The Tales of Shan the Story Teller
The Tales of Shan the Story Teller: Tubby the Hero is a work designed for young readers in which the author blends themes of tolerance and friendship into a story about a group of animals who learn the value of helping those in need. Shan is a beaver that tells tales to all of his animal friends, and the text finds him relating to a yarn about a turtle named Tubby. Tubby is a friendly fellow, but he is distraught because of a mean alligator named Freddie. Freddie loves to chase the other animals ostensibly to eat them, but Tubby is unable to outrun him. This means that Tubby is left behind while the others go off to play, until a surprising thing happens. Tubby finds Freddie trapped underneath the water one day, and although Freddie has been mean to Tubby and his friends, Tubby feels compelled to help him. Although the other animals are still afraid of Freddie, they reluctantly agree to assist, and soon Tubby’s craftiness allows them to pull Freddie free of his trap. Afterwards, the companions are pleased at Freddie’s kindly change of heart, and they are happy to have gained a new friend.