Circle Round: “True Colors”

WBUR | Host: Rebecca Sheir | Release date: August 19, 2025

Episode Overview

In this vibrant episode, Rebecca Sheir brings to life “True Colors,” an African folktale-inspired story that explores the themes of kindness, creativity, and revealing one’s true character. Through the journey of Tortoise and her encounters with various animals, listeners learn about the power of generosity and the consequences of selfishness and mockery. The drama unfolds with rich sound design and memorable performances from actors, and concludes with an activity encouraging families to express their own “true colors.”

Story Breakdown and Key Insights

1. Setting the Scene: A Drab World and a Creative Spark

• All animals on the savanna look the same—dull brown from head to tail.
• Tortoise stands out, not by birth, but by curiosity and creativity.
• Using natural brushes and paints, Tortoise transforms her shell and skin with vibrant colors and patterns.

  “Let’s see, I’ll use this brush to dab a little yellow over here. … And what if I paint some shapes and patterns? Yes.”
  — Tortoise (Heather Burns) [02:51]

2. Hyena’s Cruel Trick

• Hyena, known for his mischief and mean-spirited jokes, mocks Tortoise’s slow pace and artistic efforts.
• He tricks Tortoise, wedging her in a tree as a form of humiliation.

  “Well, now that you’ve gotten yourself into a tricky situation with no exit, I guess you could say you’ve painted yourself into a corner.”
  — Hyena (Ajay Naidu) [05:31]

3. Compassion and Reciprocity

• Leopard comes by, decries Hyena’s behavior, and helps Tortoise escape.
• In gratitude, Tortoise offers to paint Leopard’s coat, bestowing beautiful “rosettes.”

  “They’re wonderful. Thank you, Tortoise.”
  — Leopard [08:26]

4. The Word Spreads: A Colorful Transformation

• Zebra admires Leopard’s new coat and requests one too; Tortoise paints Zebra with bold stripes.
• News travels fast; soon, all the animals line up for a customized look—Giraffe, Guinea Fowl, Python, and many more.

  “Thanks to Zebra, in no time at all, one plain brown animal after another came flocking to Tortoise in hopes of receiving their own colors, patterns and designs.”
  — Narrator (Rebecca Sheir) [10:28]

5. Hyena Returns: Jealousy and Ultimatum

• Hyena, noticing he’s missing out, demands Tortoise paint him as well—this time, threatening her.
• The other animals rally in support of Tortoise.

  “Give me my own colors or I’ll put you back in that tree and I’ll make sure you never come down.”
  — Hyena [14:55]

6. True Colors Revealed

• Tortoise, unfazed, agrees but paints Hyena a coat that reflects his unpleasant personality—smudgy, blotchy, messy.

  “Well, Hyena, I did say I would paint you a coat that showed off your unique personality and distinctive character. And since your personality and character are so unpleasant and unseemly, I gave you a coat that’s unsightly. One that shows off your true colors.”
  — Tortoise [16:51]

• Hyena, ashamed, hides from the world henceforth, appearing only at night.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Tortoise’s Artistic Vision:
  "My skin is a creamy shade of gold. And the spots, dashes and streaks on my shell look really cool."
  — Tortoise [03:18]

• Leopard’s Thanks:
  "They’re wonderful. Thank you, Tortoise."
  — Leopard [08:26]

• Hyena’s Threat:
  "Listen, Slowpoke, give me my own colors or I’ll put you back in that tree and I’ll make sure you never come down."
  — Hyena [14:55]

• Tortoise’s Wisdom:
  "Since your personality and character are so unpleasant and unseemly, I gave you a coat that’s unsightly. One that shows off your true colors."
  — Tortoise [16:51]

• Moral Wrap-Up:
  “That was the last time Hyena appeared in the light of day. From then on, he became nocturnal, only coming out in the dark of night so he wouldn’t have to show his coat or his character to the world.”
  — Narrator [17:14]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Tortoise decorates herself and meets Hyena: 00:00–05:57
• Leopard rescues Tortoise and receives a new coat: 06:18–08:30
• Zebra and other animals receive their colors: 08:41–13:10
• Hyena demands his own colors; Tortoise responds: 13:26–16:51
• Story moral and activity prompt: 17:14–18:18

Activity and Listener Engagement

At the end of the episode, Rebecca encourages listeners to imagine themselves as their favorite animal and draw what their true colors would be, inviting submissions for the Circle Round newsletter.

“Imagine yourself as your favorite animal. If your feathers, fur, scales, hide or hair could be any color or colors, what would you choose? Find some paper and draw a picture showing your true colors. Let your imagination run wild and when you’re finished, share your drawing with us.”
— Rebecca Sheir [17:43]

Tone and Storytelling Style

The episode’s tone is gentle, imaginative, and encouraging, ideal for children and adults alike. The story subtly but effectively addresses big themes—kindness, the consequences of meanness, and the beauty of inner character—through playful dialogue, memorable banter, and engaging sound design. Rebecca’s narration is warm and inviting, and the actors bring both humor and heart to their animal characters.

For more episodes, activities, and show info, visit WBUR’s Circle Round.