The Masked Bandit

Summary

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Circle Round: "The Masked Bandit"

Podcast: Circle Round by WBUR
Episode Date: February 10, 2026
Host: Rebecca Shearer
Live Recording: Symphony Hall, Boston, with Boston Symphony Orchestra musicians
Folktale Origin: Sioux (North America)

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Episode Overview

This live Circle Round episode, "The Masked Bandit," adapts a Sioux folktale centered around a raccoon notorious for stealing from fellow animals. Through humor and musical storytelling, the episode explores themes of honesty, trust, and the struggle to change one's ways—even in the face of valuable lessons.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage: Raccoon’s Reputation

• The episode begins with Rebecca Shearer invoking Maya Angelou’s wisdom:

  "When someone shows you who they are, believe them." (00:47)

• Raccoon is introduced as a clever but untrustworthy opportunist with a "bandit's mask" of dark fur.
• Other animals (Skunk, Opossum, Squirrel) all recount their food-sharing habits and express distrust toward Raccoon:

  "Listen, Raccoon, I'm a skunk, so I'll eat just about anything too. But I don't steal." – Skunk (Faith Saley, 04:34)

2. Raccoon’s Failed Food Forays

• Driven by hunger, Raccoon attempts to steal food from:
  • Skunk: Caught sneaking, threatened with a spray.

    "You're a food snatching bandit and everybody knows it." – Skunk (Faith Saley, 07:58)

  • Squirrel: Alerted the moment she reaches for acorns; threatened with being chased away by dozens of squirrels.

    "We all know what a bandit you are." – Squirrel (Callie Crossley, 09:12)

  • Opossum: Finds a heap of slugs, but is warned about Opossum’s dramatic defense ("playing possum").

    "As a real possum, I can faint... I also release the stinkiest, stenchiest odor you ever did smell!" – Opossum (Michael Bobbitt, 11:06)

• Each animal rebuffs Raccoon, underscoring her reputation as a notorious thief.

3. The New Temptation: Sweet, Golden Honey

• Raccoon discovers a delightful aroma and follows it to a cypress tree dripping with golden goo—honey.
• Without knowing about bees or honey, Raccoon tastes the treat and climbs higher for more, plunging paws into a beehive.

  "Oh, wow. I've never tasted anything this heavenly. I must have more." – Raccoon (Michael Bobbitt, 15:11)

4. Consequence: A Sticky, Painful Lesson

• Raccoon is swarmed and stung by angry bees.
• Honey and dead leaves coat her fur as she tries to escape, transforming her into an unrecognizable “monster.”
• Opossum, Squirrel, and Skunk all mistake her for a monster and flee, ignoring her pleas for help:

  "There's a monster down there. A monster!" – Squirrel (Callie Crossley, 17:58)

• In distress, Raccoon finally dives into the river, soothing her bee stings and washing away honey and leaves.

5. Reflection: Did Raccoon Change?

• Humbled by her ordeal, Raccoon promises to change her ways:

  "I will stop stealing. And pilfering. And swindling." – Raccoon (Michael Bobbitt, 19:23)

• However, the Narrator reveals that her change is short-lived:

  "By the time your bee stings faded, so did the memory of your promise and you went back to your old ways." – Rebecca Shearer (19:46) "Well, you know the old saying: you can't teach an old raccoon new tricks." – Raccoon (Michael Cerverus, 19:55)

• The Masked Bandit’s reputation continues, serving as a playful cautionary tale.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Raccoon's Character:

  "You’re notorious for swiping stuff from the other animals." – Rebecca Shearer (03:47)

• Skunk’s Threat:

  "Go grab your own grub or I'll spray!" – Skunk (Faith Saley, 07:58)

• Opossum’s 'Scary' Defense:

  "As a real possum, I can faint... I also release the stinkiest, stenchiest odor you ever did smell!" – Opossum (Michael Bobbitt, 11:06)

• Raccoon's Rationalizing:

  "I like to think of myself as an opportunistic omnivore." – Raccoon (Michael Cerverus, 04:08)

• On the False Promise:

  "By the time your bee stings faded, so did the memory of your promise and you went back to your old ways." – Rebecca Shearer (19:46)

• Playful Closing:

  "Because if they're not careful, the furry Masked Bandit is bound to strike again. And again. And again." – Rebecca Shearer (20:04)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:47 – Maya Angelou quote about character
• 03:35 – Raccoon’s “bandit” reputation established
• 04:34–09:12 – Animal confrontations (Skunk, Squirrel, Opossum)
• 12:04–15:20 – Discovery and pursuit of honey
• 15:55–18:50 – Bee sting chaos, “monster” mistaken identity
• 19:12 – Raccoon vows to change, then reverts
• 20:04–20:51 – Narrator’s final message on Raccoon’s ongoing mischief
• 20:51 – Invitation for listeners to reflect on new experiences

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Listener Engagement

• The episode closes with an activity, encouraging children to recall a time when encountering something new taught them a lesson.
• The segment aims to spark conversation between children and grown-ups:

  "Think about a time you encountered something new... Find a grown up and tell them all about it. Then ask them what they learned from a new encounter of their own." – Rebecca Shearer (20:51)

• Fan messages at the end highlight the engaged Circle Round community.

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Tone & Style

The language remains lively, humorous, and accessible for young listeners. The musical accompaniment from the Boston Symphony Orchestra adds depth and emotion. The story draws on animal humor and classic folktale repetition, with playful narration and cheeky character interplay.

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Summary Conclusion

"The Masked Bandit" is a playful, music-rich retelling of a Sioux folktale that delights in animal antics while exploring important themes of character and trust. Raccoon’s failed attempts at thievery and her inability to change—even after a sticky comeuppance—remind listeners to be true to one’s word and embrace honesty. With engaging performances and interactive prompts, the episode delivers both laughter and lessons for families.

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For more Circle Round folktales, activities, and resources, visit WBUR.org/CircleRound.

Transcript

[Rebecca Shearer]

Wsbur podcasts boston.

This Circle Round episode was recorded live with members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra plus a star studded cast of actors at Symphony hall on February 7, 2026. You can learn more about our live events and all things Circle Round, including our picture books, merch newsletter and Circle round club at WBUR.org CircleRound.

The writer Maya Angelou once said, when.

Someone shows you who they are, believe them.

What she meant was every action we take, every word we utter, they can be seen as reflections of our true character. In today's tale, we'll meet an animal.

Whose true character is revealed from the.

Get go, even though she tries hiding.

It behind a mask.

I'm Rebecc and welcome to Circle Round live at Symphony hall in Boston, Massachusetts today. Our story is called the Masked Bandit. It comes from the Sioux, one of North America's oldest and largest indigenous tribes. Joining me on stage is a star studded cast of actors, Michael Bobbitt, Michael Cerverus, Callie Crossley and Faith Saley. Providing musical accompaniment under the direction of our own Eric Shyamalonis is a world class ensemble from the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Kathy Bak Asrak on viola, Rachel Childers on horn, Chris El Chico on clarinet, Clint Foreman on flute, Ben Levy on double bass and Suzanne Nelson on bassoon. So circle around everyone for the Masked Bandit.

[Michael Bobbitt]

Sam.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Long, long ago, before people roamed the earth, there lived a raccoon.

[Michael Bobbitt]

How you doing?

[Michael Cerverus]

I'm Raccoon.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Raccoon's stout, stocky body was covered with dense gray fur. Her legs were short but strong, and the flexible toes on her paws helped her climb up and down trees with her bushy ringed tail bobbing behind her. But of all Raccoon's features, the most distinctive was the patch of dark fur around her eyes.

[Michael Cerverus]

Oh, I love that patch of dark fur. It's so cool. It looks kind of like a bandit's mask. You know, I sure do.

[Rebecca Shearer]

And that's a rather apt comparison, actually, since just like a bandit, you're always stealing things.

[Michael Bobbitt]

Stealing things? Little old me.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Yes, little old you. Come on, Raccoon, you're notorious for swiping stuff from the other animals.

[Eliana]

Am I?

[Rebecca Shearer]

Yes, especially food, given that you'll eat just about anything, be it fruits, nuts, fish, frogs, bugs, icky, smelly dead things.

[Michael Cerverus]

I like to think of myself as an opportunistic omnivore.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Well, thanks to your opportunistic omnivoreism, the other animals don't trust you. Isn't that right, other animals?

[Faith Saley]

Oh, yeah.

[Michael Bobbitt (Opossum)]

No, it's totally right.

[Callie Crossley]

We don't trust her at all.

[Michael Bobbitt]

What? Get out of town.

[Michael Cerverus]

I'm not that bad, am I?

[Faith Saley]

Not that bad. Listen, Raccoon, I'm a skunk, so I'll eat just about anything, too. But I don't steal.

[Michael Bobbitt (Opossum)]

And as an opossum, I've engaged in my own share of opportunistic omnivorism. But even if I'm not picky about what goes down my gullet, I don't take food from other animals.

[Callie Crossley]

Nor do I. Squirrels like me do occasionally snatch an acorn from our brothers and sisters. And once people start roaming the Earth, they better keep an eye on those bird feeders.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Excellent points all around. So, what do you have to say for yourself, Raccoon?

[Michael Cerverus]

I guess I have to say, what's a bird feeder?

[Rebecca Shearer]

Now, Raccoon wasn't just an opportunistic omnivore. She was an insatiable one, too. The nocturnal critter was always craving food, whether she was out and about under the moon or fast asleep under the sun. One evening, just before sunset, Raccoon was snoozing away. When her grumbling stomach startled her awake.

[Michael Bobbitt]

Whoa.

[Michael Cerverus]

Was that my stomach? Gosh, it sounded like rolling thunder or an out of tune bassoon. Oh, I am so hungry, I could eat, well, pretty much anything.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Ooh.

[Michael Cerverus]

Now that the sun's going down, I'll go out and grab some chow.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Raccoon headed toward the river, and as she did, the water birds began to panic, fearing that the sneaky scavenger would swoop in and scoop up their eggs. One by one, the birds raised a call of alarm.

First swan.

Then Crane, Then sandpiper, until every bird was honking, squawking and tweeting away.

[Nina]

Sheesh.

[Michael Cerverus]

Guess I won't be eating an omelette tonight. I better move on.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Raccoon was scooting through a tangled patch.

Of grass when she stumbled upon Skunk.

Skunk was nocturnal just like she was, but even though it was nighttime, he was still sleeping in his bed of leaves. Beside him was a stack of pungent, overripe apples. Mmm.

[Michael Cerverus]

If I can't have myself an omelette, I'll have myself some fruit. I'll swoop in and swipe some of skunk's apples.

[Michael Bobbitt]

Say 2 or 3 or 30.

[Rebecca Shearer]

But the moment Raccoon thrust out her fingers.

[Faith Saley]

What do you think you're doing?

[Rebecca Shearer]

Skunk leaped to his feet.

[Faith Saley]

I heard you sneak up on me, Raccoon. Don't you dare steal my apples.

[Michael Bobbitt]

Steal your Apples? Little old me.

[Faith Saley]

Oh, please. We've heard this song and dance before. You're a food snatching bandit and everybody knows it. So go grab your own grub or I'll spray a a You spray.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Skunk smiled and began lifting his tail.

[Michael Bobbitt]

Yikes. I'd better get out of here.

[Rebecca Shearer]

And she did. Raccoon raced away, running and running until she reached an oak tree. Snoozing inside a nest of twigs was Squirrel. Beside her was a gleaming pile of acorns.

[Michael Cerverus]

Since Squirrel is diurnal, not nocturnal, she'll be asleep all night.

[Michael Bobbitt]

So?

[Michael Cerverus]

So if I can't have myself an omelet and I can't have myself some fruit, I can at least have a handful of nuts.

[Michael Bobbitt]

If not 2 handfuls or 12.

[Rebecca Shearer]

But the moment Raccoon stuck out her paw.

[Callie Crossley]

Hold it right there.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Squirrel snapped open her eyes.

[Callie Crossley]

I thought I heard someone creeping up on me. Don't you dare make off with my acorns, Raccoon.

[Michael Bobbitt]

Make off with your acorns, Little old me.

[Callie Crossley]

Oh, spare me. We all know what a bandit you are. So go get your own food or I'll call all my brothers and sisters and we'll chase you far, far away.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Squirrel let out a whistle. Within seconds, dozens of squirrels came scurrying over.

[Michael Bobbitt]

Yikes. I better get out of here.

[Rebecca Shearer]

And she did. Raccoon raced away, running and running, until.

She reached a hollowed out log.

Snuggled up inside was Opossum. Opossum was also nocturnal, but he hadn't yet woken up for the night. Heaped by his feet was a writhing, wriggling mass of slugs. Ooh.

[Michael Cerverus]

Well, looky here. I guess if I can't have myself an omelet and I can't have myself.

[Michael Bobbitt]

Some fruit and I can't have myself.

[Michael Cerverus]

Some nuts, I'll have myself some slugs.

[Michael Bobbitt]

Or the entire juicy heap.

[Rebecca Shearer]

But the moment she reached for the soft bodied mollusks.

[Michael Bobbitt (Opossum)]

Not so fast.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Opossum jolted awake.

[Michael Bobbitt (Opossum)]

First off, narrator. Nice use of the word mollusks.

[Callie Crossley]

Thank you.

[Michael Bobbitt (Opossum)]

And second, Raccoon, don't even think of swiping my slugs.

[Michael Bobbitt]

Swiping your slugs, Little old me?

[Michael Bobbitt (Opossum)]

Oh, come off it, Raccoon. You're not fooling anybody. So go find your own eats or I'll feint.

[Michael Cerverus]

I'm sorry, you'll what?

[Michael Bobbitt (Opossum)]

I'll feed.

[Michael Cerverus]

And that's scary and threatening because why?

[Michael Bobbitt (Opossum)]

Ever heard the expression playing possum when you pretend to sleep or be dead?

[Michael Cerverus]

Uh, yeah.

[Michael Bobbitt (Opossum)]

Well, as a real possum, I can faint. I can flop to the ground and enter a comatose like state called tonic immobility, in which I go limp.

[Michael Cerverus]

And.

[Michael Bobbitt (Opossum)]

And the moment I go limp, I also release the stinkiest, stenchiest odor you ever did smell, accompanied by an ooze of icky green fluid. So, you ready?

[Rebecca Shearer]

Opossum's eyes glazed over. His tongue lolled from his mouth.

[Michael Bobbitt]

Yikes. I'd better get out of here.

[Rebecca Shearer]

And she did. Yet again, Raccoon raced away. She didn't stop running until her nose caught a whiff of an unfamiliar and utterly delicious scent.

[Michael Bobbitt]

Mmm. Something around here smells amazing.

[Callie Crossley]

It's.

[Michael Cerverus]

It's so sweet and rich.

[Michael Bobbitt]

It's kind of flowery and also kind of fruity.

[Michael Cerverus]

I must find out where it's coming from.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Raccoon sniffed and sniffed until she tracked the scent to a cypress tree, trickling down the tree's trunk with something gooey and golden. Little did Raccoon know, but that gooey gold was about to gum up her plans. What do you think will happen next? And what is that golden goo? 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.

[Nina]

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

[Rebecca Shearer]

Grown ups support public radio and sign up [e-mail] CircleRoundClub.

I'm Rebecca Scheer, and welcome back to Circle Round live at Symphony hall in Boston, Massachusetts. Today, our story is called the Masked Bandit. Before the break, Raccoon failed in her attempts to steal food from the other animals. But then she caught a whiff of something so delicious, delicious, so scrumptious, she had to find out what it was. She tracked the appetizing aroma to a cypress tree whose trunk was dripping with something gooey and golden. She gave the stuff a lick.

[Michael Bobbitt]

Oh, wow. I've never tasted anything this heavenly. I must have more grass.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Grabbing the trunk with her nimble fingers, Raccoon began to climb. She climbed higher and higher, seeking the source of the golden goo. She finally traced it to a hole in the trunk and thrust both of her paws inside. When she pulled them out again, they were covered with sticky honey. But they were also covered with bees. Angry bees who began stinging her all over.

[Michael Bobbitt]

Ouch. Ooh. Eek. Oo. Oo.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Thing is, in those early days of the world, Raccoon had never tasted or seen honey, nor had she ever seen a bee?

[Michael Bobbitt]

What is happening to me?

[Michael Cerverus]

And where is that bee buzzing coming from?

[Rebecca Shearer]

She slapped at her body with her honey covered paws, hoping to drive her mysterious pesterers away. Instead, she just slathered herself with honey from head to toe. And the stings kept coming.

[Michael Cerverus]

Okie.

[Michael Bobbitt]

Okie. Ow. Yikes. I better get out of here.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Raccoon took a leap and dove down from the tree.

[Michael Bobbitt]

Y.

[Rebecca Shearer]

A pile of dead, crunchy leaves cushioned her fall.

[Callie Crossley]

Oof.

[Rebecca Shearer]

The dead, crunchy leaves clung to her dense, sticky fur. So by the time she pulled herself to her feet, she wasn't just covered in honey. She was covered in leaves. The crunchy dead foliage plastered her entire body, including her fuzzy face and masked eyes. Dazed and distressed raccoons, star stumbled this way and that.

[Michael Bobbitt]

Oh. Oh.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Until she was finally spotted.

[Michael Bobbitt (Opossum)]

What? Intarnation by opossum.

[Rebecca Shearer]

But he had no idea who or what he was seeing.

[Michael Bobbitt (Opossum)]

What is that thing? Is it a monster? It must be a monster.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Raccoon couldn't see through the leaves, but she knew opossum's voice when she heard it.

[Michael Bobbitt]

Oh, possum. Oh please can you help me?

[Rebecca Shearer]

But opossum didn't answer. He had already run off and cowered beneath a bush. So raccoon staggered on, moaning and groaning. Her cries woke up squirrel, who had been curled up in her nest. When she laid eyes on the mysterious creature barreling her way, she let out a squeak.

[Callie Crossley]

There's a monster down there. A monster.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Raccoon craned her neck towards squirrel's voice.

[Michael Bobbitt]

Squirrel. Oh. Oh please can you help me?

[Rebecca Shearer]

But squirrel didn't answer. She had already scrambled away through the treetops, so raccoon bumbled on. She soon passed a berry bush where skunk was feasting on fruit. When he caught sight of the creature straggling toward him, his eyes went wide.

[Faith Saley]

Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. It's a monster. A monster.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Raccoon swiveled her head in skunk's direction.

[Michael Bobbitt]

Skunk.

[Callie Crossley]

Oh.

[Michael Bobbitt]

Oh, please can you help me?

[Rebecca Shearer]

But skunk didn't answer. He had already hot footed away and huddled beneath a boulder. Raccoon stumbled onward, careening this way and that, until.

[Michael Bobbitt]

Oh, that rippling, flowing sound. I hear it must be the river.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Raccoon didn't waste a beat. She lurched to the shore and dove into the current, letting the cool water soothe her stinging body.

[Michael Bobbitt]

Ah.

[Michael Cerverus]

Much better.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Well, after that unfortunate, ill fated evening, Raccoon vowed to change her tune. She wholeheartedly promised to stop stealing.

[Michael Bobbitt]

I will stop stealing.

[Rebecca Shearer]

And pilfering. I will stop pilfering. And swindling.

[Michael Bobbitt]

I will stop swindling.

[Rebecca Shearer]

And do you think she stuck by her word? Do you?

[Michael Bobbitt]

Oh, come on. Of course I did.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Actually, you didn't. By the time your bee stings faded, so did the memory of your promise and you went back to your old ways.

[Michael Cerverus]

Well, you know the old saying, you can't teach an old raccoon new tricks.

[Rebecca Shearer]

And that's why to this day, if someone sees raccoon coming, be it an unassuming animal hanging out in the woods or an unassuming human taking out their garbage, they had better be on alert. Because if they're not careful, the furry Masked Bandit is bound to strike again. And again. And again.

Now it's your turn. Raccoon's new encounter with the bees was rather surprising. So think about a time you encountered something new. Maybe it was a new place, a new person, or a new experience. Think about what that new encounter taught you. What did you learn? Find a grown up and tell them all about it. Then ask them what they learned from a new encounter of their own. This week's story, the Masked Bandit, was adapted by me, Rebecca Scheer. It was edited by Dean Russell. Circle Round's composer is Eric Shimalonis, who conducted our world class ensemble from the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Kathy Basrak on viola, Rachel Childers on horn, Chris El Chico on clarinet, Clint Foreman on flute, Ben Levy on double bass and Suzanne Nelson on bassoon. Our cast at Symphony hall included Michael Bobbitt, Michael Cerverus, Callie Crossley and Faith Salee. Special thanks to everyone at the BSO including Chad Smith, Tony Fogg, Mark Rulison, Kazmir Durinette, James Campbell, Dana Faloon, Jason Lenhard, Stephen Ponchak, Amy Aldrich, Jason Lyon, and Kelly Carmisino. 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. Visit our website WBUR.org CircleRound and click on coloring pages. While you're at WBUR.org CircleRound you can explore our Circle Round picture books, our merch and swag, and you can sign up for your monthly Circle Round newsletter, the Lion's Roar. Again, it's [e-mail] circle round looking for more ways to Circle Round with us? Join the Circle Round Club and support your favorite public media podcast while getting.

All sorts of cool perks including ad.

Free episodes, bonus bedtime stories, audio features about Eric's musical instruments, plus the chance to add on goodies like our Circle Round T shirt, Lion Stuffy and a personalized birthday message from me grown ups. Visit WBUR.org CircleRound and click on Circle Round Club. Love the stories you hear on Circle Round Grown Ups.

Please leave us a five star rating.

Or review on your favorite podcast app and please tell your friends about the show. With your help, we can make the Circle Round sound Circle grow even bigger. Circle Round is a production of WBUR Boston's npr. 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.

[Eliana]

My name is Eliana and I live in Tatar and my favorite Tata one story is the Horse and a different taller. My name is Dominic and I live in Boston, Massachusetts and my favorite Circle Lounge story and Anansi is Spider and Sky Goddess and I like the part where Anansi gets python and where sky gods can barely talk.

[Nina]

My name is Nina and my favorite Circle Round story is the Horse of a Different Color. I like how it has a rainbow colored horse.

[Sohana]

My name is Sohana and I live in Austin, Texas. My favorite Circle Round stories is the Blizzard wizard and a Coconut a Day. My favorite part of the Blizzard wizard is when the girl gets the three arrows and the bow from the sun. My favorite part in the Coconut a Day is when the lady gets the bottle of magic water from the little Red Man.

[Nina]

My name is Sia and I live in Luke in New York. In my favorite Circle around is the sea in the sky and I like the part when the kite played the trick on the sea in the Sky.

[Eliana]

My name is Caleb and I live in South Florida. My favorite Circle Round story is the Laughing Bird. I like the part when the laughing bird laughs. My name is Hazel and my name is Rick and we're from Anacortes, Washington. And my favorite story is the Nine Sticks because I like the part when Beerball explains to the emperor how his plan worked. And my favorite story he is the All Wistic because I like the part when Faye gets her all whistic. We love you Rebecca Spear did someone.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Mention a story worry 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.