Review of CHUBBO'S POOL

1. Bibliography

                  Lewin, Betsy. 1996. Chubbo’s Pool. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 039572807X

2. Plot Summary

            “‘GET OUT OF MY POOL!’ roared Chubbo” (Lewin, p.14). Chubbo is a selfish hippo who doesn’t wish to share the pool he found with the other thirsty animals. The sun rises and the water begins to lower, and Chubbo finds that he has an important lesson still to learn. Based on a real hippo in Botswana’s Okavango (Lewin, p.32), Chubbo’s Pool is able to show the importance of sharing and friends to all ages.

3. Critical Analysis

            The realistic artwork in Chubbo’s Pool allows for the reader to be transported for a short period of time to experience the Botswana wildlife. Watercolor usage (Lewin) allows for Betsy Lewin to show a variation of shading without any sharp definition from dramatic lines. This approach gives a softening affect to what otherwise might be construed to some as a harsh natural wildlife. The variation of shades in the same colors also allows for a more colorful approach to artwork that consists mainly of cold colors (i.e blues, green, and browns). The animals presented in the pictures are a positive recreation to actual wildlife allowing children to see and learn about the real animals and their lives.

            Lewin uses inspiration from a “real hippo who refused to share his part of the river with anyone else” (Lewin, p.32) to create her tale. Every part of her story helps lead the reader to the climax and also a change of character in Chubbo; making this an inspirational picture book for all ages.

4. Reviews

School Library Journal; “The text is simple but rhythmic and rich with expressive adjectives, excellent for reading aloud. The book demonstrates the same high standards for presenting an unusual topic as Lewin's Booby Hatch (Clarion, 1995).”

Booklist; "Lewin's translucent watercolors offer a realistic portrait of Botswana wildlife set against a spectacular backdrop of sun-filled scenery. Inspired by the author's experience in Botswana, this is a delightful tale that humorously conveys the value of sharing and the joys of friendship. A pictorial glossary of the animals is appended."

5. Connections

* Gather other books by Betsy Lewin, and look at how she uses animals to convey the story to children.

* Have each participant think about a time that they shared with others, and using the animals presented Chubbo’s Pool create a drawing.

* Discuss why Chubbo doesn’t mind the cattle egret who is represented pictorially throughout the story? Why might Betsy Lewin have included the bird in the drawings but no in the story?

* Other stories about values and friendships:

   Pfister, Marcus. Hang on, Hopper!. ISBN 9781558584044

   Hills, Tad. Duck & Goose. ISBN 9780375836114

  McDonald, Megan. Ant and Honey Bee: What a Pair!. ISBN 9780763612658

   Schenk de Regniers, Beatrice. May I Bring a Friend?. ISBN 9780689206153