Summer brings memorable times of camping, campfires, and S’mores. It is also a great time to create a circular story with friends and family while sitting around a campfire or the dinner table. Telling a story out loud for others to add to becomes a verbal literary connection. It helps with sequence, transitions, and cognitive/creative development. You can even “Write It” down.

What do you think about when you hear “Circular Stories”? Circular means having the form of a circle. A circular story would end at the same place it began.  Circular stories are narratives written in a repeated sequence.  For example, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff, the story follows the mishaps of a mouse when he gets a cookie and it leads the reader to predictable outcomes. The mouse’s adventure ends back to the beginning when he gets another cookie. Other good examples of circular books are If you Give a Moose a Muffin by Laura Joffe Numeroff, The Mitten by Jan Brett, and Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock by Eric A. Kimmel.

How do we create a circular story? Start with a setting and a character, create a sequence of events, and remember to end where you began. It can be a simple plot or more detailed. Have everyone add their ideas!

Here is an example of a simple circular story:

Little Cardinal lived with his family in a nest where the sun shined brightly and a light breeze ruffled his red feathers slightly. “I am bored of just sitting here! I am ready to fly and have adventures!”

No, my sweet little love, you are not ready. We have not taught you all the rules of the wild yet,” Mother Cardinal said lovingly.

But, early one morning, Little Cardinal flew away. He flew as far as his tiny wings would take him. As he got tired, he looked down and saw a perch. He landed with a thump, because he had not yet learned to land gingerly.

“Hmm. I will stay here and find adventure.” But, Little Cardinal did not see off in the distance a clutter of cats staring up at him.

“Yummy!” said a cat. “Delicious,” said another. “Let’s get him!” the largest cat said.

Luckily Little Cardinal flew away before the cats pounced.

He flew as far his tiny wings would take him. Little Cardinal looked for another place to land. He noticed a branch where the leaves were golden brown.

He landed with a thump on the branch.

He looked around and noticed he was all alone.

“Hmmm, I will stay here and find adventure,” he thought.

As the sun disappeared into dusk, Little Cardinal grew very cold. Much too cold for him. He shivered and tried to wrap his wings around himself.

“I am too cold here. I must fly away.” And, he did.

He flew as far his tiny wings would take him. He looked down and saw a little nest. It was full of leaves, grasses, and feathers. It looked cozy and warm. There were no cats and the air felt just right.

“Hmmm. I think I will stay here and find adventure.” He again landed with a thump.

“My sweet, little love! You have come back to us!” Mama Cardinal cried with joy.

“Mama, Mama! I think you were right. I have not yet learned the rules of the wild.” Little Cardinal snuggled up to his Mama and felt content. “I think I will find the best adventures right here for now.” He winked.

The End

Now, it is your turn. Add to this story and give the Little Cardinal more adventures or make up your own. Remember, Magic Dragon would like to read your stories, too. Please submit them for everyone’s enjoyment.