Hi, Rebecca Shear here. Before we get to our story, exciting news.
Circle Round is going back on tour. with live recordings across the united states our first stop Sunday, October 5th in Parker, Colorado at the Pace Center.
And Circle Round Club members are invited to a special post-show meet and greet with me and composer Eric Shimalonis.
Get your tickets at wbur.org slash circle around and click on events.
We're announcing more tour stops soon, so stay tuned.
We look forward to circling around with you live.
WBUR Podcasts Boston Have you ever felt jealous?
Maybe you looked around and thought, Oh, if only I could have that kid's cool shoes.
I wish I could do math problems as fast as my friend does.
It's natural to feel jealous sometimes. But we're about to meet a character who feels so jealous. harebrained scheme to get what she wants.
I'm Rebecca Sheer, and welcome to Circle Round, where storytime happens all the time.
Today, our story is called The Most Fabulous Fur of All.
It was inspired by tales told among the Cherokee, indigenous peoples from the southeastern United States.
Some really great people came together to bring you our story, including Corianca Kilcher. whom you grown-ups might recognize from Yellowstone, and you kids might recognize from Dora and the Lost City of Gold.
So circle around, everyone, for the most fabulous fur of all.
In times long past, when the world was new, The Great Spirit created the birds and the animals.
The Great Spirit gave all the birds different feathers and all the animals different fur.
But it wasn't long before the animals began to bicker about which one of them had the best fur of all.
Among those quarreling critters was Bear.
My fur is so glossy, so shiny, you can practically see your reflection in it.
And Mink? Well, my fur is softer than snow.
Or a cloud. Or a snow cloud. And skunk. What's black and white and gorgeous all over.
Me, that's what. And Rabbit. My body's velvety.
My ears are satiny. And look at my tail.
It's as fluffy as a cloud. Long as a summer's day, too.
Indeed. Unlike the rabbits you see nowadays, with those little puffballs on their backside, Back when the world was new, Rabbit's tail was long and fleecy.
It's obvious, folks. The one with the most fabulous fur. the most pleasing pelch, the most comely coach. is undoubtedly, indubitably, unmistakably, Me!
The animals kept quibbling and squabbling until one day...
Bear made an announcement. Listen up, folks.
I've just heard that the Great Spirit has created a whole new animal.
And word has it that his coat is more majestic than anything we've ever seen.
What's this new animal's name, Bear? His name is Otter.
And where does he live? He lives way on top of the tallest mountain.
Okay, I know what you may be thinking. Otters don't live way up on mountaintops.
They live in streams and rivers, lakes and ponds, seas and oceans.
And it's true. These days, otters dwell in the water.
But back when our story takes place, Otter made his home on land, high atop a mountain. and rumor had it that his coat was fabulous.
From what I've heard, folks, Ida's coat is the thickest and...
The softest. The thickest and the softest?
Mink and Skunk were instantly impressed.
Rabbit was instantly envious, though she tried not to show it.
Okay, so yeah. Otter's coat sounds unbelievable. so unbelievable that I won't believe it until I see it for myself.
I say we bring Otter down from the top of the mountain and we hold a contest.
Yeah! A contest! A grand competition! to see who has the most fabulous fur so we can settle this matter once and for all.
The other animals pondered Rabbit's proposal.
And then... A contest is a fine idea, Rabbit.
Yes, the birds can be the judges, after all.
They have feathers, not fur. Terrific! That settles it then.
We'll hold a contest in the clearing in the middle of the forest.
I will personally go to the top of the mountain to fetch otter.
With these swift, nimble legs of mine, I can make it up there in a matter of days.
I'll be back by the end of the week. Before we go on, something you should know about Rabbit.
It wasn't just her legs that were swift and nimble.
Her mind was too. And she loved using that swift and nimble mind to play tricks and get exactly what she wanted.
So, as the cunning creature set off to find Otter, She had already cooked up a plan for how she would win the contest.
It's simple. All I have to do is steal Otter's coat.
Yep, you heard that right. Steel otter's coat.
Because back when our story takes place, the animals could remove their fur.
Just like you and I would take off a jacket or a sweater or, yes, a coat.
All I have to do is find Otter, trick him into taking off his coat, Then I'll run away with it and wear it to the contest.
If Otter's coat is anything like they say it is, I'm destined to win.
So Rabbit bounded off to Otter's Mountain.
Once she got there, she scuttled up treacherous trails.
Watch out! She crept along craggy cliffs.
She bounded across broad bluffs. And when she finally reached the top... Welcome!
She heard a friendly voice. I never get visitors at the top of this mountain.
I'm so happy to see you. Rabbit's eyes fell upon a stalky creature with short legs and long whiskers. his dark brown fur dazzled in the sun.
Otter, is that you? The stocky critter smiled.
That's right. I am Otter, at your service.
And who might you be? Me? Rabbit felt a stab of envy as she eyed Otter's spectacular coat.
I'm Rabbit. I'm like a total legend around these parts.
On account of my long, fluffy... Well, it's nice to meet you, Rabbit.
And look! Utter stuck out his backside.
"'I have a tail, too!' Of course, it's much longer than yours, and much furrier.
But honestly, it isn't like we're in a contest or anything.
Actually, Otter... Rabbit smiled her sweetest smile.
We are in a contest. Or at least we will be.
The other animals and I are trying to decide.
Who has the most fabulous fur of all? And that's why I'm here.
We'd be honored for you to participate. Otter's face lit up.
"'Wow! I appreciate the invitation, Rabbit.'
Truth be told, I don't really see the need for a contest, but I'd sure love to make some new friends.
It gets awfully lonely on top of this mountain.
Count me in. So Otter began following Rabbit down the mountainside.
Little did he know, but he was also following her directly into a trap.
What do you think? Will Rabbit's scheme work out?
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I'm Rebecca Shear. Welcome back to Circle Round.
Today our story is called The Most Fabulous Fur of All.
Before the break, the animals were planning a contest to decide who had the most fabulous fur of all.
Rabbit went up the mountain to fetch Otter so that he could participate too.
Little did Otter know, but clever Crafty Rabbit was cooking up a scheme steal his thick, soft coat and wear it to the contest.
As Otter followed Rabbit down the mountain, he noticed that she began loading pieces of wood and bark Onto her back.
Um, Rabbit? May I ask why you're collecting all that wood and bark?
For kindling otter, to build a campfire, The sun's going down, so we'll have to spend the night on the mountainside.
Wherever we set up camp, we'll want a fire to keep us warm and cozy.
Right? Well, actually, Rabbit, my fur is so thick that I never get cold.
But a fire would be nice for providing some light, and I've always been a bit scared of the dark.
I'll help you gather kindling. Rabbit's heart burned with jealousy.
Of course Otter never got cold in his magnificent coat.
But no matter. If everything went according to plan, that magnificent coat would soon be hers.
Rabbit and Otter kept walking until they reached a river.
Tiny silver fish swam about in the swift current.
Wow, Rabbit! Living way on top of the mountain, I've never seen anything like this!
What do you call this long winding body of water?
It's a river otter. And I'm glad we found it, because all this water sure could come in handy tonight.
You mean, for drinking? Well, yes, but also for keeping us safe.
Keeping us safe? What do you mean? Well...
Rabbit smiled to herself. If Otter fell for the story she was about to tell, she would be home free.
You see, this part of the mountain is a magical place.
Spend the night here. Legend has it that good luck will come your way.
Danger may come your way, too. Danger? Yes!
Danger. Legend has it that in this very spot, Fire sometimes falls from the sky.
Just like rain. Otter began to tremble. F-fire?
Falls like rain? How do we protect ourselves from this fiery rain?
Well, for starters, you should take off that magnificent fur coat of yours.
Hide it somewhere safe. You wouldn't want the falling fire to burn a hole through it.
Oh, of course. Will you take your coat off too?
Nah, with these swift nimble legs of mine, I can hop right to safety.
But rabbits are faster than otters. So, how about...
Tuck in your coat beneath that big rock over there.
Okay. Otter wiggled out of his coat and tucked it beneath the rock.
There. All safe. Great! Now... We'll build a campfire.
Then we'll get some rest. We have a lot of traveling to do before the big contest.
So Rabbit and Otter made a fire, then huddled up together on the riverbank.
Otter immediately drifted off. Rabbit, on the other hand, stayed wide awake.
She gazed at the campfire as the flames leaped and danced.
Eventually they died down, leaving behind a glowing, burning pile of red-hot embers.
As Otter continued to snooze away, Rabbit tiptoed to a nearby tree.
She broke off a branch, then carried it over to the fire.
Okay, here goes nothing. Rabbit stuck one end of the branch into the embers until it began to burn like a torch.
Then she hoisted the torch up toward the sky and started waving it around and flinging red-hot sparks every which way.
Wait! Otter! Otter! Wake up, Otter! It's happening!
Fire is falling from the sky! Fire is falling from the sky!
Otter snapped open his eyes and leapt to his feet.
Oh no, Rabbit! You were right! It's raining fire everywhere!
Oh, I'm so scared. What do we do? There's no time to waste.
Run to the river and dive in. The water will keep us safe.
I've never swum before, but... Here goes nothing!
Without missing a beat, Otter dashed to the river and plunged into the water.
As he quickly swam away, Rabbit scampered over to the big rock where Otter had hidden his fur coat.
She snatched up the thick soft pelt, then took off down the mountainside.
When Rabbit reached the bottom, she pulled down her long, silky ears and tied them in a knot. under her chin.
Then she slipped on Otter's coat. Once it was wrapped around her body, she hurried to the clearing in the middle of the forest. where the animals and birds were waiting for the contest to begin.
Hello, everybody. I'm Otter. I heard you were holding a contest to decide Who has the most fabulous fur of all?
Much to Rabbit's delight. Otter! The others totally fell for her disguise. pleased to meet you, my friend.
I am Bear. And I'm Mink. And I'm Skunk.
And we are honored to have you join us today.
Gotta say, your fur is amazing. It sure is.
But... Where's Rabbit? Rabbit? Uh, she made a pit stop at her burrow to brush her fur.
She should be here any minute. We might as well get started.
So they did. With the birds judging from the treetops, the animals took turns parading around the clearing, showing off. their fur.
When it was Otter's turn, Rabbit, who remember was disguised as Otter, didn't just parade around the clearing.
She was so excited to show off her glorious coat that she began leaping.
Check me out! And bouncing from tree to tree.
Have you ever seen a coat so glorious? Rabbit began to move faster. and faster Soon, she was moving so fast that the knot holding her ears beneath her chin began to loosen.
It got looser and looser until it came completely undone, and Rabbit's long, silky ears sprang up. above her head.
Uh-oh. The animals and birds gasped. Rabbit?
Is that you? What happened to Otter? Rabbit knew the jig was up.
Well, here. Aye, aye. And with that, she pulled off Otter's coat, flung it to the ground, then took off like a shot.
The other animals followed in hot pursuit.
Bear managed to get close enough to thrust out a burly paw.
And Yank Rabbit's long curly tail clear off her body.
Oh no! My tail! With nothing but a fluffy little puff ball left on her backside, Rabbit dashed away and disappeared into her burrow.
Once Rabbit was gone, the other animals decided to abandon the chase.
Instead, They picked up Otter's stolen coat and carried it up the mountainside, where they found Otter swimming. in the river.
You must be Otter. We brought you your fur coat.
Since that rascally rabbit stole it. When Otter caught sight of his thick, soft coat, he hurried back to the shore and slipped it on with a smile.
I thought I'd never see my coat again. Thank you, friends.
No, Otter. Thank you. Because with your help, now we finally know.
Which one of us truly has the most fabulous fur of all.
And wouldn't you know it, Otter has had that fabulous fur ever since.
He's also lived in the water ever since.
Because even though Rabbit tricked Otter into taking his very first swim...
He discovered he loved paddling and playing in the water.
So to this day, all otters make their homes in streams and rivers, lakes and ponds, seas and oceans.
And all rabbits have nothing more than a puffball of a tail.
It's a constant reminder of their wily ancestor who tried to pull the wool, or fur, over everyone's eyes.
. . . Now it's your turn. Rabbit had a difficult time being honest.
And yes, it can be tough sometimes to tell the truth.
Can you think of a time when you told the truth, even if it was hard to do?
Think about that time, then find someone you have fun with, a friend or family member, and tell them your story.
Then ask them to tell you about a time they told the truth, even when it was difficult or scary.
Honesty isn't always easy, but it can make you braver and make the world better.
Woo-hoo! This week's story, The Most Fabulous Fur of All, was adapted by me, Rebecca Shear.
It was edited by Nora Sachs. Our original music and sound design is by Eric Shimalonis.
Our artist is Sabina Hahn. Sabina has created a black and white coloring page for every single Circle Round story.
Grown-ups, you can find all 180-plus coloring pages and print them out on our website.
WBUR.org slash CircleRound. Special thanks to this week's actors.
Ryan DeLusung, Jefferson A. Russell, Alexia Trainor.
Astrid W.S. and Koryanka Kilcher, actress of Quechua Huachi descent whom you grown-ups might know from Yellowstone and you kids might recognize from Dora and the lost city of gold.
Koryanka co-wrote, produced, and stars in the feature film Yesteryear, coming out in 2023.
This week's featured instrument was the tenor banjo.
You can learn more about this plucked four-strained instrument and see a photo of Eric Shimalonis playing one on our website.
Once more, that's wbur.org slash circleround.
Grownups, if you enjoy what you hear on Circle Round, please write us a five-star review on apple podcasts or whatever podcast app you use it makes us feel like a million bucks and it helps other listeners find the show.
Circle Round is a production of WBUR, Boston's NPR news station.
I'm Rebecca Shear. Thanks for circling around with us.
One of the best things about creating Circle Round is hearing from listeners like you.
Circle Round fans have been telling us about their favorite Circle Round stories, and we're excited to share some of their voices with Hello, my name is Kyla and I live in Toronto.
My favorite Sugar Land story is that Pooh and I love the part where she hides underneath the table and drinks coffee.
Hi, my name is Freya. I'm from Bayfield, Wisconsin.
My favorite story is the Persimmon Sisters because they run into each other and they think it's a ghost.
Hi, my name is Fiona. I'm from California.
My favorite Circle Round story is Coyote's Wild Ride.
My favorite part about it is when he says you can fry an egg on my rump and it's also My mom's favorite.
My name's Maya. I love to go around a lot.
I live in Abacoque, New Mexico, and I don't exactly have a favorite, but...
I listen to it a lot at bedtime. I feel like it's a really nice and gentle stories.
My name is Danny. My favorite story is about My favorite part is when Mouse Deer tried to trick Tiger.
A snake is funny. It can't be a belt but it's so funny.
Hey circle around, this is Toby and Rosie Jones speaking here.
We're from Springfield, Missouri and we listen to you quite often.
I think our favorite one is the one where it's like the snake.
He says, I'd rather eat the cake or I eat you.
Did someone mention an episode you missed?
No problem. You can find every single Circle Round story on our website.
That's WBUR.org slash CircleRound or wherever you and your grown-ups get your podcasts.
