The Circle is not your ordinary children's music album. It uses fun and creative songs to teach children about diversity and social and environmental justice, while inspiring families to engage in conversations about America's core democratic values. Written by singer songwriter Joe Reilly over the course of several years while working with students in Detroit, Chicago, and in the Ann Arbor Public Schools, the album features many talented local musicians including members of the Detroit Children's Choir, folk music duo Red Tail Ring (Kalamazoo), drummer Gayelynn McKinney, bass players Marion Hayden, Gene Fiero, and Max Lockwood, pianist and vocalist Allison Radell, vocalists Lesley-Anne Stone and May Erlewine, flutist Cynthia Page-Bogen, and percussionists Mark Stone, Lori Fithian, and Jamie Rusling. In addition to the 15 songs on The Circle, the album includes 4 excerpts from interviews with elders who have been influential in Joe's life, including civil rights legend Grace Lee Boggs. These bits of elders' wisdom complement the songs with voices of experience, strength, hope, and compassion. The album comes at a time when children are in need of positive and encouraging messages of acceptance and inclusion in our country, regardless of their background. The Circle features songs about the common good, interconnectedness, tolerance, inclusivity, and gratitude. It even includes a song that confronts the grief and healing of losing a loved one. The Circle includes two bilingual songs: one in Spanish and English, and another in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) and English, and has something important to say to all children.