Elephants are gray. Pigs are pink. Only the chameleon has no color of his own. He is purple like the heather, yellow like a lemon, even black and o...
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Sep 24, 2011
Meghan
rated it: 
In my opinion A Color of His Own is a great story about being yourself and embracing what makes you you. The chameleon in this story is upset that he does not have a color that is all his own. He is upset and he wants to be his own unique chameleon and to feel that he is unique. He goes on a leaf and thinks that finally he will have a color that is all his own, but when the leaves change, so does the chameleon. He then meets another chameleon who tells him that the fact that they can chang
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Feb 23, 2010
Sarai
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Amazon.com Review
Every animal has a color of its own. "Parrots are green, elephants are gray, pigs are pink." But chameleons change color wherever they go. "On lemons they are yellow. In the heather they are purple." One chameleon is not pleased with his changeable appearance. He thinks, "If I remain on a leaf, I shall be green forever, and so I too will have a color of my own." Of course, what he doesn't take into account is the changes wrought by autumn, and More...
Every animal has a color of its own. "Parrots are green, elephants are gray, pigs are pink." But chameleons change color wherever they go. "On lemons they are yellow. In the heather they are purple." One chameleon is not pleased with his changeable appearance. He thinks, "If I remain on a leaf, I shall be green forever, and so I too will have a color of my own." Of course, what he doesn't take into account is the changes wrought by autumn, and More...
Apr 04, 2011
Laura
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I LOVED reading this book by Leo Lionni. A Color of His Own tells the story about a chameleon who just can't seem to stay one color. All of the other animals in the story have a color that never changes, but for some reason, he always changes to blend in with his counterparts. The chameleon runs into a wiser, older chameleon and asks about the problem of always changing colors. After learning from the wise chameleon that their color will never be constant, they decide to stick together. Eve
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Jul 18, 2009
Lv2readB
rated it:
Lionni, L. (1997). A color of his own. New York: Crown.
Summary:
A chameleon searches for his own color, as the other animals have their own color. After trying out different colors, the chameleon finds another chameleon and explains his problem. As friends, they change colors together.
Reviews/Awards:
Publisher's Weekly 6/19/2006
Horn Book Guide 10/1/2001
Horn Book Magazine 10/1/2001
Publisher's Weekly 8/25/1997
Horn Book Guide 9/1/1993
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Summary:
A chameleon searches for his own color, as the other animals have their own color. After trying out different colors, the chameleon finds another chameleon and explains his problem. As friends, they change colors together.
Reviews/Awards:
Publisher's Weekly 6/19/2006
Horn Book Guide 10/1/2001
Horn Book Magazine 10/1/2001
Publisher's Weekly 8/25/1997
Horn Book Guide 9/1/1993
More...
Sep 14, 2011
Jenna
rated it: 
A chameleon is sad because he has no color of his own. Pigs are pink, elephants are grey, and goldfish are red, but the poor little chameleon is the same color as what he is standing on. He wants so much to have a color that can be his, and goes so far as to stay on a leaf so he will stay green. Even this does not work as fall changes the leaves to red and, so too, the chameleon. At last he finds a friend and they decide to go together everywhere so they can at least be the same color as one
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Oct 04, 2011
Caitlin
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This book is for very early primary readers. The book is about a chameleon who wonders why he doesnt have a color of his own. For every object that he stands on he will change to that color. The book is made up of very simple pictures that are filled with enormous amounts of bright colors. This book had a lot of helpful ways to teach a kid in a young classroom. It will allow them to learn the names and figures to an animal, and also learn colors. Every page has a specific color and object that g
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Apr 08, 2011
Brittany
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The story was very cute. Throughout the story colors are enforced as well as acceptance. I think that children would have fun reading this book alone or as a read aloud. It makes me curious how children would react as the chameleon was feeling alone and sad. That being said, maybe a child would be able to connect with those feelings if they are experiencing the same things.
Activates:
- Learning colors
- Learning about chameleons
- Have students use the same mediu More...
Activates:
- Learning colors
- Learning about chameleons
- Have students use the same mediu More...
Sep 01, 2009
Ericka
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I loved this book. It is the story of a chamelon who is looking for his place in the world. He is frustrated because he is constantly changing colors, unlike the other animals who have a color of their own. On his search to find where he belongs, he meets another chamelon and they become friends. Together they discover that its not so hard being different especially when someone can relate. It is a great book for teaching friendship and community. It is also a good book to spark self esteem and
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Sep 19, 2011
Florence
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I wonder if I'll ever give anything of Leo Lionni's anything less than a 5! With Lionni, every animal has a special message for us!
I thoroughly enjoyed walking through the pages of this book with Chameleon, on his journey to self-discovery and appreciation. It's sweet to see him grow from that needy place of wanting to be like others, to that secure place within the friendship of a pal.
I thoroughly enjoyed walking through the pages of this book with Chameleon, on his journey to self-discovery and appreciation. It's sweet to see him grow from that needy place of wanting to be like others, to that secure place within the friendship of a pal.
Feb 28, 2011
Dani
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Leo Lionni's A Color of His Own does a beautiful job attracting young readers. The colorful watercolor illustrations leap off the pages with their white backgrounds, and attract the eye with his unique style. The story itself is simple yet endearing, describing the journey of a young chameleon who finds a true friend in his search for individuality. A great book for new readers.
Oct 14, 2011
Melanie
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A lonely chameleon wanders around trying to find a place to stay so that he will remain one color. Alas, as chameleons do, he changes color with whatever he happens to be standing on. If it's a leaf, he changes colors when the leaf changes. Finally he meets an older and wiser chameleon who invites him to stick around and be friends. That way they will always have each other.
Apr 10, 2011
A Color of His Own is a story about a chameleon that is tired of changing colors and tries to solve this problem by staying next to a leaf. Little does the chameleon know that the leaf changes colors during the seasons. It's such a cute little story that could be used in a science lesson to introduce seasons. This would be a great book for pre-k students.
Dec 05, 2011
Lauren
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I have used this book for a couple differnt read alouds this year. The students respond well to how the colors, the text, and the pictures interact. They are able to draw many personal connections to the book and to their own lives. I like this book because there are many response activities that can come from this book. The students can participate in art activities, writing lessons, and many other extensions. The book can be used with any grade and in any setting. The message of the book appli
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Aug 11, 2009
Family
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Admittedly I am a HUGE Lionni fan and read many of the stories to the kids. I like this one because the colors are more vibrant than in some of his other illustrations, the text is a bit shorter and more accessible for the very young, and the chamelons ability to change color is just plain cool.
Both girls enjoy this one.
Both girls enjoy this one.
Feb 21, 2011
Ealthafer
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I would hope every person has the chance to read/experience this story. It is such a good story about finding friends and someone like you. I would use this book to talk about friends :) This book can be read to students of all ages because it's story is relatable to people of all ages. The illustrations are brought to life with beautiful watercolors and are just as great if not better than the story itself.
Jan 25, 2011
Satin
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In the story the chameleon is sad because unlike all the other animals, he has no color of his own. By the end of the story the chameleon realizes he is not alone, and finds some delight in his situation. I recommend this book because it teaches about individual different and promotes high self-esteem.
May 04, 2010
Beth
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Pigs, elephants, parrots and goldfish share a color. Chameleons change colors all of the time. Chameleon tries to say on the green leaf to maintain a color, but leaves changes colors through seasons. Chameleon finds another Chameleon and they stay together sharing the same color and happiness.
Jun 04, 2009
Lesley
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This story, with accompanying illustrations, does a nice job of incorporating some science (animals, seasons) along with the different colors, especially good for young readers. I think my favorite illustration was the one at the end. Read the book to see which one I'm talking about! :)
Jul 19, 2009
Jeffrey
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I've never really been sure what to make about Leon Lionni's story of a chameleon who wants to find his own color.
True, it preaches acceptance of who you are, but it also underhandedly encourages you to stay among your own kind where you fit in....
True, it preaches acceptance of who you are, but it also underhandedly encourages you to stay among your own kind where you fit in....
Jun 13, 2009
Jeff
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This is a good Leo Lionni title. As in all of his works he has interesting, simple, colorful artwork. The message is a positive one with a message of the power of companionship.
Jan 18, 2008
Sara
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This book had better have some decent pedagogical lesson for a later stage in A.'s life, because right now, it's just annoying his mom. Pigs are pink. OK... but Goldfish are Red? Look at the words! Then the colors don't even line up all the time--things that are supposed to be yellow are in fact spring green in places. Don't little children have a very exacting personality at some point in their development? I can't imagine this would fly. Besides, the whole premise (that chameleons are a
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Apr 26, 2011
Laura
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This little chameleon teaches many life lessons in this Leo Lionni story. He searches and searches for his true self "color" and meets a great friend along the way. They stay together and share their color! I love this book! Great art and friendship book!
Apr 18, 2011
Karelle
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This book is about a chameleon who feels weird because he doesn't have his own color.
Great book to teach about diversity.
Science: can be used in a lesson about reptiles.
Character traits: self-esteem & confidence.
Teaches about diversity.
Great book to teach about diversity.
Science: can be used in a lesson about reptiles.
Character traits: self-esteem & confidence.
Teaches about diversity.
Apr 18, 2011
Betty
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The chameleons change their colors depand on the objects or the background. One chameleon wants his own color as the other animals. Another chameleon comes to him and go everywhere together, so both of them have the same color all the time.
Feb 02, 2011
Sung
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This book can easily be translated into a lesson about diversity. A chameleon wants a color that is all his and not constantly changing. It's also a good book to talk about different colors. Definitely can be used for a lesson on chameleons.
May 03, 2010
Kira
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A simplistic easy read for students. This book could be connected to other content areas like science because they talk about season changes, colors of leaves changing, as well as camouflage. This could also be turned into a fun art activity.
Sep 01, 2010
Tuyet
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The iguana has trouble finding his own identity. Where does he belongs? After I read this book, I learned that it took a while for children, even adults, to realize who they are. Searching for a sense of belonging is not easy at all.
Aug 09, 2008
george
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Every animal has its own color. Elephants are gray and parrots are green. But the chameleons change wherever they go to blend in with the environment. One poor chameleon only wants a color just for himslef, so he comes up with a plan. He will stay on a leaf and be green all the time. Excpet then the leaf turns yellow, and then reddish brown...and the chameleon of course changes with it. Will he ever get his own color?
I'm so-so about this one. It irks me that "goldfish are red." More...
I'm so-so about this one. It irks me that "goldfish are red." More...
Aug 15, 2011
Elevenpetals
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This is a special book for me. :) I've given it as gifts to quite a few of my friends. Sometimes we just won't fit in, no matter how hard we try. This book reminds us that family or friends make it all ok. :)
Jun 30, 2010
Ahmad
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I like this book because it depicts a story of a chameleon who was sad because he never stayed one color. Throughout the story the chameleon is in search of his on true color, and finds something else instead.
