Encore: The Stork King

0:00Hey parents, it's Ben Brock Johnson from the WBWR Podcasts team. Circle Round is supported by DoorDash. DoorDash is for those parent moments when the plan falls apart. And as a parent of twins, I can relate. I have a lot of my plates. You know what I often don't have on my plate? Dinner or the groceries with which to make said dinner. Sometimes a swimsuit will go missing even though I thought we had like four of those. Groceries, retail, dinner, supplies, DoorDash can help with all of these things. When DoorDash brings the goods right to our door, dad gets a little more time for himself and a little more time for a good bedtime story. When life gets crazy, DoorDash brings some order to it. Order now. Support for WBWR comes from MathWorks, creator of MATLAB and Simulink Software, to design and develop engineered systems, accelerating the pace of discovery in engineering and science.

1:01Learn more at mathworks.com. Hello listeners, welcome back to Circle Round. My name is Ben Brock Johnson. You might recognize me as the guy who reads those ads in the show sometimes. You know the ones. But that's not my only job. I'm one of the people who helps bring Circle Round to life. So today, I'm sharing a story dear to my heart because it is about something that I love to do. Taking risks. So Circle Round everyone for The Stork King. WBWR podcasts. Boston. Ever heard the expression, nothing ventured, nothing gained. What it means is if you want to achieve something, often you have to take risks. In today's story, three characters take a big risk and they wind up gaining more than

2:06they ever expected. I'm Rebecca Sheer and welcome to Circle Round, where story time happens all the time. Today our story is called The Stork King. It's inspired by tales from the Eastern European country of Ukraine. Some really great people came together to bring you our version of this tale, including Julian Learner, who most recently starred in the reboot of The Wonder Years on ABC. Kids you can hear Julian's voice in the PBS animated series, Almost Way. So Circle Round everyone for The Stork King. Once upon a time, way out in the country, there lived a wheat farmer. The wheat farmer had three children, Maxim, Sasha and Yuri, and the family spent long days

3:09diligently working the land. Okay, so maybe not everyone in the family. While Yuri was always quick to offer help, I'll help you mother. Maxim and Sasha were quick to offer excuses. I would help you mother, but I feel a head cold coming on. And I feel a stomach bug. And did I mention I have a back ache? And I have the worst ear ache. One sunny morning while Yuri was running errands, and Maxim and Sasha were running on about their aches and pains and head colds. And stomach bugs. The farmer went out to the stable where she kept her oxen. The two strong creatures were the only animals the farmer could afford, and they were excellent workers when it came to plowing, planting and harvesting. Good morning, my brownie friends. It's time for some plowing.

4:11I'll just get the cart here and... What in the world? The farmer gassed as the wheat field suddenly grew dark as if a large shadow had fallen across it. What happened to the sun? It'll hold much of storm clouds roll in and cover up the sky. The farmer tilted her head upward, but she did not see a bunch of storm clouds. Instead, she saw a stalk. That's right. But not just any stalk. This stalk was huge. Its body was nearly as long as the oxen's stable, and its outstretched wings were nearly as wide as the farmer's house. Greetings, farmer. I am the stalk king. As the enormous bird glided to the ground, the farmer was at a loss for words. She had never been in the presence of a gargantuan stalk before. Let alone a royal one who spoke.

5:13Greetings, your highness. To what do I owe the pleasure of this most unexpected visit? Well, it just so happens that I too have a farm. Right outside my silver palace. My workers could use an extra hand. So I've come to take your oxen. Take my oxen. The farmer felt her heart clenched. You can't take my oxen. I need them to plow, plant and harvest wheat. So my children and I can make a living. I see. The stalk king blinked his bright gray eyes. In that case, how about I take one of your children instead? Some human assistance could be useful. The choice is yours. The farmer shuttered down to her workboots. Was this talking bird really forcing her to decide between her oxen and her offspring?

6:18Listen, I am not about to part with any member of my family. Oh, fine. You can take the oxen. The stalk king gazed at the farmer. Then he lowered his head until he was looking her straight in the eye. I see you possess a good heart, farmer. So in return for your oxen, I will offer payment. Have one of your children visit my palace. I will send them home with whatever reward they choose. The farmer felt relieved and confused. Oh, I appreciate the offer, Your Highness. And I will take you up on it. But we don't know where your palace is. How are we supposed to find it? Let's just say anyone can find it if they play their cards, right? But you can start by looking east of the morning star.

7:20Thank you for the oxen. And with that, the great bird seized both oxen in his talons. And with a few flaps of his enormous wings, he disappeared from view. Will one of the farmers, children find the stalk king's palace? And if they do, what reward do you think they'll bring home? We'll find out what happens after a quick break. Hey parents, it's Ben Brock Johnson from the WBWR Podcasts team. Circle round is supported by DoorDash. DoorDash is for those parent moments when the plan falls apart. And as a parent of twins, I can relate. I have a lot on my plates. You know what I often don't have on my plate? Dinner or the groceries with which to make said dinner. Sometimes a swimsuit will go missing even though I thought we had like four of those.

8:21Groceries, retail, dinner, supplies, DoorDash can help with all of these things. When DoorDash brings the goods right to our door, dad gets a little more time for himself and a little more time for a good bedtime story. When life gets crazy, DoorDash brings some order to it. Order now. 100 years from now in a land far far away. Hang on, it's not so far away at all actually. Hey circle round families, we're here to share a new listening experience from WBWR, the Midnight Rebellion. It's a climate podcast adventure for kids 8 and up. Time-traveling problem solving, laughs and danger is here. Follow the feed to listen. Oh, and bring your goggles and boots. Midnight Rebellion in your feed or wherever you get podcasts. I'm Rebecca Sheer, welcome back to Circle Round.

9:21Today our story is called The Stork King. Before the break, the Stork King took both of the farmers, Oxen. In exchange, he promised a reward, which one of her three children would have to pick up at his silver palace. That evening, as the family gathered around the kitchen table for a humble dinner, the farmer made an announcement. Maxim Sasha, Yuri, I have something to tell you. What is it mother? And please make it quick because I'm fighting off this stomach mug. And I'm dealing with this backache. I thought you said it was an earache. And I thought you said it was a head cold. Children, please. I called you here because I have some news.

10:22So listen up. The farmer took a breath. Then told the story of her visit from the Stork King. Maxim and Sasha gaped at their mother as if she had just declared she was from outer space. So mother, you're telling us you met a giant talking Stork? Yes, Maxim. And this giant talking Stork made off with our Oxen? That's right, Sasha. And you're sure you didn't dose off in the fields and start dreaming or something? Because this story sounds ridiculous. Oh, come on, you two. Yuri wagged a finger at his siblings. Oh, stop making fun. I for one believe mother story. And I volunteer to visit the Stork King's Palace to get a reward. Surely it will be valuable enough to take in a town and trade for two new Oxen. Maybe even more. The farmer shook her head. Why appreciate the offer, Yuri.

11:24But I can't send you to the Stork King's Palace. There's too much for you to do here on the farm. Without our Oxen, we're in danger of going hungry. So I'll need you to work extra hard. The farmer flashed Yuri a smile, then turned toward Maxim. Maxim, I want you to visit the Stork King's Palace and bring back the reward. Me? Maxim shifted in his seat. He certainly didn't love the idea of embarking on a potentially dangerous journey to a destination that he may or may not ever find. But he didn't want to go hungry, either. All right, fine. I'll do it. I'll leave first thing tomorrow. So the next morning, just before dawn, Maxim pulled himself out of bed, stuffed some crusty bread into a bag, then set off east of the morning star. He traipsed through flower-covered meadows and walked across babbling brooks.

12:28He trekked up and down grassy nolls. With each step he grew weary and hungrier. And after winding his way into a thick green forest, he stopped beside a rushing stream for a rest and a snack. But just as he tore off a hunk of bread, he heard a voice. Harden me, sir. Could you please share your bread with me? Maxim turned his head, hopping into the clearing, was a stork, a regular sized stork, with one of her wings drooping and dragging behind her. With this injured wing of mine, it's so hard to find food. I'd appreciate a nipple. Now, if you were in Maxim's shoes, you'd probably feel pity in your heart, right? Well, all Maxim felt was hunger in his stomach. Look, stork. It's not going to happen. I've been traveling for hours and I am famished.

13:31Not only that, but I have a long journey ahead, so I'll need every bite I have. I'm going to visit the palace of the stork king. The stork cocked her head. The palace of the stork king? I know how to get there. If you let me perch in your shoulder, I'll show you the way. Maxim's scoffed. You're joking, right? I'm already exhausted. How could I possibly carry a lanky bird like you on my shoulder? No way. All right. Suit yourself. And with that, the stork blinked her gray eyes, then spread both of her wings and flew away. Huh? Would you look at that? That bird flew away without any problem. Yet she tried to convince me she had an injured wing. What a phony. Good thing I didn't fall for her trick. Maxim took a bite of bread, then rose to his feet and resumed his journey through the

14:34thick green forest. Okay. So if I want to head east of the morning star, then I need to go this way. Or perhaps that way? Oh dear. This forest is so dense I've gotten all turned around. Maxim zigged and zagged and zigged until he found himself helplessly, hopelessly lost. He staggered over to a tree, curled up beneath it, then dropped off to sleep. Meanwhile, back at the farm, the rest of Maxim's family was patiently awaiting his return. But after a few days, the farmer was losing hope. Sasha, you'rey. It's been days, and Maxim has yet to return. I fear he never will. Don't you worry, mother. I'll go out and look for him.

15:34Then he and I will go to the store King's palace together. Oh, I appreciate the offer, Yuri. No, I need your help on the farm. She turned toward Sasha. Sasha, I want you to go out and find Maxim and the store King's palace, if you're able. Otherwise, we'll have some very hard times ahead. Like Maxim, Sasha wasn't too keen on heading into the great unknown, but she didn't want to starve either. For the next morning, she stuffed a boiled potato into a bag and headed east of the morning star. She wound up taking the exact same path Maxim had, traipsing through flowered covered meadows, walking across babbling brooks, trekking up and down grassy noles, and before long she found herself in the same thick green forest. Like her brother before her, she found the rushing stream and stopped for a rest and a

16:35snack. Just as she was taking her boiled potato out of her bag, excuse me, miss, could you please share your potato with me? Sasha turned her head and wouldn't you know it. There was the same store, Maxim had seen, with one of her wings dragging behind her. With this injured wing of mine, it's so hard to gather food. I'd appreciate just one bite. Now you know what Maxim said to the store, right? Well, as you can probably guess, Sasha was no different. Not a chance, Stork. I've been wondering all day and I am ravenous. Plus, I have a lengthy voyage ahead, so I'll need all the food I can get. I'm on my way to the palace of the Stork King. The palace of the Stork King? I know how to reach it. If you let me perch on your shoulder, I'll show you the way.

17:37Sasha rolled her eyes. Oh, come on. Do you really think I'm about to show for around a big unwieldy bird like you? It's your ride from someone else. Very well. Suit yourself. And with that, the Stork took to the air and flew off. Get a load of that. That bird wasn't injured at all. Lucky for me, I didn't fall for her trick. Sasha took a bite of potato, then got to her feet and continued her journey through the thick green forest. But just like her brother before her. If I'm trying to head east of the morning star, then I need to take this path. Or maybe that one. Sasha ziggged and zagged and ziggged until she had no idea where she was.

18:43She stumbled over to a bush, snuggled up beside it, then drifted off to sleep. Meanwhile, back at the farm, the farmer was worried sick about Maxim and Sasha. So once again, Yuri volunteered his services. I'll go out and find the mother. Maybe I'll find the Stork King's Palace too. Then we'll be doubly rewarded. I admire your confidence, Yuri. But you're all I have left. What if something happens to you out there? Look, mother. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Please, let me do this. The farmer finally gave in. And early the next morning, Yuri stuffed half ahead of cabbage into a bag and began journeying east of the morning star. As it happens, he took the exact same path his siblings did and wound up in the thick green forest.

19:44And just as he paused by the stream for a rest and a snack, who should he see but the Stork with the drooping wing? I beg your pardon, sir. Could you please share your cabbage with me? Now, you remember what Yuri's siblings told the store, right? Well, as you can guess, Yuri's answer was completely different. Of course I can share my cabbage. It must be hard to find food with an injured wing. So here, have as much as you want. Thank you. You are so kind. Yuri handed the Stork his cabbage. The grateful bird took a nibble. So tell me, where are you off to? Well, I'm supposed to be looking for the palace of the Stork King so I can get a reward from the oxen he took from my family's farm. But I'm also trying to find my brother and sister. Hmm, I don't know about your siblings. But I do know how to find the Stork King's palace. If you let me perch on your shoulder, I'll show you the way.

20:47Now, we all know that Maxim scoffed at the bird's offer as did Sasha, but Yuri sympathized. Of course I'll let you perch on my shoulder. Climb on. Yuri held out his shoulder. To his surprise, however, the bird did not climb on. Instead, she spread both her wings and motion toward her back. Actually, how about if you climb on instead? Yuri was astonished and overjoyed. He slung a leg over the Storks back and they soared into the sky. They flew over mountains and rivers and plains and men as they passed above a wide green valley. We're nearly there. Hold on tight. Yuri clung to the Storks neck as they dove downward. When they landed, towering above them was a magnificent palace. But every last inch crafted from pure, sparkling silver. Here we are! The Stork King's palace.

21:47This is where you part ways, my friend. But before I go, one piece of advice. When the Stork King asks you what you want in exchange for the oxen, tell him you want nothing more than what he puts under his pillow each night. What he puts under his pillow each night. All right? You've been so kind. So all do as you say. But will I ever find my brother and sister? If you play your cards right! And with those words, the Stork spread her wings and flew away. Yuri knocked at the palace's silver door. A pair of Stork guards let him in and ushered him into a great hall where he found the Stork King wearing a long, silver robe and sitting high on a silver throne. You must be one of the farmers' children. I owe you for two oxen, and I always keep my word. So tell me, what would you like as payment?

22:51Yuri glanced around the grand room. He saw all sorts of riches, silver platters on a silver table, silver candlesticks mounted on silver walls, a silver chandelier sparkling from the silver ceiling. I can see your palace is filled with many valuable things, your highness. But all I ask in return for the oxen is what you put under your pillow each night. The Stork King's gray eyes grew dark. That is what you request. What I put under my pillow each night. Yes! Nothing more. Nothing less. The Stork King fell silent. It looked to Yuri as if he were gnashing his teeth if Storks had teeth. But then the King took a deep breath and to let it out slowly. Ah! Very well. You may have what you ask for. God!

23:53Bring this fellow his reward. The guards rushed out of the hall. When they returned, they handed Yuri a ring, a plain round ring not made of silver, but some other dull metal. Now take your reward in cold. Before I changed my mind. Yuri stuffed the ring into his pocket and ran from the palace. Once he burst through the silver doors, he took out the ring and stared at it. Hmm. I wonder why the Stork King was so upset about me taking this ring. Compared with the riches in his palace, it seems worthless. And here I was thinking I would bring home something valuable enough to trade for two new oxen. Now all I have is a silly ring. And my brother and sister are so missing. Ugh. What a horrible fortune. I wish I could just be back at the farm and join a delicious meal with my family, my

24:56entire family. I wish, oh, I wish I wish. As Yuri threaded, he absent mindedly pushed the ring onto his finger and twisted it around. And the moment he did, do you know what happened? There was a flash of light. And next thing Yuri knew, he was back at his farm, sitting at his kitchen table. The table was piled high with delicious food and clustered around it where none other than his mother and siblings. They all looked just as surprised as Yuri was. Yuri, you're back. And Maxum, Sasha, you've returned to. Oh, but how? And where did all this food come from? Maxum and Sasha were flummoxed. I have no idea, mother. Me either. But as for Yuri. Suddenly, he knew exactly how they all came to be sitting in the kitchen gazing at this

25:59beautiful feast under the table. He gave the ring on his finger a quick turn. Then, under his breath, he made one more wish. The next day, when the farmer woke up, she was pleasantly surprised at what she found outside. Standing in the stable was an entire team of new oxen. And working in the fields were all three of her children. Yuri was plowing. Maxum was planting, and Sasha was harvesting without a headache, back ache or ear ache to be found. Now, it's your turn. If you had the Stork King's magic ring, and you could wish for anything at all, what would it be? Draw a picture of what it would look like if your wish came true. Then show your picture to someone you have fun with.

27:00And if you'd like, share it with us. Grown up so you can snap a photo of your circle round fan and their artwork and email it to circleround at wbr.org. This week's episode, The Stork King was adapted by me, Rebecca Sheer. It was edited by Sophie Codner. Our original music and sounds design is by Eric Shemelonis. Our artist is Sabina Hahn. What's a color while you listen? Sabina has drawn a black and white picture for all 200 plus circle round stories and you can print them out and add your own colors. Grown up, visit our website, wbr.org slash circle round and click on coloring pages. And while you're at wbr.org slash circle round, you can support our public radio podcast by joining the Circle round club. To show our thanks, we'll send you a circle round welcome box, weekly activity emails, a monthly newsletter, you'll also get early access to circle round events.

28:01Other benefits can include add free episodes, bite sized bedtime stories, music education videos, and a personalized birthday message from me. The wbr.org slash circle round and click circle round club. Special thanks to this week's actors, Theodore Chin, Dave Edson, Kim Miller, Jessica Rao, Mary and Toro, and Julian Learner. Julian Learner most recently starred in the reboot of The Wonder Years on ABC. Kids, you can hear Julian's voice in the PBS animated series, Alma's Way. Our featured instrument this week was the hammered dulcimer. You can learn more about this trapezoid shaped stringed instrument that you play with, yes, hammers on our website. Again, that's wbr.org slash circle round. Grown ups, enjoy what you hear on Circle round, then please help us spread the word by leaving a five star review on your favorite podcast app, telling your friends about the show, and talking about us on social media. Our Facebook and Instagram handle is at Circle round podcast.

29:05Circle round is a production of WBUR, Boston's NPR news station. I'm Rebecca Sheer. 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. My name's Inara. I live in England and I love Circle round. My favorite story is a dozen lives of bread. My favorite part is when the dozen lives of bread fly out the window of course. My name is Lucy. I live in St George's, Utah. My favorite episode of Circle round is in the middle of the year. I like the part where he prepares to do the big challenges with the ogre.

30:09My name is A.O. and I live in St George's North Carolina. My favorite Circle round story is the dust up because I like the pulpen audio more and more and more. One of the fine models. My name is Evie Adam from Vermont. My favorite Circle round story is a taste of honey because I like the poet when O.K. I know do you believe how much gold we found today? Hi my name is Lex and I'm from Boston, Massachusetts and my favorite Circle round is the princess in the egg. I like the power. The princess says to them these flower paths contain roasted peas, roasted corn and a few roasted chestnuts. My name is Vivian. I live in Austin, Texas. My favorite story is when the free wagon part says it's time to skip and skip and skip.

31:13Did 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 O so much more on our website wbruxlashcircleround.