The Seamstress and the Deev

Summary

Circle Round: "The Seamstress and the Div" – Detailed Summary

Podcast Title: Circle Round
Host: Rebecca Shear
Episode: "The Seamstress and the Div"
Release Date: August 5, 2025
Recorded At: Tanglewood, home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Lenox, Massachusetts

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Episode Overview

In this enchanting episode of Circle Round, host Rebecca Shear presents "The Seamstress and the Div," a captivating folktale adapted from the rich storytelling traditions of Afghanistan and Central Asia. This 25-minute episode weaves a narrative filled with adventure, supernatural elements, and profound lessons on friendship, courage, and ingenuity. Accompanied by a stellar cast and the musical prowess of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the story promises to engage listeners of all ages.

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Story Summary

Introduction to Characters and Setting
The tale follows Aminah, a dedicated seamstress, and her beloved cat, Mittens, residing in a tranquil village. Eager to explore the world beyond her village, Aminah saves enough money to embark on a sea voyage.

The Storm and Shipwreck
Amina and Mittens secure passage on a cargo ship, but their adventure takes a perilous turn when a fierce storm wrecks their vessel, leaving them stranded on an empty, desolate beach. (00:04:00)

Encounter with the Div
Desperate for food, Aminah discovers a large white shell, hoping to find clams. Instead, she inadvertently awakens a div—a supernatural creature with malevolent intentions. The div confronts them, demanding Aminah’s soul as retribution for disturbing its slumber.

Div: "You detestable human and contemptible cat." (05:52)

Amina’s Clever Bargain
Recalling legends that a div cannot seize a soul by force, Aminah negotiates with the div, offering her soul only if she becomes a queen—a highly unlikely event. The div, intrigued by the proposition, agrees, taking Aminah's promise. As hope flickers, a sailboat approaches, signaling potential rescue. The div shapeshifts into a mosquito to remind her of her promise.

Amina: "I will give you my soul on the day I become a queen." (07:52)
Div (as mosquito): "You will give me your soul. And then you will be mine." (08:59)

Arrival at the Kingdom
Rescued by sailors, Aminah and Mittens arrive at a bustling harbor where a jubilant king returns to his land. Amid the celebration, Aminah notices the king dropping his purse. Attempting to return it, she is mistakenly accused of theft and imprisoned in the palace dungeon.

Plea for Innocence and Unexpected Friendship
In the dungeon, Aminah pleads her case, and shortly after, the king personally intervenes. He acknowledges her honesty, thanks to witnesses, and offers her a position in the royal workshop as a seamstress, allowing her to regain her freedom. As Aminah begins her new life, she forms a close bond with the king, who frequently visits her workspace for various tasks. Their growing affection culminates in the king proposing marriage, which would fulfill her promise to the div by making her a queen.

The Div’s Ultimatum and Aminah’s Defiance
As Aminah grapples with the consequences of her decision, the div reappears, acknowledging that she is on the path to becoming a queen and thus liable to give up her soul. Unfazed, Aminah confronts the div, challenging its powers by forcing it to shapeshift into several forms. Finally, she cunningly transforms the div into a tiny mouse, which Mittens promptly swallows, banishing the div permanently.

Amina: "I don't know, Div. All this talk about taking people's souls and turning them into stone. I mean, are you really all that powerful?" (21:56)
Mittens: "Meow." (24:07)

Conclusion and Happy Union
With the div defeated, Aminah marries the king, becoming a beloved queen renowned for her kindness, hard work, and wisdom. Her relationship with the king flourishes, symbolizing the triumph of ingenuity and pure-heartedness over dark forces.

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Key Themes and Insights

1. True Friendship and Loyalty:
   The Afghan proverb at the episode's start underscores the essence of genuine friendship—standing by each other in adversity. Amina's unwavering bond with Mittens exemplifies this theme.

2. Courage and Resourcefulness:
   Aminah's ability to navigate dire circumstances, negotiate with a formidable div, and outwit supernatural threats highlights the importance of bravery and quick thinking.

3. Goodness Triumphs Over Evil:
   The div, representing malevolence, is ultimately vanquished by Aminah's cleverness and the power of her relationship with Mittens, reinforcing the moral that goodness can overcome darkness.

4. Destiny and Free Will:
   The delicate balance between Aminah’s fate to become a queen and her active choices showcases the interplay between destiny and agency.

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Notable Quotes

• Amina’s Proposal to the Div:

  "I will give you my soul on the day I become a queen." (07:52)

• Div’s Threat:

  "I will turn you both into stone." (06:13)

• Mittens Reveals His Plan:

  "I have a plan, Amina. A brilliant plan that will make all your troubles go away." (20:36)

• Amina Confronts the Div:

  "I don't know, Div. All this talk about taking people's souls and turning them into stone. I mean, are you really all that powerful?" (21:56)

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Concluding Activity

At the episode's end, listeners are encouraged to engage creatively:

• Drawing Challenge:
  "If you could shapeshift into anything and not get gobbled up by a talking cat, what would it be? Get some paper and draw a line down the middle. On one side draw yourself as you currently are. On the other, draw whatever you'd like to shapeshift into."

• Sharing Creations:
  "Grown-ups snap a photo of your Circle Round fan and their drawing and email it to [e-mail]. We may feature you in an upcoming edition of the Circle Round Newsletter."

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Cast and Crew Highlights

• Actors:

  • Michael Bobbitt: Renowned theater director and playwright.
  • Marielle Heller: Acclaimed film and TV director, known for "The Queen's Gambit."
  • Omar Effendom: Internationally recognized rapper and poet.
  • Jorma Taccone: Member of the comedy trio The Lonely Island and author.

• Musical Ensemble:
  Directed by Eric Shimalonis, featuring members from the Boston Symphony Orchestra, including Kathy Basrak (viola) and Suzanne Nelson (bassoon).

• Adaptation and Production:
  Adapted by Rebecca Scheer and edited by Dean Russell, with beautiful illustrations by Sabina Hahn.

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Listener Feedback

Dedicated listeners shared their favorite moments from various Circle Round stories, highlighting the universal appeal and emotional resonance of the tales. From "A Flame Keeper" to "The Lion's Whisker," each story finds a unique place in the hearts of young and old alike.

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Final Thoughts

"The Seamstress and the Div" is a testament to Circle Round's mission of bringing global folktales to life with rich storytelling, diverse characters, and meaningful lessons. Through Aminah's journey, listeners are reminded of the power of ingenuity, the strength found in true companionship, and the enduring battle between light and darkness.

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Discover More:
Explore additional Circle Round stories, join the Circle Round Club for exclusive content, and download coloring pages by visiting WBUR.org/CircleRound.

Transcript

[Rebecca Shear]

Before we start our story, great news. Circle Round Live is returning to Boston's Symphony Hall. Join me, Rebecca Scheer, composer Eric Shimalonis, Boston Symphony Orchestra members and a star studded cast for live episode recordings on October 11, 2025 and February 7, 2026. Get your tickets at WBUR.org CircleRound WBUR Podcasts Boston this Circle Round episode was recorded in August 2025 at Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. To be first in line for upcoming Circle Round events, including our annual Tanglewood recording, join the Circle Round Club Grown Ups, Sign up your super fan today and support the public media podcast you [e-mail] Circle Circle Round Club. And now, on with the story. There's an old proverb or saying from Afghanistan that goes, A real friend is one who takes the hand of his friend in times of distress and helplessness. In other words, if you are truly friends with someone, your friendship goes way beyond the good times. A real friend will stick with you when times get tough. In today's story, times get very tough for our main character. And the friend who helps her out doesn't just give her his hand, he gives her his paw. I'm Rebecca Shear and welcome to Circle Round Live at Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts. Today our story is called the Seamstress and the Div. It comes from Afghanistan and Central Asia. And what's a div? We'll find out soon. Joining me on stage is a star studded cast of actors Michael Bobbitt, Marielle Heller, Omar Effendom and Jorma Taccone providing musical accompaniment under the direction of our own Eric Shyamalonis is a 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. So circle around everyone for the Seamstress and the Divine Sam. Amina, the seamstress lived with her cat Mittens in a small village in the country. Aminah had lived there all her life and was eager to get out and see the world.

[Amina]

Mittens. After all these years stitching and sewing clothing, I've managed to save a decent amount of money. How about we get away for a while, Meow. And have ourselves an adventure? Meow. By sailing across the sea.

[Mittens]

Meow.

[Amina]

I know, I know as a cat you're not a big fan of water, but it'll be fun. We'll sail somewhere exotic and have a grand old time. You in.

[Mittens]

Meow.

[Amina]

That's The Spirit.

[Rebecca Shear]

So Amina and Mittens journeyed to the seaside. They found a big cargo ship, then paid the crew a couple of coins to hitch a ride. It was smooth sailing out of the harbor, but once they reached open water, a storm blew in and gusts of wind tossed the ship like a ping pong ball. Amina stuffed Mittens into her apron and held on tight. Next thing she knew, it was morning and she and Mittens were waking up on an empty beach.

[Amina]

Mittens, we survived. We're okay.

[Mittens]

Meow.

[Amina]

Fine. Maybe okay is an overstatement. We're absolutely drenched and there's no sign of the cargo ship. To say nothing of our bags. But at least we're alive. You hungry, Meow? Me too. How about we catch some fish or dig up some clams?

[Rebecca Shear]

In fact, Amina reached down and grabbed a large white shell.

[Amina]

This looks like a tasty clam right here.

[Rebecca Shear]

But when she pried the shell open, there was no tasty clam inside. Instead, there was a cloud of gray smoke. It came spiraling out of the opening, curling, twisting and swirling before coalescing into a div. Meow. Amina thought back to the childhood stories she had read about the stories. Supernatural creatures known as deeves. Deeves possessed evil powers and could shapeshift into any form. This thief was huge and hairy, with horns on his head, tusks on his chin, and angry red eyes, which he fixed on Amina and Mittens.

[Div]

You detestable human and contemptible cat.

[Mittens]

Meow, meow.

[Div]

How dare you rouse me from my slumber? I have been sleeping inside this shell for 1000 years, and I was hoping to sleep for a thousand more.

[Rebecca Shear]

Amina suppressed a shudder.

[Amina]

I am so sorry, Div. I only opened the shell because my cat and I were looking for food. Isn't that right, Mittens?

[Rebecca Shear]

Meow.

[Amina]

You see, the two of us got shipwrecked and we were washed up on this beach and were terribly hungry. So.

[Div]

Silence. I do not care about your shipwreck. And I don't care about your hunger. You ruined my nap, and now you must pay. I think I'll turn you both into stone.

[Amina]

Into stone.

[Mittens]

Meow. Meow, meow.

[Amina]

Oh, please, please don't do that, Div. I'll give you anything. Anything you ask.

[Rebecca Shear]

The dive stroked his tusked chin.

[Div]

Oh, you'll give me anything, will you? In that case, I want your soul.

[Amina]

Come again?

[Mittens]

Meow. Meow, meow.

[Div]

Don't look so shocked. It's only your soul. You'll get to keep living. But your life won't be your own. You'll be forced to do my bidding for the rest of your days.

[Rebecca Shear]

Amina searched her mind for a way out of this predicament. And that's when she remembered something from her childhood tales. A dive could never take a soul by force. It must be given willingly. So she began improvising a plan.

[Amina]

All right, Div, you win. I will give you my soul.

[Mittens]

Meow, meow, meow.

[Amina]

On one condition.

[Mittens]

Meow, meow, meow.

[Amina]

You must wait until the day that I become a queen. Yes, a queen. It's either that or you'll have to turn me into stone. And what good am I to you as stone? How could I ever do your bidding?

[Rebecca Shear]

Amina knew the chances of her becoming a queen were next to none. After all, she was a humble seamstress stranded on an island in the middle of nowhere. But the div took the bait.

[Div]

It's an interesting proposition, and I'll accept it. You will give me your soul on the day you become a queen. And from then on, you'll be forced to do everything that I. Meow, meow, meow, meow.

[Rebecca Shear]

Mittens jumped onto his hind legs and thrust a paw toward the sea. Amina looked where he was pointing. And that's when she saw it. A sailboat heading their way. Not wishing to frighten the crew, the Deev used his powers to shape shift into a little yellow bird. He hovered near Amina's head and tweeted in her ear.

[Div (as mosquito)]

Remember your promise, human.

[Amina]

On the day you become a queen.

[Div (as mosquito)]

You will give me your soul. And then you will be mine.

[Rebecca Shear]

The div fluttered off just as the boat came ashore. The sailors helped Amina and Mittens climb on. Then they set sail. They docked at a sprawling harbor bustling with people. When Amina and Mittens disembarked, they noticed that all eyes were glued on a tall masted ship in the port. A man appeared on the ship's deck and the crowd let out a rousing cheer.

[King]

Thank you for the warm welcome, my good people. It is an honor to end my travels and return to this beautiful land as your loving and devoted king. I am delighted to be back home.

[Rebecca Shear]

Amina's jaw dropped. A king. She had never seen a king before. Her wide eyes followed him as he marched down the gangplank and into a waiting carriage. But when he climbed climbed inside, a small gold purse tumbled out of his pocket and landed on the ground.

[Amina]

Oh no. The king has dropped his purse and no one seems to have noticed. Should we fetch it? Mittens and give it back, Meow.

[Rebecca Shear]

Amina pushed her way through the crowd. By the time she got to the purse and snatched it up, the carriage had rolled away.

[Amina]

Well, we've got the purse. Now we just have to return it.

[Rebecca Shear]

To the Amina fell silent, for all at once she spied one of the king's guards, and he was galloping her way. When he saw the purse in her hands, he reached down, yanked her and Mittens off the ground, then plopped them both onto his saddle. Next thing Aminah knew, she and Mittens were at the palace, locked inside a narrow, stuffy cell in the dungeon.

[Amina]

Oh, Mittens. Can you believe it? The guard assumed we were stealing the king's purse, and now we've been arrested.

[Mittens]

Meow. Meow.

[Rebecca Shear]

Meow. Suddenly there was a jingling of keys and the door to the cell flew open. Another palace guard stepped in, motioning for Amina to follow him. Scooping Mittens into her arms, she followed the guard out of the dungeon and through a maze of corridors. Eventually, they stepped into a large cavernous room. On the far end, seated on a magnificent throne draped in velvet, was the king.

[King]

So you are the one who was arrested for stealing my purse.

[Rebecca Shear]

Amina gave a low, quivering bow.

[Amina]

I am your Majesty. My name is Amina Meow. And this is Mittens Meow. And I was arrested for stealing your purse. But the truth is, I saved it. I saw you drop it when you boarded your carriage, so I picked it up so I could give it back. I hope your Majesty believes me.

[Rebecca Shear]

Amina waited for the King's response. She waited and waited until finally he opened his mouth and oh well, you know what that music means. We'll find out what the King said and what happens with the seamstress and the Deef Meow. And Mittens too. After a quick break.

[Sponsor (Indeed)]

Support for Circle Round comes from Indeed. You just realized that your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast?

[Rebecca Shear]

Easy.

[Sponsor (Indeed)]

Just use Indeed. There's no need to wait. You can speed up your hiring with Indeed and Circle Round. Listeners will get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at indeed.com circleround just go to indeed.com circleround right now and support the show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Indeed.comCircleround terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need.

[Rebecca Shear]

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.

[Circle Round Club Member]

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

[Rebecca Shear]

Grown ups support public radio and sign up today at WBUR.org CircleRoundClub I'm Rebecca Shear. Welcome back to Circle Round, live at Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts. Today our story is called the Seamstress and the Div. Before the break, a menacing div wanted to take Amina's the seamstress told him he could have it on the day she became a queen. One thing led to another and eventually Amina wound up in the palace dungeon, wrongfully accused of stealing the king's purse. When she pleaded her case, insisting that she was trying to save the purse, not steal it, the king smiled.

[King]

I believe what you say, Amina. As it happens, a group of fishermen witnessed your heroic act at the harbor and rushed to the palace to tell me about it. Therefore, I am convinced of your innocence and you may go free. Unless there's something I can do for you first to make up for the trouble you've been through.

[Rebecca Shear]

Amina shook her head.

[Amina]

That won't be necessary, your majesty. I'm just thrilled to go free. If anything comes to mind, I'll let you know.

[Rebecca Shear]

But just as she turned to leave.

[Div (as mosquito)]

Where do you think you were going?

[Rebecca Shear]

Amina shifted, her eyes buzzing. Beside her ear was a mosquito, but it wasn't an actual mosquito. Do you know who it really was? Any guesses? You've got it. It was the shape shifting dive Zamina.

[Div (as mosquito)]

You promised you would give me your soul on the day you became a queen. And how will you ever become a queen? If you leave this palace, you may never meet this king again. You may never meet any king again.

[Rebecca Shear]

Amina sighed and turned back to the throne.

[Amina]

Actually, your majesty, now that I think of it, there is something you could do for me. You see, I need a job. I'm sure you have a talented team of seamstresses and tailors here in the palace, so I wonder, might I join their ranks? I have decades of experience and I work harder and faster than anyone you've ever known.

[Rebecca Shear]

The king's face stretched into a grin.

[King]

I would be honored to hire you, Amina. We shall find you admittance, a room in the tailors and seamstresses quarters, and you'll start work in the royal workshop first thing tomorrow.

[Rebecca Shear]

Amina quickly grew fond of her new job. After all, she got to handle sumptuous fabrics like silk, satin, and velvet, and she got to sew and stitch with priceless threads spun from silver and gold. But it wasn't just her job. Amina adored you see. After she was hired, the King kept finding reasons to drop by the shop. Sometimes he had a button to fix.

[King]

I don't know why these pesky things keep popping off.

[Rebecca Shear]

Sometimes he had a garment to hem.

[King]

I must be shrinking because this robe keeps getting longer.

[Rebecca Shear]

Sometimes he had a tear to mend.

[King]

Somehow I ripped my trousers again. Clumsy me.

[Rebecca Shear]

And though he had an entire staff at his disposal, he always went straight to Amina.

[King]

You're the best of the best, Amina. I hope you don't mind taking on another job.

[Rebecca Shear]

Amina didn't mind at all. She enjoyed the tasks and the company. The King sat with her while she worked and they spent hours talking and laughing and joking. Before Amina knew it, the King professed his love and asked her to marry him. Amina's heart fluttered with joy and but her head filled with dread. She had grown to love the King. But if she accepted his proposal, she would become a queen and would have to give her soul to the div.

[Amina]

Your Majesty, before I answer your proposal, I need some time to think things over.

[King]

Of course you do. Take all the time you need. After all, becoming a queen is no small matter.

[Amina]

You've got that right.

[Rebecca Shear]

Amina couldn't sleep a wink that night. Mittens was curled up at the foot of the bed, peacefully dozing away. But the seamstress was tossing and turning.

[Amina]

Ah, I want to marry the King. But I don't want to give the dive my soul. Nor do I want to be turned into stone. The very thought of it gives me the shivers.

[Mittens]

Tell me about it.

[Rebecca Shear]

Amina froze.

[Amina]

Um, who said that?

[Mittens]

I did. You think I'm crazy about the idea of becoming a cat statue?

[Amina]

A cat statue?

[Rebecca Shear]

Amina stared straight ahead. And there was Mittens sitting on his furry haunches, flicking his fluffy tail and. And speaking.

[Mittens]

I mean, don't get me wrong, Amina. I would make a beautiful cat statue. Simply gorgeous. But still not the way I want to spend eternity. You know.

[Rebecca Shear]

Amina's jaw dropped so low it practically touched the bed sheets.

[Amina]

Um, Mittens, are you actually talking? All these years together and I had no idea you could see. Speak.

[Mittens]

Oh, I've always spoken and you usually seem to understand. Which is no small feat given the legendary difficulty of meow ease. You know cat language.

[Amina]

Uh huh.

[Mittens]

Thing is, given our current predicament, I need to make sure you understand every word I say. Because I have a plan, Amina. A brilliant plan that will make all your troubles go away. So listen up.

[Rebecca Shear]

Mittens nestled onto Amina's lap and laid out his strategy. And the next morning, Amina hurried to the king's chambers and threw herself into his arms.

[Amina]

The answer is yes, my darling. Yes. I will marry you.

[King]

You will? Oh, this is the best news ever. Let's celebrate our engagement over breakfast. I'll have the steward bring us some food.

[Amina]

That sounds wonderful, dear, but I need to attend to something first. I'll be with you shortly.

[Rebecca Shear]

Amina sprinted back to her room. Mittens was still snuggled up in bed, but he wasn't alone. Hovering above him was the dive in his original hulking hairy form.

[Div]

So it's finally happening. You are to going going to become a queen. And when you do, your soul is mine.

[Rebecca Shear]

The deev shot Amina a menacing look, expecting her to shudder. Instead, she shrugged.

[Amina]

I don't know, Div. All this talk about taking people's souls and turning them into stone. I mean, are you really all that powerful?

[Rebecca Shear]

The div placed his hairy hands on his hairy hips.

[Div]

Of course I'm all that powerful. I'm a div. I've destroyed lives with my magic. I have turned countless people into stone. And lest you forget, I also know how to shapeshift.

[Amina]

Yeah, about that. I've seen you shapeshift a couple of times now, but only into little things. Like a bird, a mosquito. Mosquito? Surely you can turn into something more impressive. Right.

[Div]

Something more impressive. I have shape shifted into anything and everything under the sun. You name it, I can become it.

[Rebecca Shear]

Okay, Amina pretended to think.

[Amina]

Then how about a sharp fanged python?

[Rebecca Shear]

No sooner had she said those words than the div was gone. In his place was a long, scaly, sharp fanged python.

[Div]

Celsius.

[Amina]

Not bad. Bet you couldn't do a wild boar now.

[Rebecca Shear]

The python disappeared, only to be replaced by a bristly wild boar.

[Div]

Easy.

[Amina]

An angry wolf. A ferocious lion. A great big bear. Wow. Looks like I'll have to think of something more challenging for you to shape shift into. Something that'll leave you stumped. Oh, I know. How about a mouse?

[Rebecca Shear]

The great big bear shot Amina. Seriously? Is that the best you can do? Look. Then he vanished, and in his place was a small white mouse, its whiskers wiggling and its ears twisted. Aminah didn't waste a second. She motioned toward Mittens, who immediately went leaping off the bed.

[Mittens]

Meow.

[Rebecca Shear]

Pouncing onto the mouse meow before swallowing it whole.

[Mittens]

Meow.

[Rebecca Shear]

Amina let out a cry of joy. At last the div was gone and her nightmare was over. Though Mitten's indigestion was just be beginning. Later that year, Amina and the King were married. She made a truly wonderful queen, ruling her people with kindness, curiosity and compassion. Ever the hard worker, Amina poured her soul into her job and believe me, not once did she ever take that soul all for granted. Now it's your turn. If you could shape shift into anything and not get gobbled up by a talking cat, what would it be? Get some paper and draw a line down the middle. On one side draw yourself as you currently are. On the other, draw whatever you'd like to shape shift into. Let your imagination run wild and when you're done, show your picture to someone you love. Then if you'd like, share it with us. Grown ups snap a photo of your Circle Round fan and their drawing and email it to circleroundbur.org we may feature you in an upcoming edition of the Circle Round Newsletter. This week's story, the Seamstress and the Dive, was adapted by me, Rebecca Scheer. It was edited by Dean Russell. Our composer is Eric Shyamalonis, who conducted our players 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 actors at Tanglewood were Michael Brad Bobbitt, Marielle Heller, Omar Effendom, and Jorma Tacconi. Michael Bobbitt is a theater director, choreographer, playwright and the Executive director of Mass Cultural Council. His plays and musicals include Make Way for Ducklings, Jumanji, Caps for Sale, Bob Marley's Three Little Birds and Mirandy and Brother Wind. Marielle Heller has directed such films as the Diary of a Teenage Girl, starring Kristen Wiig and Alexander Skarsgrd, can youn Ever Forgive me? Starring Melissa McCarthy, and a beautiful Day in the Neighborhood starring Tom Hanks. She co starred on the hit TV series the Queen's Gambit. Jorma Taccone is a writer, actor, director, musician and comedian much adored by fans as part of the comedy trio the Lonely Island. He's author of the children's book Little Fox and the Wild Imagination, and you can hear him on the Lonely island and Seth Meyers podcast. Omar Effendom has performed the world over as a rapper and poet. From the Ford Amphitheater in Los Angeles to the FIFA World cup festivities in Doha, his Off Broadway hit Little Syria explores life in America's first Arab American neighborhood. Circle Round's artist is Sabina Hahn, Sabina has made 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 circle round and click on coloring pages. 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.

[Circle Round Club Member]

My name is Austin. I live in Columbus, Ohio. My favorite Circle Round store is A Flame Keeper. I like the part where Opossum pretends to go to sleep. My name is Levi and my favorite Circle Round is the Goat in the Garden. And my favorite favorite part is where the ghost goes like I need to go from over the mountain so you get out. My name is Jacob from Eastern Montana. My favorite Circle Round story is the Lion's Whisker. And my favorite part is where the two kids get the whisker from the lion. Hi, my name is Emma and I'm from Illinois. And my favorite Circle Round story is is the Princess and the Bee. My favorite part is when the Princess rescues the Bee. My name is William and I live in McKinney, Texas. And my favorite Circle Ground story is the Hiding Place. And my favorite part is when the mayor gets out. Smartest. My name is Jackson and my favorite Circle Grounds story is the most fabulous. And my favorite part is when the rabbit tricks the otter to take off his coat so she can steal it. Hi, my name is Ava. I come from Muckleteer, Washington. And my favorite Circle Round story is When Misery Comes. I like the part when Misery says, no, we love you, Rebecca Shear.

[Rebecca Shear]

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.