The Wild Goose Chase

Summary

Circle Round: "The Wild Goose Chase" – A Detailed Summary

Introduction

In the December 10, 2024 release of WBUR’s beloved podcast Circle Round, host Rebecca Shear brings to life the enchanting tale, "The Wild Goose Chase." Known for adapting folktales from around the globe into engaging radio plays for listeners aged 3 to 103, this episode immerses audiences in a story of kindness, persistence, and the magical rewards of helping others. Recorded live at Symphony Space in New York City, the episode features a star-studded cast, live musical accompaniment by composer Eric Shyamalonis, and concludes with a heartwarming activity to foster deeper conversations between children and adults.

Story Overview

The narrative centers on Pavlo, a talented but humble tailor living in a quaint village. Pavlo's gift with the needle and thread not only garners beautiful garments but also endears him to his community with his generous spirit. As the village faces hard times, Pavlo's fortunes take a dramatic turn when a royal messenger arrives with an urgent commission from the Queen herself. She requests a gown crafted from special golden thread, giving Pavlo just one week to complete the task.

Excited and determined, Pavlo begins his work in the garden shed. However, his enthusiasm is abruptly interrupted by a colossal wild goose that swoops down and steals the golden thread, setting Pavlo on an unexpected adventure. Determined to retrieve the stolen thread and fulfill his royal commission, Pavlo embarks on a relentless chase across meadows, grassy hills, and winding rivers.

During his quest, Pavlo encounters three sentient elements of nature: a cluttered river, a drooping apple tree, and a grimy oven. Each of these beings, personified and facing their own struggles, beseeches Pavlo for assistance. Demonstrating his characteristic kindness, Pavlo helps clear the river of debris, trims the tangled branches of the apple tree, and cleans the soot-covered oven. In return for his generosity, each element promises to aid Pavlo in his pursuit of the wild goose.

As night falls, Pavlo finally corners the sleeping goose in a swampy marsh. Quietly retrieving the golden thread, he narrowly escapes the goose’s wrath with the unexpected help of the oven, which misleads the pursuing bird. Continuing his journey, Pavlo receives further assistance from the apple tree and the river, who continue to divert the goose away from him.

Upon returning to his cottage exhausted yet triumphant, Pavlo discovers three baskets filled with fish, apples, and bread—gifts from the river, tree, and oven, fulfilling their promise to support him. With renewed vigor, Pavlo completes the Queen’s gown within the stipulated time, earning not only royal favor but also a profound sense of fulfillment. The episode culminates with Pavlo reflecting on the true riches that come from acts of kindness.

Key Themes and Messages

"The Wild Goose Chase" weaves several important themes throughout its narrative:

1. Kindness and Generosity: Pavlo’s willingness to help others without expecting immediate returns highlights the intrinsic value of kindness.

2. Persistence and Determination: Despite the obstacles and the relentless pursuit by the wild goose, Pavlo remains steadfast in his mission to retrieve the golden thread.

3. Interconnectedness of Community: The mutual assistance between Pavlo and the natural elements underscores the importance of community support and cooperation.

4. Magical Realism: The enchanting elements of talking river, tree, and oven add a layer of magical realism, making the story engaging and memorable for listeners of all ages.

Notable Quotes

Throughout the episode, several impactful quotes capture the essence of the story and its characters:

• Pavlo’s Generosity:
  "No problem, my friend. No problem at all. You can pay me back with a cup of tea sometime."
  (00:04:00)

• Wild Goose's Menace:
  "I see your golden thread, and I'm impressed. So I'm going to take it to build my nest. You can try to resist, but it's no use, for no one can defy the wild Goose."
  (06:53)

• River’s Appeal for Help:
  "Yeah, actually, I am. If you can call me a river. I mean, you know, I'm so gummed up, I look more like a pond. Any chance you could lend a hand and clean me out?"
  (08:30)

• Apple Tree’s Plea:
  "Yeah. Yeah, you bet I do. Yeah. Though not for much longer. If my branches don't get pruned, I'll never survive. Any chance you could give me a trim?"
  (09:47)

• Oven’s Request:
  "I sure am. Though in my present state, I'm a rather sorry excuse for an oven. I was made long ago for a house that was never built, so I was abandoned. And look how grubby I've become. Hey, any chance you could put in a little elbow grease and clean me off?"
  (10:56)

• Pavlo’s Reflection:
  "It wasn’t the money that made me feel rich. It was the knowledge that when you sow the seeds of kindness, you truly can reap the rewards."
  (23:25)

Interactive Activity

Following the resolution of Pavlo’s adventure, Rebecca Shear introduces an activity to encourage listeners to practice gratitude within their own communities. She suggests creating a "gratitude circle," where each participant expresses appreciation for the person to their left. This exercise aims to strengthen familial and social bonds, echoing the story’s central message of mutual support and kindness.

Behind the Scenes

Circle Round prides itself on featuring talented actors and musicians who bring these folktales to life. In "The Wild Goose Chase," the episode showcases performances by Adam Goldberg, Katherine Grody, Stephen Hauck, Gideon Irving, and Faith Salee, with music composed and performed live by Eric Shyamalonis. The collaborative effort ensures a rich auditory experience, enhancing the storytelling with dynamic vocal performances and evocative musical scores.

Listener Engagement

The episode also highlights listener feedback, showcasing how Circle Round resonates with its diverse audience. Fans from various locations share their favorite stories and moments, reflecting the universal appeal and timeless nature of the narratives. This engagement fosters a sense of community among listeners, encouraging them to connect through shared stories and experiences.

Conclusion

"The Wild Goose Chase" exemplifies Circle Round’s mission to adapt folktales into meaningful and entertaining radio plays that impart valuable life lessons. Through Pavlo’s journey, listeners are reminded of the enduring power of kindness, the importance of persistence, and the rewards that come from selfless acts. By blending engaging storytelling with memorable characters and interactive elements, Circle Round continues to captivate and inspire its audience, making it a cherished addition to the world of public radio for listeners of all ages.

For more stories, activities, and exclusive content, visit WBUR.org/CircleRound.

Transcript

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[Rebecca Shear]

Hi Rebecca Scheer 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 Shyamalanis, plus Boston Symphony Orchestra players and.

[Narrator]

A star studded cast.

[Rebecca Shear]

Get your tickets [e-mail] CircleRound.

[Pavlo]

WBUR podcasts Boston.

[Rebecca Shear]

This Circle Round episode was one of two recorded live at Symphony Space in New York, NY on December 8, 2024. Want to be first to hear about upcoming events? Join the Circle Round Club as our thanks for your support. You'll get early access to tickets plus ad free episodes, bonus bedtime stories and more grown ups. Sign up your super Fans [e-mail] CircleRoundClub.

[Narrator]

Have you ever heard of a wild goose chase? When we talk about a wild goose chase, we're usually talking about a sort search for something that cannot be found. But in today's story, we'll meet a tailor who goes on a wild goose chase of a different sort. One that literally does involve a goose. And with a little kindness and a whole lot of magic, our hero finds much, much more than he ever Rebecca. I'm Rebecca Scheer and welcome to Circle Round Live at Symphony Space In New York, N.Y. today. Our story is called the Wild Goose Chase. It was inspired by tales told in Ukraine and Russia. Joining me on stage is a star studded quintet of actors Adam Goldberg, Katherine Grody, Stephen Hauck, Gideon Irving and Faith Salee. And providing musical accompaniment is the one and only Eric Shimalonis. So circle around everyone for the wild goose chase. In a country village, in a cozy cottage, there lived a tailor named Pavlo. Pavlo worked out of a little shop in his garden shed where he spent long hours sewing, stitching and mending beautiful suits, jackets, dresses and coats. The talented tailor definitely had a way with a needle and thread, but he also had a way with people. When you visited Pavlo's shop to place your order, you were always greeted with a smile.

[Pavlo]

Welcome my friend. How wonderful to see you.

[Narrator]

And if you happened to be a few coins short when you came back to pick your order up.

[Pavlo]

No problem, my friend. No problem at all. You can pay me back with a cup of tea sometime. Yes.

[Narrator]

Pavlo was by no means a rich man. He earned just enough money sewing, stitching and mending to buy food for his larder and supplies for his shop. But he was content and happy. Until things took an unexpected turn. Pavlo's village fell on unusually hard times. And just like that, orders for new suits, jackets, dresses and coats all but dried up.

[Pavlo]

Oh, dear. My heart breaks to see my fellow villagers struggling to get by like this. To say nothing of myself. I'm down to my last crust of bread and my final bits of cheese. I'll starve if a new order doesn't come in soon.

[Narrator]

So you can imagine Pavlo's delight when a new order did come in from the Queen. It arrived in the form of a carefully wrapped package and letter left by a royal messenger at Pavlo's door. Pavlo read the letter first. Hmm.

[Pavlo]

The queen says in her letter that she has been searching for the most gifted tailor in the land. She's heard about my skills and wishes for me to make her a new gown. She says I have exactly one week to complete it, and I must use the special thread in this box.

[Narrator]

Pavlo shivered with excitement as he unwrapped the box. He shivered even more when he saw what was inside.

[Pavlo]

My goodness. It's a big spool of golden thread, glittering and gleaming. I cannot wait to use it. Though, come to think of it, I mustn't wait. Not if the queen wants her new gown completed in just one week.

[Narrator]

It was springtime, the time of year when Pavlo often did his tailoring work in the yard under the light of the sun. So after stuffing his apron with sewing needles, a measuring tape and a pair of sharp shears, he brought the golden thread outside. But the moment he sat down and got to work, do you know what happened? The air around him filled with the flurry of beating wings. And when Pavlo glanced up, what should he spy, wheeling in circles over his yard but a wild goose the size of a donkey? The massive bird shot Pavlo a withering look. Then she opened her beak, and much to the tailor's astonishment, she spoke.

[Wild Goose]

I see your golden thread, and I'm impressed. So I'm going to take it to build my nest. You can try to resist, but it's no use, for no one can defy the wild Goose.

[Narrator]

Next thing Pavlo knew, the goose was lowering her head and diving right toward him. He tried jumping out of the way, but it was too late. The goose swooped down, snatched the spool of golden thread from his hand, then lofted into the sky and flew away.

[Pavlo]

Goodness gracious. Am I dreaming right now? Or did a giant talking goose just make off with my golden thread to build her nest? Though now that I think of it, it isn't my golden thread at all. It belongs to the queen. And if I don't make the gown she's requesting, I'll go broke. I must get back that thread.

[Narrator]

Pavlo's head and feet raced as he sprinted away from his yard, Doing his best to follow the bird's path. He bolted across meadows. He crested grassy hills. When he reached a winding river, he came to a sudden halt.

[Pavlo]

My word, this river is littered with so many branches, leaves and sticks that the current can hardly run and the fish can hardly swim. What a sorry sight.

[River]

Yeah, I am a sorry sight, aren't I?

[Narrator]

Pavlo's jaw dropped so low it nearly splashed into the water.

[Pavlo]

Pardon me? Who said that? But don't tell me a river is talking to me now.

[River]

Yeah, actually, I am. If you can call me a river. I mean, you know, I'm so gummed up, I look more like a pond. Any chance you could lend a hand and clean me out?

[Narrator]

Pavlo smiled. He was in a hurry, but he wasn't heartless. So he strode into the water, stuck out his hands, and scooped out out all the debris.

[Pavlo]

There you go, river all cleaned up.

[Narrator]

Oh, wow.

[River]

Thank you. Thank you so much. If I can return the favor someday. You bet I will.

[Narrator]

Pablo bid the river farewell and resumed his chase. He was dashing across a rolling valley when he came upon an apple tree. As he drew closer, he wrinkled his brow.

[Pavlo]

Dear me, look how droopy those branches are. And how tangled. It looks like this tree hasn't been pruned in ages. Poor thing.

[Apple Tree]

Yeah, I am a poor thing, aren't I?

[Narrator]

Pablo's eyes grew rounder than two apples.

[Pavlo]

Apple tree. Do you talk, too?

[Apple Tree]

Yeah. Yeah, you bet I do. Yeah. Though not for much longer. If my branches don't get pruned, I'll never survive. Any chance you could give me a trim?

[Narrator]

Pavlo was losing time, but he couldn't allow this tree to languish, so he pulled his shears from his apron and gave the branches a snip.

[Pavlo]

There you go, tree. You're as good as new.

[Apple Tree]

Thank you, thank you so much. If I can return the favor someday, you bet I. I will.

[Narrator]

Pavlo waved the tree goodbye and resumed his chase. He was racing through a wheat field when he noticed something curious. At the edge of the field was a big stone oven covered with soot.

[Pavlo]

What is an oven doing in the middle of the countryside? And it's so dingy and grimy. What a mess.

[Oven]

I am a mess, aren't I?

[Narrator]

Pavlo froze.

[Pavlo]

Let me guess. An oven is talking to me now.

[Oven]

I sure am. Though in my present state, I'm a rather sorry excuse for an oven. I was made long ago for a house that was never built, so I was abandoned. And look how grubby I've become. Hey, any chance you could put in a little elbow grease and clean me off?

[Narrator]

Pavlo was eager to move on, but he couldn't leave the oven like this. So he pulled out a handkerchief and set to work, wiping and scrubbing.

[Pavlo]

There you go, oven. Not a lick of soot to be seen.

[Oven]

Thank you. Thank you so much. If I can return the favor someday, you bet I will.

[Narrator]

Pavlo wished the oven well and carried on with his chase. The hours passed, and come nightfall he found himself in a swampy marsh, and as he squinted through the darkness, who should he spy sleeping amidst the moonlit reeds and rushes but the goose?

[Pavlo]

And my spool of golden thread is sitting beside her. Which means she hasn't built her nest yet.

[Narrator]

Pavlo took a breath. All he had to do was tiptoe to the sleeping goose, seize the golden thread, then hightail it toward home.

[Pavlo]

Of course, when that goose wakes up and discovers what's missing, she's bound to be angry. So here's hoping I can grab that thread and get home before the goose gets me.

[Narrator]

Will Pavlo get his golden thread back without being caught? What would you do if you were the tailor? We'll find out what happens after a quick break.

[Rebecca Shear]

Circle Round superfans have been raving about the Circle Round Club, an exciting way to support our public radio podcast and get ad free episodes, exclusive swag, early access to events and bonus bedtime stories.

[Narrator]

Check out this rave review.

[Listener]

One thing I like about Circle Round Club is all the bedtime stories. It's really fun and they're almost like a mini sort of Circle Round story, except they're much shorter.

[Rebecca Shear]

Grown ups get your Circle Round super fans signed up [e-mail] CircleRoundClub.

[Narrator]

Foreign I'm Rebecca Shear.

[Rebecca Shear]

Welcome back to Circle Round live at.

[Narrator]

Symphony Space In New York, New York today, our story is called the Wild Goose Chase. Before the break, Pavlo the tailor had one week to make a gown for the queen using a spool of golden thread. When the thread was stolen by a giant wild goose, Pavlo gave chase. In his pursuit, he came upon a river, tree and oven and did a good deed for each. After running for hours, Pavlo finally tracked the goose down in a reedy marsh. It was nighttime, and the goose was sleeping. You may not know this, but geese have excellent hearing. Even when they're snoozing, they stay unusually alert while unconscious. So not long after, Pavlo tiptoed over, seized the thread, and scurried away. Can you guess what happened? The wild goose woke up. And when she saw that the golden thread was missing, her eyes blazed with fury.

[Wild Goose]

The golden thread. It's nowhere about. Taken by that human, no doubt. When I find him, I won't let him loose. He'll pay for messing with the wild goose.

[Narrator]

The goose launched into the sky, hot on Pavlo's trunk. Pavlo was nearing the oven in the wheat field when he heard angry honking behind him.

[Pavlo]

Oh, Oven, dear oven, I need your help.

[Oven]

Well, I do owe you a favor. What's up?

[Pavlo]

Do you hear that sound?

[Oven]

How could I miss it?

[Pavlo]

Well, a wild goose is chasing me and I need to hide quick.

[Oven]

No problem. Hop in.

[Narrator]

The oven popped open its door, and Pavlo crawled inside. Moments later, the wild goose came winging over.

[Wild Goose]

Ahem. Clean stone oven on the ground. Have you seen a human around? He burgled my thread and stole it away. So now I'm going to make him pay.

[Oven]

A thread burglar, you say?

[Narrator]

Hmm.

[Oven]

Now that I think of it, I might have seen him. Maybe he went that way.

[Narrator]

The oven wobbled to one side, pointing the goose in the wrong direction. Once the bird was out of sight, the oven opened its door and Pavlo scrambled out.

[Pavlo]

Thank you, Oven.

[Oven]

Don't mention it.

[Narrator]

Pavlo gave the oven an appreciative pat, then kept going. But as he was approaching the apple tree.

[Pavlo]

Oh, no. How did the wild goose find me? She must have figured out the oven's trick.

[Narrator]

Pablo picked up the pace and went bolting to the tree.

[Pavlo]

Oh, tree, dear tree, a wild goose is chasing me. Can you help me with the favor you promised at color?

[Narrator]

Climb on up without wasting a minute. Pavlo clambered up the tree's trunk. The moment he disappeared into the leafy branches.

[Wild Goose]

Tidy tree full of apples and leaves. Help Me find a new good thief. He stole my thread in a sneak attack, so now I'm going to get it back.

[Apple Tree]

No good thief, you say, huh? Yeah, it's possible. I saw him. Perhaps he went that way.

[Narrator]

The tree stuck out a branch, pointing the goose in. You guessed it the wrong direction. Once the bird glided away, Pavlo leaped to the ground.

[Pavlo]

Thank you, tree.

[Apple Tree]

My pleasure.

[Narrator]

Pavlo flashed the tree a grin and pressed on. He was nearing the river when once more.

[Pavlo]

Oh, river, dear river, a wild goose is after me. And even though the oven pointed her in the wrong direction and the tree pointed her in the wrong direction, somehow she's hot on my heels. Can I ask for that favor you promised?

[River]

You sure can. Dive in.

[Narrator]

Pavlo held his breath and plunged into the water. Moments after, his head vanished beneath the surface.

[Wild Goose]

Winding river brimming with fish. Help me, flower. Find the thing that I wish. A human stole my thread. It's mine no more. Now I must find him and even the score.

[River]

A thread stealing human, you say? I mean, it could be that I saw him. Perhaps he went that way.

[Narrator]

The river let loose a stream of bubbles, pointing the goose in. Yes, the wrong direction. Once she fluttered off, Pavlo emerged from the water.

[Pavlo]

Thank you, river.

[River]

You're very welcome. Now go.

[Narrator]

Pavlo gave the river a salute, then continued toward home. But the moment his cozy cottage came into view.

[Pavlo]

Oh, boy. There are no rivers, ovens or trees to save me now. I'd better quicken my step.

[Narrator]

Pavlo ran as fast as he could, but the goose was flying as fast as she could. And just when it looked like she would swoop down and snatch the tailor up, he burst through his cottage door, slammed it shut, then locked it tight. The wild goose went even wilder. Swooping and diving around the cottage. She banged on the door, she rattled at the windows, but it was no use. She couldn't get in. So at long last, she gave up and soared away.

[Pavlo]

Now that the goose is gone, I can finally start making the queen's gown. But first I need some rest. I ran miles and miles rescuing this golden thread, and I can barely keep my eyes open.

[Narrator]

Pavlo trudged off to bed and started snoring before his head even hit the pillow. The next morning, Pavlo was roused from his slumber not by the rising sun or the twittering birds, but by his grumbling stomach.

[Pavlo]

Great heavens. I can't remember the last time I put food in my belly. I wish I could dig into a wholesome breakfast, but my Larder is as empty as my stomach. Better just grin, bear it and get started on the Queen's gown.

[Narrator]

Pavlo stuffed the golden thread in his apron and stepped outside. But as he was walking to his shop in the garden shed, his eyes were greeted by a most surprising sight. Sitting in the yard were three baskets. The first basket was filled with fish. The second was filled with apples. The third was filled with bread.

[Pavlo]

Good golly, those fish are so fresh, you'd think they'd just been caught from a river. Those apples are so ripe, you'd think they'd just been plucked off a tree. And that bread is so golden, you'd think it had just been baked in an oven. Wait a minute.

[Narrator]

Pablo scratched his chin.

[Pavlo]

A river, a tree, an oven. Of course. A river, a tree and an oven. And here I was thinking they'd already returned the favor. Thank you, my friends. Thank you.

[Narrator]

Needless to say, Pavlo's empty belly wasn't empty for long. He enjoyed some of his new friends fish, apples and bread, then shared the rest with his fellow villagers. Then he picked up the golden thread and got to work. By the end of the week, the the Queen's gown was finished and she paid Pavlo quite handsomely for it. But even though the tailor could now live more comfortably than ever, it wasn't the money that made him feel rich. It was the knowledge that when you sow the seeds of kindness, you truly can reap the rewards.

[Rebecca Shear]

Now it's your turn. Pavlo was grateful to his new friends, and they were grateful to him. One way to show our loved ones how much we appreciate them is by making a gratitude circle. Next time you're with family or friends, sit everyone down in a circle. Now turn to the person to your left and tell them one thing you appreciate about them. Then that person person should turn to the person on their left and do the same. Once you've all appreciated the person to your left, you can reverse direction and share. Thanks. The Other Way.

[Narrator]

This week's story, the.

[Rebecca Shear]

Wild Goose Chase was adapted by me, Rebecca Shear. It was edited by Dean Russell. Eric Shyamallownis composed our original music and played it live on the Domrant. You can learn more about this lute with roots in Ukraine, Russia and Belarus, and see a photo of Eric playing one on our website. That's WBUR.org CircleRound's artist is Sabina Hahn. Sabina has created a black and white coloring page for each and every Circle Round story and you can color them in while you listen grown ups. Download our coloring pages on our website. Again, that's WBUR.org CircleRound Special thanks to our incredible actors at Symphony Space Adam Goldberg, Kathryn Grody, Stephen Hauck, Gideon Irving and Faith Salee. Actor, musician, director and photographer Adam Goldberg is known for his roles in films and TV shows like Saving Private Ryan, Dazed and Confused, Two Days in Paris, the Hebrew Hammer, Friends, Entourage and the Equalizer with Queen Latifah. Writer and Drama desk nominated and Obie Award winning actor Catherine Grody has starred in the groundbreaking Off Broadway shows the Marriage of Bette and Boo, Top Girls and her own one woman play a mom's life. Her newest play, The Unexpected Third, comes to New York City in November 2025. Fans of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel will recognize Stephen Hauck as Jane Lynch's impeccable butler Dawes. Stephen has appeared in many shows on and Off Broadway as well and in the Spike Lee joints, Oldboy, Da Sweet Blood of Jesus and She's Got Gideon Irving is a performer and musician who has put on elaborate one man shows in more than 700 living rooms, kitchens, attics, basements, garages, barns, woodsheds, sugar shacks, yurts and cooling towers on four continents. He's also mesmerized audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Off Broadway.

[Narrator]

Actor, author, journalist and comedian Faith Salee.

[Rebecca Shear]

Is an Emmy Award winning contributor to CBS Sunday Morning and and a regular on NPR's Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me.

[Narrator]

Her Off Broadway solo show Approval Junkie.

[Rebecca Shear]

Can be found on Audible and a big Circle Round of thanks to WBUR's Andrea O'Meara and to the fantastic staff at Symphony Space in New York City. Grown Ups. If you enjoy Circle Round, please leave us a five star review on your favorite podcast app. It helps other listeners find the show. Circle Round is a production of wburg, 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 take a listen. Maybe one of their favorites is one of yours too.

[Listener]

Hi, my name is Anya. I live in Vancouver, Canada. My favorite Circle Round story is the Horse for Hire. I like the part where Maria measures the horse. I also love the music. Thanks Rebecca Shearer My name is Lilia.

And I'm from Bridgewater, Massachusetts. My favorite Circle Round store is the Bird of a different feather. I like the part when Guinea Fowl says score.

My name is Matias and I live in Arlington, Massachusetts. My favorite Circle in story is Chief Know It All. I like the part where the baby comes in. My name is Michael and I live in Reesburg, Wisconsin. My favorite story is Telling the Dragon. My favorite part is when Steve Stella defeats the dragon.

My name is Luke, I live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and my favorite Circle round is the Crystal Story Box. And I like the part where Anansi tricks Hornet into going into the gorge. My name is Daniel, I live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and my favorite episode is the Great Ball Game. And I like the part where Bear almost scored a goal but the biggest mosquito you've ever seen bit him on the nose and he didn't score.

My name is Maddie, I live in Alameda, California. My favorite circle round story is Home Sweet Home. My favorite part is when Hare goes hop hop hop while he's collecting grass for his home. I 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.