Review: A COLOURFUL CHANGELING
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 15, 2013
This book exposes the plight of a colourblind chameleon who lives in the Amazon forest. As he journeys through forests, valleys, and waterways, this poor creature is unable to camouflage himself in the environment like his fellow chameleons. While his friends simply change to green when hiding in the forest or blue when it rains, he explodes into colors like purple or even worse, might accidentally transform into polka dots and stripes. Not only is he different, but he cannot control himself because he is unable to realize what color is being projected. What a dilemma for a creature whose strength is to be able to blend in; all this chameleon is able to do is stand out!Will this little chameleon be condemned to be an outcast? Not a chance. One day he comes across a suitcase whose contents have been strewn all over the landscape. He does indeed find clothes and accessories that he can use to transform himself. When some of his chameleon friends drop by to visit, they get an unexpected surprise as well.The illustrations in this short book are very colourful just like our friend, the colourblind chameleon. They are drawn in a non-traditional format as the book does not follow the same pattern page by page. In fact, many of the pages look very similar to a comic book or children’s graphic novel. This should not pose a problem for children who are independent readers, but might be difficult for a younger child to follow. Still the text is not difficult and most children age six and up will be able to master it. Children will grasp the lesson that being different or having a disability might appear to be a difficult challenge, but that persistence and good will toward others will enable one to succeed. Take a peek at our colourblind chameleon friend’s short story. You and your child will not be disappointed.