The Zodiac Twelve

Summary

Circle Round: The Zodiac Twelve

Release Date: January 28, 2025
Host: Rebecca Shear
Produced by: WBUR

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Introduction

In the January 28, 2025 episode of Circle Round, titled "The Zodiac Twelve", host Rebecca Shear delves into the origins of the Chinese Zodiac through a captivating folktale adapted by Tai Ma and Jimmy Wang. Aimed at children ages 3-103, the story unfolds with rich soundscapes and engaging performances by a star-studded cast, including veteran actors like Tai Ma and Jimmy Wong.

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The Jade Emperor's Challenge

The story begins with the Jade Emperor, the supreme ruler of Heaven and Earth, seeking a method to keep track of time beyond natural observations. At [00:38], Rebecca narrates:

"According to the Chinese calendar, this week marks the start of a new year, the Year of the Snake... if you're born in the year of the snake, for instance, you're said to be especially intelligent and mysterious."

Faced with the challenge of selecting twelve animals and determining their order, the Jade Emperor devises a solution:

"I shall hold a race. I shall invite all of the animals to compete. The first 12 to reach the finish line will earn their own place in the Zodiac." ([03:51])

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The Great Zodiac Race Begins

On the morning of the race, animals of all kinds gather at the Jade Emperor's palace. The racecourse is set to traverse a deep rolling valley, climb grassy hills, and culminate at a wide, fast-flowing river. The Emperor announces the rules and signals the start:

"On your mark, get set, go." ([05:43])

A vibrant mix of feathers, fur, and scales dash towards the valley, but Rat, Cat, and Ox quickly take the lead.

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Rat, Ox, and Cat: A Tale of Friendship and Betrayal

As the trio approaches the river, Rat and Cat, realizing their limitations in swimming compared to Ox's strength, hatch a plan:

Cat: "We'll ride on your back as you swim across the river... we'll let you know to put on some speed." ([06:36])

Ox, ever agreeable, agrees to assist them. However, as they near the shore, Rat betrays Cat:

Rat: "Where is it? I don't see it." ([08:18])

He abruptly disembarks, racing to the finish line and securing the first position. The Jade Emperor congratulates him:

"Congratulations, Rat. You are the first animal to reach the finish line." ([09:19])

Ox arrives second, earning his place despite feeling slighted by Rat's deceit. Cat, left in the water, realizes her betrayal as Rat takes the lead, setting the stage for the enduring enmity between cats and rats.

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Other Notable Racers: Tiger and Rabbit

Tiger arrives third, overcoming a dangerous whirlpool:

"I used every ounce of strength I had to break free from the spinning water and make it to safety." ([11:12])

Rabbit secures fourth place by ingeniously hopping across slippery rocks and eventually floating to shore on a log after a mishap:

"As I was thrashing and splashing around, what should I spy drifting my way but this log... it floated me all the way to the finish line." ([13:21])

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The Fifth to Twelfth Positions: Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig

After a brief sponsor break, the race resumes with additional animals crossing the finish line:

• Dragon arrives fifth, demonstrating generosity by diverting to help a drought-stricken village and assisting Rabbit:

  Dragon: "I conjured a breeze and blew a big, sturdy log your way." ([18:15])

• Snake slithers in sixth, maintaining his mysterious reputation:

  "I have always been known as a mysterious soul." ([19:05])

• Horse gallops in seventh, favoring speed over swimming:

  "I figured out a nice shallow spot to cross and ran the rest of the way." ([19:40])

• Goat, Monkey, and Rooster secure eighth, ninth, and tenth places by collaborating to build a raft:

  Rooster: "We didn't build this raft, but we formed a team to navigate it." ([21:19])

• Dog arrives eleventh, playfully delaying his finish due to enjoying the water:

  "The water was so cool and refreshing... I lost track of time." ([23:09])

• Pig crosses twelfth, embodying generosity and care:

  Pig: "Did I win? And who wants to join me for dinner?" ([24:07])

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Conclusion: Rat's Betrayal and Lasting Rivalry

As the race concludes, Cat confronts Rat over his deceit:

Cat: "You betrayed me. And now you're gonna pay." ([25:55])

Rat narrowly escapes, solidifying the age-old rivalry between cats and rats. The Jade Emperor finalizes the Zodiac cycle, honoring all twelve animals for their unique traits and contributions.

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Activity and Listener Engagement

At the episode's end, Rebecca encourages listeners to engage with the story through creative activities:

"Ask a grown up to help you find your Animal of the Zodiac... draw a picture of your zodiac animal." ([25:55])

Listeners are invited to share their artwork via email, with the possibility of being featured in the Lion's Roar newsletter.

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Final Thoughts

"The Zodiac Twelve" episode of Circle Round not only narrates the enchanting origin of the Chinese Zodiac but also imparts valuable lessons on friendship, perseverance, and integrity. Through immersive storytelling and memorable characters, Rebecca Shear and her talented cast bring the timeless folktale to life, making it accessible and enjoyable for audiences of all ages.

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Credits:
Adapted by Rebecca Shear
Edited by Dean Russell
Original Music and Sound Design by Eric Shimalonis
Artwork by Sabina Hahn
Featuring Actors: Evan Casey, Paul Date, Alyssa Keane, James Konicek, Shelley Lee, Erica Rose, Chris Tucci, Dawn Ursula, Ty Ma, Jimmy Wong

Listen to more episodes and explore additional resources at: WBUR.org/CircleRound

Transcript

[Rebecca Shear]

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.

[Jade Emperor]

WBUR podcasts. Boston.

[Rebecca Shear]

According to the Chinese calendar, this week marks the start of a new year, the Year of the Snake. The Chinese calendar works in a repeating cycle of 12 years known as the Zodiac. Each year is represented by a different animal, and it's believed that if you're born in a given year, you'll have the personality traits of that year's animal. So if you're born in the year of the snake, for instance, you're said to be especially intelligent and mysterious. But how did the Chinese zodiac come about? And how did its 12 animals get selected in today's story? We'll find out. I'm Rebecca Scheer and welcome to Circle Round, where storytime happens all the time. Today, our story is called the Zodiac. Twelve versions of this tale come from the East Asian country of China. Some really great people came together to bring you our version of this folk tale, including Tai Ma and Jimmy Wang. Veteran actor Tai Ma has appeared in numerous films including the Farewell Tiger Tail and Five Blind Dates Grown Ups. You can also see Ty in the Hulu series Interior Chinatown. Actor, musician and singer Jimmy Wong stars in the animated feature Wish Dragon and Fun Fact. You can see both Ty and Jimmy in Disney's live action film Mulan. So circle around everyone for the zodiac. 12. Once Upon a time, there was no official way to keep track of time. Sure, you could notice when the sun was rising and setting. You could observe when the seasons shifted from one to the next. But there was no way to count the years, which made it tough to remember when big important events happened, including your own birthday. So once upon a time, the Jade Emperor, the powerful ruler of Heaven and Earth, came up with an idea. He called it the Zodiac.

[Jade Emperor]

I shall create the Zodiac, an ever repeating cycle of 12 years. To make it easy for everyone to remember those 12 years, I shall name each year after a different animal.

[Rebecca Shear]

Not a bad idea, right? There was just one problem. Two, actually.

[Jade Emperor]

First, how shall I decide which animals will have years named after them? And second, how shall I decide the animal's order?

[Rebecca Shear]

The Jade Emperor thought and thought until he came up with another idea.

[Jade Emperor]

I shall hold a race. I shall invite all of the animals to compete. The first 12 to reach the finish line will earn their own place in the Zodiac.

[Rebecca Shear]

The morning of the race, the Jade Emperor was pleased to see how many critters had crawled, slithered, hopped, and winged their way to the starting line outside his palace.

[Jade Emperor]

Welcome, my friends, to the great Zodiac Rays. Today's race will take you through a deep rolling valley, up and down a series of green, grassy hills. You will know you've reached the home stretch when you come to the banks of a wide, fast, flowing river. The first 12 of you to cross that river will earn a place on the Zodiac. The first to arrive will get the first year, and the second to arrive will get the second year, all the way down to the 12th. So, my friends, what do you say? Are you ready to race? I said, are you ready to race?

[Rebecca Shear]

Let's race.

[Jade Emperor]

All right, then. On your mark, get set, go.

[Rebecca Shear]

There was a boisterous blur of feathers, fur and scales as the animals made a beeline for the deep rolling valley. But somewhere around the fourth or fifth green grassy hill, a trio of animals managed to pull ahead. And the first three racers to reach the wide, fast, flowing river were Rat, Cat, and Ox. In modern times, Rat and Cat are sworn enemies, right? They simply do not get along. Well, back when our story takes place, Rat and Cat were close friends. And they knew full well that they couldn't swim anywhere near as fast as burly, brawny Ox could. So they asked him for a lift.

[Cat]

Here's what Cat and I are thinking, Ox. We'll ride on your back as you swim across the river. And we'll face the opposite direction so we can act as lookouts.

[Rat]

That's right. And the moment Rat and I see another racer catching up, we'll let you know to put on some speed.

[Rebecca Shear]

Ox had always been agreeable and good natured, so he accepted Rat and Cat's offer. And as he swam.

[Jade Emperor]

How's it looking up there, you two? Anyone on my tail?

[Cat]

Not yet.

[Rebecca Shear]

And swam.

[Jade Emperor]

How about now?

[Rat]

Nope.

[Rebecca Shear]

No one. His passengers exchanged a self satisfied smirk.

[Cat]

Isn't this great, Cat?

[Rat]

It sure is.

[Cat]

We're practically flying across the river.

[Rat]

We sure are.

[Cat]

At this rate, I'm totally gonna be the first animal in the Zodiac.

[Rat]

You sure are. Wait, what? Why should you be the first animal in the Zodiac?

[Cat]

Because I'm crafty and clever. It was my idea to hitch a ride with Ox, you know.

[Rat]

It was not. It was my idea.

[Cat]

No, it was mine.

[Rabbit]

Look over there.

[Cat]

There's a big fish jumping out of the water. With those powerful claws of yours, you could grab that sucker and have a real feast.

[Rebecca Shear]

The truth is, there was no big fish jumping out of the water. But just as Rat hoped, Cat's thoughts instantly turned from competing to eating. And the moment she turned her head to find the fish.

[Rat]

Where is it? I don't see it.

[Rebecca Shear]

Rat pushed her off of Ox's back and she landed in the water with a splash. Ox was working so hard, took no notice of the commotion.

[Ox]

How are we doing, you two? We're almost at the shore, but I'm getting tired and slowing down. You gotta let me know if there's anyone behind me.

[Cat]

Oh, there isn't anyone behind you, Ox. But guess what? There is someone in front of you.

[Rebecca Shear]

Next thing Ox knew, Rat was springing off his back and into the river. The wily and well rested rodent had no trouble paddling the rest of the way to shore. Within seconds, he was standing on the riverbank, shaking himself off and bowing before the Jade Emperor, who was waiting with one of his scribes.

[Jade Emperor]

Congratulations, Rat. You are the first animal to reach the finish line. Therefore, the first year in the zodiac will be named after you. Scribe, can you note that down, please?

[Rebecca Shear]

The scribe recorded the first place winner on a parchment scroll. The Jade Emperor gave Rat a smile.

[Jade Emperor]

You must be proud of yourself, Rat. Tell me, how does such a small animal accomplish such such a big victory?

[Cat]

With all due respect, your majesty, I may be small in size, but I'm big in brains. I had the brilliant idea of enlisting.

[Rebecca Shear]

The help of a gracious friend.

[Cat]

And look, here he is now.

[Rebecca Shear]

Rat motioned toward the water. And there was Ox, his broad chest heaving, his woolly coat dripping as he trudged onto the bank.

[Jade Emperor]

Well done, Ox. You are the second animal to finish the race. So the second year in the zodiac will be named after you.

[Rebecca Shear]

Ox was annoyed by Rat's trick, but he was too good natured. To Rat the rodent out. And besides, second place was nothing to sneeze at. So he accepted his position with dignity. But just as the scribe was recording Ox's name, all eyes shifted to the river. And there was Tiger. Dragging her striped sinewy body out of the water. She stumbled to the Jade Emperor, then collapsed at his feet.

[Jade Emperor]

Oh, Tiger, what happened? You look like you've been through quite an ordeal.

[Ox]

I have, your majesty. I was swimming strongly and making good headway when I got caught in the current and sucked into a whirlpool. I used every ounce of strength I had to break free from the spinning water and make a distinction safety. And now here I am.

[Jade Emperor]

Well, I am proud of you, Tiger. You persevered and you didn't give up. So, as the brave, courageous third animal to finish the race, you have earned yourself the third position in the Zodiac. I wonder who will be next.

[Rebecca Shear]

The Jade Emperor didn't have to wonder long, because all at once, a big, sturdy log came drifting to shore. And perched on top of that log.

[Rabbit]

Hiya, folks.

[Rebecca Shear]

Was Rabbit.

[Jade Emperor]

Welcome, Rabbit. Don't you look snug as a buck on that log. You just earned yourself the fourth position in the Zodiac.

[Horse]

Fourth?

[Rebecca Shear]

That's marvelous.

[Rabbit]

And miraculous.

[Jade Emperor]

Miraculous? How so?

[Rabbit]

Well, when I came to the river and saw how wide and fast it was, I got nervous about swimming across. So I used my smarts to figure out another way to get to the other side. I hopped across. A bunch of rocks were sticking up out of the water.

[Jade Emperor]

A most elegant solution.

[Rabbit]

Well, people do talk about how elegant I am, but I haven't told you the rest of the story. You see, the rocks were very slippery, and as I was hopping my way across, I lost my footing. Next thing I knew, I was tumbling into the water.

[Jade Emperor]

Oh, no.

[Rebecca Shear]

Oh, yes.

[Rabbit]

But here's the miraculous part. As I was thrashing and splashing around, what should I spy drifting my way but this log. I jumped up on top of it, and somehow it floated me all the way to the finish line.

[Jade Emperor]

You have always been known for your luck, Rabbit. So congratulations. Now we just need to wait for the fifth animal to arrive.

[Rebecca Shear]

And the Jade Emperor fell into silence. Because at that very moment, the riverside fell into shadow, as if a bank of storm clouds had scudded in and blocked out the sun. But when the emperor and animals craned their heads upward, it wasn't storm clouds they spied. It was the fifth animal to finish the race, and the most surprising one so far. Who do you think the fifth place winner is? We'll find out after a quick break.

[Dragon]

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? Easy. 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 [e-mail] 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]

If you're a Circle Round super fan. We've got a super fun opportunity for you. Join the Circle Round club and you'll support our public radio podcast. And as this happy member raves, get cool stuff too.

[Horse]

My grandfather bought me a Circle Round membership last Christmas. I really like it because we get a stuffed lion and a reusable bag, which we use all the time for library books. I also enjoy the birthday message from Rebecca Shear.

[Rebecca Shear]

Grown ups. Sign up your superfan [e-mail] CircleRoundClub. I'm Rebecca Scheer. Welcome back to Circle Round. Today. Our story is called the Zodiac 12. Before the break, the Jade Emperor was holding a race to determine the 12 animals of the zodiac. Rat used his crafty ways to toss Cat into the water and finish first. Ox came in second and Tiger came in third. After Rabbit earned fourth place by floating to shore on a log, the riverbank was plunged into darkness. Hovering in the air above, his scaly body, so massive it blocked out the sun, was Dragon. He gave his tail a flick, then glided down to the bank.

[Snake]

Greetings, friends. How did I do?

[Jade Emperor]

You did very well, dragon. As the fifth animal to reach the finish line, you shall be the fifth animal in the zodiac. But if I may ask, given how powerful you can fly, what took you so long to get here?

[Snake]

That's a mighty fine question, your majesty. And I have a mighty fine answer. As I was racing through the air, I kept my eyes fixed on the ground below. At some point, I happened to catch sight of a village. And what a woe begone village it was. There hadn't been a drop of rain in weeks, so the fields were withered. The villagers were hungry and thirsty. What else could I do but take a detour and blow some rain clouds their way?

[Jade Emperor]

Goodness. That was very kind of you, Dragon. You've always been so charitable.

[Snake]

Well, my charity didn't end there. After saving the village, I continued on my way. And as I was soaring above the river, I saw Rabbit struggling against the current.

[Rabbit]

You saw me?

[Snake]

I did more than see you, Rabbit. I saved you. I conjured a breeze and blew a big, sturdy log your way. Then I used my powers to send you and that log to shore.

[Rabbit]

Aw, that is so sweet of you, Dragon. Thank you.

[Jade Emperor]

Yes, Dragon, thank you. Your consideration towards others is commendable. Scribe, please mark down Dragon as the fifth animal in the zodiac. And mark me down as six.

[Rebecca Shear]

Everyone gave a start as a long, wriggling creature came slithering their way.

[Jade Emperor]

Hello. Hello there, Snake. We didn't see you coming. I thought it would be smart to stay inconspicuous. I have always been known as a mysterious soul. Now you'll also be known as the sixth animal of the zodiac. Congratulations.

[Rebecca Shear]

As the scribe recorded Snake's 6th place finish, there was a clattering of hoofbeats Galloping down the riverside, her powerful legs kicking up a cloud of dust was hoarse.

[Ox]

Greetings, everyone. I hope I'm not too late. As you may know, we horses aren't big fans of water. So hoping I could run across the river rather than swim, I looked around and around until I found a nice shallow spot to cross. Then I ran all this way to get to you. Am I one of the winners?

[Jade Emperor]

That you are, Horse scribe, mark Horse as the seventh animal in the zodiac.

[Ox]

Oh my gosh. This is the best day ever.

[Rebecca Shear]

Horse flashed rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, Dragon, and Snake a toothy grin. As one of the warmest and friendliest animals, she was delighted to be in such good company. And that company was about to get bigger. Did we get in time?

[Jade Emperor]

Please tell us we did. It would be too good to be true.

[Rebecca Shear]

All eyes turned to the river, where Goat, Monkey, and Rooster were floating to shore on a raft made of logs and vines.

[Jade Emperor]

Welcome to the finish line, Goat, Monkey, and Rooster. How clever of you to build that raft.

[Rebecca Shear]

But your Majesty, we didn't build this raft.

[Jade Emperor]

Rooster found it tangled in the weeds on the other side of the river. So I suggested we form a team to see what we could do.

[Rebecca Shear]

And that's when I offered to break the raft free by eating all the weeds.

[Jade Emperor]

And I offered to carry the raft to the water and steer it with a stick. So, now that we're here with you, tell us, how did we do? You did well. Very well indeed. A goat. For the creativity you displayed by breaking the wrath free with your appetite, you shall be the eighth animal in the zodiac.

[Ox]

Thank you, your Majesty.

[Jade Emperor]

And Monkey, for the nimbleness you showed in getting you and your friends across the river. You shall be Knife. Oh, thank you, your Majesty. Last but not least, Rooster, for the leadership you demonstrated by bringing this team together, you shall be tenth. Your Majesty, thank you. The question now is, who shall our next finisher be?

[Rebecca Shear]

The Jade Emperor didn't need to wait long for an answer, because just then, woof, woof. Loyal and faithful Dog came bounding over, his shaggy body dripping with water.

[Ox]

Well, you, Majesty, how did I do in the race? Did I make it into the zodiac?

[Jade Emperor]

You did make it, dog. The 11th position is officially yours. Though, given how fast you run and how well you swim, I assumed you would finish the race sooner.

[Ox]

And I meant to, I really did. But the water was so cool and refreshing. And I was having so much fun splashing around, I guess I lost track of time.

[Jade Emperor]

That's alright. It's in your nature to be fun loving and playful. Since you're the 11th animal in the Zodiac, let's wait and see who's number 12.

[Rebecca Shear]

The group on the shore waited and waited until at last who should come waddling toward them.

[Rabbit]

But Pig. Sorry if I'm late. You know, we pigs are great runners and swimmers, but we're also great eaters. And after the race started, my belly started growling. So I stopped for an early morning snack. Then I stopped for a late morning snack. Then I stopped for lunch. Then I stopped for tea. Then I felt so sleepy I had to take a nap. So, two questions. Did I win? And who wants to join me for dinner?

[Rebecca Shear]

The Jade Emperor gave Pig's pink head a friendly pat.

[Jade Emperor]

We appreciate the invitation, Pig. You've always been so generous and caring. And I am pleased to report that you did win. You earned yourself the 12th position in the Zodiac.

[Rebecca Shear]

The Jade Emperor motioned for the script to record Pig as the final winning contestant. Then he raised his arms high in the air.

[Jade Emperor]

My friends, I thank you for your splendid effort today. From this moment forward, you shall all be remembered with gratitude and honor as the 12th animal of the Zodiac.

[Rat]

Hang on a minute.

[Rebecca Shear]

The animals ceased their cheering and swiveled their eyes toward bedraggled, breathless Cat. Her sodden body was trembling and her disheveled hair was standing on end.

[Rat]

Am I too late to earn a place in the Zodiac?

[Jade Emperor]

I am afraid you are, Cat. The 12 winners have already been chosen.

[Rat]

They have? Who came in first place?

[Jade Emperor]

A rather good friend of yours, I believe. The first animal in the Zodiac is officially Rat.

[Rebecca Shear]

Cat froze. Then she arched her back, twitched her tail, and fixed her glittering eyes on her former friend. You. You. You Rat.

[Rat]

You betrayed me. And now you're gonna pay.

[Rebecca Shear]

With a hiss and a yowl, Cat sprang into the air and lunged at Rat. The quick thinking rodent leaped out of the way, then took off down the shore, scampering and scurrying as fast as his tiny legs could carry him. Cat never forgave Rat for his betrayal. And that's why, to this very day, cats still chase rats. They're hoping to get revenge on the cunning little critter who tricked them out of a position in the Zodiac and a place in history. Now it's your turn. Ask a grown up to help you find your Animal of the Zodiac. You could check out a book from the library or consult the Internet. Read through the list of your animal's personality traits and see which ones click with you. Then find some paper and draw a picture of your zodiac animal. Ask your 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 Zodiac 12 was adapted by me, Rebecca Shear. It was edited by Dean Russell. Our original music and sounds design is by Eric Shimalonis. Eric's featured instrument this week was the Yang Chin. You can learn more about this hammered string instrument and see a photo of Eric playing one on our website WBUR.org CircleRound. Circle Round's artist is Sabina Hahn, who has created a black and white coloring page for every story and you can print them out and color them in Grown Ups. You can download all of our coloring [e-mail] circleround and click on coloring pages. Special thanks to this week's actors Evan Casey, Paul Date, Alyssa Keane, James Konicek, Shelley Lee, Erica Rose, Chris Tucci, Dawn Ursula, Ty Ma and Jimmy Wong. Veteran actor Tai Ma has appeared in numerous films including the Farewell Tiger Tail and Five Blind Dates Grown Ups. You can also see Tai in the Hulu series Interior Chinatown. Actor, musician and singer Jimmy Wong stars in the animated feature Wish Dragon and Fun Fact. You can see both Ty and Jimmy in Disney's live action film Mulan. And you can hear both Ty and Jimmy in our 2020 episode Dirt Into Gold Grown Ups. If you enjoy Circle Round, please leave us a five star review on your favorite podcast app and tell your friends about the show. We'd love to make the Circle Round circle even bigger, so thanks for your help and support. 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.

[Horse]

My name is Ryan from China. My favorite story is the Blizzard Blizzard. My favorite part is when the girl swings his hair to the edge of the castle. My name is Alex and I live in Scotland. My favorite Circle Round story is Laughing and Crying people because I like the part when the thing rubs onions on his eyes. My name is Goldie, I'm Minneapolis and my favorite episode is the Fun Chest. My name is Loz and I live in Portland, Oregon and my favorite circuanto is the empy barrel and my favorite pool was one that woman said my pillow it's empty again. My name is Rylan and I live in Minnesota and my favorite circle ground is the upside down tree and I like to put where the hyen tree upside down. Hi, my name is Margaretta, I live in Minnesota and my favorite circle Circle round story is Chameleon Contest because I like the part when chameleon blends into her dress. My name is Imogen, I live in Maple, New Jersey. My favorite circle round story is the Fallen Sparrow. I like the part where Zoe cuts open the pumpkin and it's full of gold.

[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.