priceless paintings covering his many walls, the precious statues lining his many corridors, and the ornate furniture filling his many dining rooms, bedrooms and parlors. One morning, after the cobbler dropped the triplets off at the town schoolhouse, his eyes drifted toward the Duke's mansion and he got an idea.

[The Cobbler]

Hmm. I've never met this duke before. Few townsfolk have, it seems, but clearly he's the richest guy in town. If not the land, I'll bet he has hundreds of shoes in his closet. Surely some of them are in need of mending. I'll go pay him a visit.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The cobbler hurried home and grabbed his jewels. Then he hiked up to the Duke's mansion. Feeling nervous but hopeful, he rang the bell. The cobbler assumed he would be greeted by a butler or footman or any other of the Duke's dozens of servants. So you can imagine the cobbler's surprise when the door swung open. And there, dressed in a dark tailored suit and dark silk tie, with dark eyes glittering under the broad brim of a dark hat, greetings was the Duke himself.

[The Duke]

It's nice to see you. It's not every day I get a visit from the town cobbler.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The cobbler stiffened. How did the Duke know who he was? The duke seemed to read his mind.

[The Duke]

Oh, I didn't mean to alarm you, my friend. I happened to notice the tools hanging from your belt. And the needle, thread and shoe polish stuffed in your apron pocket. Are those not the instruments of a cobbler?

[Rebecca Scheer]

The cobbler's face relaxed into a smile.

[The Cobbler]

Wow. Aren't you an observant fellow? Indeed, good sir. I am the town cobbler. Unfortunately, business has been slow lately. I have three young children to take care of, which means I have three hungry mouths to feed. So I've come to see if you need any shoes fixed.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The duke arched an eyebrow.

[The Duke]

Hmm. I am sorry to hear about your woes, good cobbler. And though I do not have any shoes that need fixing, I would be thrilled to help you out, provided you're up for making a little deal.

[The Cobbler]

A deal?

[Rebecca Scheer]

The cobbler cocked his head.

[The Cobbler]

What kind of a deal?

[The Duke]

A rather attractive one, I must say. If you agree to this deal, I shall see to it that for the next three years, you will have the most bustling business ever. Customers will be knocking down your door, begging you to mend their shoes. Your children's bellies will be full, and your pockets will be even fuller.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The cobbler's eyes widened.

[The Cobbler]

You. You can do that?

[The Duke]

You bet I can. But like I said, this is a deal. So I would ask just one small thing in return.

[The Cobbler]

And what would that be?

[The Duke]

Well, I happen to be a bit of a collector. I collect paintings, I collect statues. I collect furniture. I also collect souls.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The cobbler grinned.

[The Cobbler]

You collect souls? As a cobbler, I have plenty of souls I can give you the way people wear out the bottoms of their shoes. I've got a great big supply. I could give you old soles, new soles, wooden soles, leathers.

[The Duke]

You misunderstand me, my friend. I do not collect shoe soles. I collect human soles. And I'd be ever so pleased to collect yours.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The cobbler felt his insides turn to ice. For all at once it became frightfully clear. The Duke was not actually a duke. Instead, he was none other than the Devil.

[The Cobbler]

You're the Devil. You answer people's wildest dreams by giving them exactly what they want. But in exchange, you demand their souls. And they have to come with you for all of eternity.

[The Duke]

That's right. And I could answer your dream cobbler. The next three years could be the best years you've ever had. All you have to do afterwards is join me forever. So what do you say? Will you agree to our little deal? Or do you want your little children to waste away from hunger?

[Rebecca Scheer]

The cobbler hesitated. If he agreed, then he and his triplets would be guaranteed three years of comfort until he went with the Devil and the children were forced to fend for themselves. But if he didn't agree to the deal and business didn't pick up and he and his kids would starve. The cobbler drew a long, slow breath. Then he stared into the Devil's dark, glittering eyes and prepared to deliver the most important answer of his life. Will the cobbler make a deal with the Devil? What would you do if you were the cobbler? We'll find out what happens after a quick break.

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[Rebecca Scheer]

Before we return to our story, I have an invitation for you. On Saturday, February 8th, Circle Round is recording two new episodes at Symphony hall in Boston, Massachusetts and we'd love to see you there. Join me, Rebecca Scheer along with composer Eric Shyamalonas, players from the Boston Symphony Orchestra and a star studded cast for an exciting hour of Circle Round fun. Get your Tickets [e-mail] CircleRound I'm Rebecca Scheer. Welcome back to Circle Round Today. Our story is called the Cobbler's Soul. Before the break, a humble cobbler was running out of money and hope when he was offered a deal by the devil. For the next three years, the cobbler would prosper, provided that once the three years were up, he gave the devil his soul. The cobbler pictured his young triplets, their cheeks gaunt and hollow, their bellies groaning with hunger. And he knew what he must do.

[The Cobbler]

Alright, devil, I agree to your deal for the sake of my kids.

[The Duke]

Oh, how very sweet. Those youngins are awfully lucky to have a father like you. Well, for the next three years, anyway.

[Rebecca Scheer]

With laughter ringing in his ears and tears brimming in his eyes, the cobbler turned away and trudged down the hill toward town. But as he drew closer to his low slung little house, he stopped right in his tracks. Because what should he spy lined up in his yard but dozens and dozens of townsfolk, all of them carrying old shoes, in need of fixing.

[The Cobbler]

Customers. Look at all these customers. I guess the devil doesn't mess around, because my three years of prosperity are starting right now.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The cobbler spent the rest of the day stitching, hammering and repairing shoes. He did the same thing the next day. And the next. Today and the next. Just as the devil promised, business was booming. The cobbler bought his children good food to eat and nice clothing to wear. He even planted a stand of apple trees next to the house so the youngsters could swing from the branches and snack on the fruit. One year went by, then two, and finally the fateful day arrived. The day the devil would come to collect the cobbler's soul. Three years had passed, and the triplets were now six. The cobbler dropped them off at school, giving each one an extra tight hug before saying goodbye. Then he shuffled home and slumped onto his stool, his shoulders hunched, his head hung in despair.

[The Cobbler]

Three years. It's been three years since I made my deal with the devil. And though my children are three years older, they're still too young to get by without me. Oh, if only there were some way I could get out of this deal. Some way that I could. Oh, no. He's here. The devil is here.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The cobbler's heart hammered and his skin prickled as he peered through the window. But to his surprise and relief, it was not the devil he spied outside. It was an old woman, her spindly frame trembling and her white cloak spattered with mud.

[The Cobbler]

Oh, good morning, madam. May I help you?

[The Old Woman]

I hope so. I was out walking and I somehow lost my way. I'm awfully cold and hungry. May I please come in?

[The Cobbler]

Of course. Come sit at the table. I'll fetch you something to eat.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The cobbler sat the woman down. Then he fixed a tray of bread and cheese along with some apples from the trees in his yard. When he carried the tray to the table, the woman's brow furrowed with concern.

[The Old Woman]

My goodness, look at your hands. They're trembling. Are you all right?

[Rebecca Scheer]

The cobbler frowned.

[The Cobbler]

To be perfectly honest, I am not all right. Today is a big day for me, one that I've been dreading for some time now. Three years ago, I was forced to make an impossible choice, and.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The cobbler fell silent. For all at once he noticed the woman's shoes. The tops were stained, the sides were riddled with holes, and the bottoms had worn so thin. Practically see through them.

[The Cobbler]

I beg your pardon, madam, but it looks like your shoes could use a good repair. I happen to be a cobbler, and I'd be happy to fix them up. It would help get my mind off my troubles.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The old woman smiled.

[The Old Woman]

As you can tell, I have walked in these shoes for thousands of miles, and I'd like to walk in them for thousands more. It would be nice if you could fix them up.

[The Cobbler]

Then I'd be glad to. I specialize in all sorts of repairs, and it would be no problem for me to.

[The Old Woman]

I'm sorry. What I was going to say is it would be nice if you could fix them up. If only I had some money.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The woman flashed the cobbler a sheepish grin. He flashed her a warm one.

[The Cobbler]

Don't worry about it. Even if you did have money, it would be no good here. I insist on fixing up your shoes free of charge.

[The Old Woman]

But they need so much work.

[The Cobbler]

I can see that. But I'm happy to help a new friend. Now, why don't you get some rest, have a nap in my triplet's room, and I'll make your shoes as good as new.

[The Old Woman]

Thank you. But before I nod off, I'd like to give you something for your troubles.

[The Cobbler]

Oh, fixing your shoes is no trouble at all. It's my pleasure.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The woman shook her head.

[The Old Woman]

That's not what I mean. I mean something for your troubles, your struggles, the demons you're facing.

[Rebecca Scheer]

At the mention of demons, the cobbler shivered.

[The Old Woman]

I'd like to give you something that might help. Three things, actually.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The cobbler doubted anything could help him break his deal with the devil. But he was touched nevertheless.

[The Cobbler]

I appreciate your kindness, madam. What is it you'd like to give me?

[The Old Woman]

Well, first, starting today, whoever sits down on your cobbler's stool will be unable to get up until you permit them to do so. Second, whoever looks into the window of your house will have to stand there until you agree to let them go. And third, whoever shakes an apple tree in your yard shall stick to that tree until you set them free.

[Rebecca Scheer]

There was a long silence as the cobbler took in the woman's words.

[The Cobbler]

I must say, madam, these gifts are rather curious, but I'm grateful for them all. Thank you.

[The Old Woman]

Your favorite. Very welcome. I hope they'll be put to good use.

[Rebecca Scheer]

And with that, the woman rose to her bare feet and shuffled off to the triplets room. The moment she closed the door, the cobbler got to work. He hammered, he nailed, he stitched, he polished. And before long, the woman's shoes were finished and the devil had yet to arrive. But when the cobbler went to the triplets room to deliver the shoes.

[The Cobbler]

What?

[Rebecca Scheer]

The old woman was gone.

[The Cobbler]

Where did she go? How did she get out? And how could she leave without wearing any shoes? Oh, perhaps that's her. Or perhaps it's him.

[Rebecca Scheer]

A quick glance out the window and the cobbler had his answer. Standing at the door in a dark tailored suit with a dark silk tie and dark broad brimmed hat was the devil.

[The Cobbler]

Oh, what should I do? I don't want to give him my soul, so perhaps I can reason with him. I'll let him in. I'll ask him to sit down. Then I'll explain how. Wait a minute.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The cobbler froze. For all at once he remembered the old woman's first gift.

[The Old Woman]

Starting today, whoever sits down on your cobbler's stool will be unable to get up until you permit them to do so.

[The Cobbler]

The woman said her gifts would help me with my demons. But if I play my cards right, I believe they could help me with my devil. Here goes nothing.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The cobbler took a breath. Then he went to the door, threw it open, and the devil came breezing in.

[The Duke]

Good day, cobbler. I have been counting the years until this moment. The months, days, weeks, hours, minutes and seconds too. So now that the time has finally come for me to collect your soul, are you ready?

[The Cobbler]

Actually, I was hoping to have a bite to eat first. How about you sit on my stool here and rest a moment till I'm done?

[The Duke]

A bite to eat? Well, I'm not about to deny a doomed man his final meal, so go ahead, eat up.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The devil strode over to the stool and sat down. The cobbler fixed a sandwich and Gobbled it up.

[The Cobbler]

Mm. Mm. That hit the spot. Shall we go now?

[The Duke]

Of course.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The devil tried to rise from the stool. But of course. Ugh, he couldn't. He pulled, he yanked. He rolled from side to side.

[The Duke]

But.

[Rebecca Scheer]

It was like his bottom had been glued to the seat.

[The Duke]

Cobbler, get me off this blasted stool.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The cobbler shrugged.

[The Cobbler]

I don't know what's in it for me.

[The Duke]

What's in it for you? I will. I will give you three more years.

[The Cobbler]

Three more years sounds good to me.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The cobbler smiled, then released the devil from the stool. The moment he was free, he took to his heels and stormed away as fast as he could. And true to his word, he didn't come back for three years. When the devil did return, he knew better than to sit on the cobbler's stool again. In fact, he didn't even venture inside the house. Instead, he peeked in through the window.

[The Duke]

Cobbler, I'm back. Now that the time has finally come for me to collect your soul, are you ready?

[Rebecca Scheer]

As it happens, the cobbler was ready. Just not in the way the devil meant.

[The Cobbler]

Actually, I'd like to put the last stitch in this pair of shoes. I'm working. Wait at the window and I'll be out in a flash.

[The Duke]

Ah. How noble of you to finish up your work before you disappear forever. So go ahead, do what you need to do.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The gobbler finished his sewing, then joined the devil outside.

[The Cobbler]

Okay, I'm all done with my work. Shall we go now?

[The Duke]

Of course.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The devil tried to walk away from the window, but he couldn't. And do you know why? You guessed it. Because of the old woman's second gift.

[The Old Woman]

Whoever looks into the window of your house will have to stand there until you agree to let them go.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The devil stretched.

[The Duke]

Ugh.

[Rebecca Scheer]

He strained. He tugged, but it was like his feet had been stuck to the earth.

[The Duke]

Cobbler, get me away from this confounded window, and I'll give you three more years.

[The Cobbler]

Three more years. Very well.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The gobbler smiled, then released the devil from the window. The moment he was free, he bustled away as fast as he could. And true to his word, he didn't come back for three years. When the devil did return, he knew better than to look in the window. He didn't even come near the house. Instead, he stood in the yard beneath the apple trees and called out, cobbler, I'm back.

[The Duke]

Now that the time has finally come for me to collect your soul, are you ready?

[Rebecca Scheer]

Once again, the cobbler was ready. Ready to put the old woman's third gift to use. And do you remember what that gift was?

[The Old Woman]

Whoever shakes an apple tree in your yard shall stick to that tree until you set them free.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The cobbler crossed to the window and gave the devil a wave.

[The Cobbler]

Actually, before we go, I'd like to put away my tools. While you're waiting, how about you grab one of the apple trees and shake down a nice ripe apple?

[The Duke]

Those apples do look tasty. Don't mind if I do.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The devil clasped his hands around a tree and gave it a shake. But as you can no doubt guess, when he tried to stop, he couldn't. He shook and he shook.

[The Duke]

Urgh.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Until every single apple had fallen from the tree. Every leaf, too. Urgh.

[The Duke]

Urgh. Urrgh.

[Rebecca Scheer]

When the cobbler came outside and saw the tree stripped bare and the the devil still shaking it, he pretended to fall into a rage.

[The Cobbler]

What are you doing? Shaking down all my apples. Stop it right now.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The devil gritted his teeth.

[The Duke]

But I can't. I swear. Ugh. That if I ever get loose from this cursed apple tree. Ugh. I shall not, never come back here again.

[The Cobbler]

Never.

[The Duke]

Never.

[The Cobbler]

You promise?

[The Duke]

I promise.

[The Cobbler]

And I can live the rest of my life in peace?

[The Duke]

Yes, you can live the rest of your life in peace.

[The Cobbler]

Very well.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The cobbler smiled, then released the devil from the tree. The moment he was free, he sprinted away. And as fast as he could. And true to his word, he never came back. From that day on, the devil steered clear of the cobbler. In fact, he was so nervous about getting stuck on something again, he sold his mansion. Paintings, statues and furniture included. Then he laced up his shoes, put his souls to the road and made the horizon, never to be seen in the cobbler's town again. Now it's your turn. What's a kind act you can do this week? Can you help a grown up with a chore? Help a neighbor walk a dog? Maybe you can give a good friend a great big hug. Think about what you can do, then make it happen. After that, find some paper and draw a picture of you doing your kind act. Ask a grown up to snap a photo of you and your artwork and email it to circleroundbur.org we may feature it in the Lion's Roar, the monthly newsletter of the Circle Round Club. To learn more about this super fun membership opportunity for super fans like you, Visit our website, WBUR.org CircleRound this week's episode, the Cobbler's Soul, was adapted by me, Rebecca Scheer. It was edited by Dean Russell. Our original music and sound design is by Eric Shimalonis. Our artist is Sabina Hahn, who's created a black and white coloring page for every Circle Round story. To print them out and color them in, ask your grown ups to Visit our website WBUR.org CircleRound and click on coloring pages. Special thanks to this week's actors James Konicek, Dawn Ursula and John Patrick Amadori, whom you grown ups may recognize from his starring role as Gabe in the original Netflix series Dear White People, as well as Gossip Girl, Hindsight and the acclaimed drama series Three Women. Our featured instrument this week was the Bandoneon. You can learn more about this squeeze box instrument, which originated in Germany before migrating to South America, and see a photo of Eric Shyamalones playing one on our website. Again, that's WBUR.org CircleRound Grown Ups. If you enjoy Circle Round, please leave us a five star review on your favorite podcast app and follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Our handle is CircleRound Podcast. 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.

[Kiko]

My name is Kiko, I live in Madrid, Spain and my favorite Circle Round story is the Uncommon Commoner because my godbrother Leo was in the audience when you recorded it. Hi, my name is Amy and I live in California and my favorite Circle Round story is the Long Christmas Crimson Thread. I like the part of the White Mouse Land like Squeak. My name is Caroline and I live in Maryland. My favorite Circle Lounge story is Basilisk Stair and my favorite part is when the little boy turns to stone. My name is Meredith and I'm from Maryland and my favorite spot Circle Round story is the Blizzard wizard and my favorite part is when the Blizzard wizard says no, I'm melting. My name is Kiss and I live in San Diego, California and my favorite story is the Crystal Starbucks. My favorite part is when Anansi brings Sky Goddess. Hi. My name is Mia and I live in Fort Worth, Texas and my favorite Circ around story is the Bright Yellow Hat and I like the part where Flora finds out she can talk to the flowers. My name is Stace and I live in Texas and my favorite Circuit Round story is the Lion's Whisker and I like the part when the girl in the boar said meet and near the river. My name's Aiden and I live in Oregon. And my favorite Circle Round story is the Crystal Box of Stories. And my favorite part is when the hornet gets delivered to the Sky Goddess.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Did someone mention a story you've missed? Not to worry, grown ups. 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.