Chamelia

Chamelia

by Ethan Long

Meet Chamelia, the irrepressible chameleon who doesn't like to blend in-for fans of spirited characters like Olivia and Fancy Nancy!

Most chameleons are famous for their amazing camouflage skills and prefer to fit in, but Chamelia the chameleon prefers to stand out. She just loves being the center of attention. But when standing out means being left out, can Chamelia learn to share the spotlight?

Ethan Long's zippy text and playful collages using high-fashion fabric patterns and textures to create a bright, friendly tale just right for young kids developing interpersonal skills in social settings.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, School, Fiction, Animals, Self Esteem, Storytime

40 pages, Hardcover

First published May 3, 2011

About the author

Ethan Long is a popular, award-winning and internationally recognized children's book author and illustrator with over 70 children's books, a Theodor Seuss Geisel Award and an Emmy-nominated television series to his credit. Just about all of his awake time is spent writing stories, drawing pictures and spending time with his family. Since graduating from Ringling College of Art and Design in 1991, Ethan has never stopped evolving, challenging his creative approach with each new project while constantly honing his instantly identifiable style. Born and raised in Central Pennsylvania, his childhood memories serve as inspiration for many of his drawings and stories. He currently lives with his wife and three children in beautiful Orlando, Florida, USA and flip flops seamlessly between being a world famous children's book author and a stay-at-home dad.

Reviews

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and short story about a chameleon with unique fashion sense and personality that doesn't always go over well with others.

To be honest, I don't know how much I like the idea that it is better and more acceptable to stand out in small ways than big ones. At least the book focuses on the idea that blending in is important if you're on a sports team, in a play, or in a chorus because it makes sense in those situations to not overshadow everyone else and be more of a team player.

[Eboni · Rating 2 out of 5]

So the moral of this story is...it's okay to NOT be yourself?

Okay fine, the author says there's a way to do both stand out AND blend in, but I've never read a book touting the positives of following the crowd. Is there a huge audience that needs to hear this?

[The Library Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love the artwork, the gorgeous textiles. Not sure I like the message--sort of reminds me of Frank Burns of M*A*S*H saying that individuality is fine "as long as we all do it together".

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a lot of "be yourself" books out there. This one is instantly among my favorites because it plays on the idea that Chameleons "blend in" but Chamelia "stands out." I also like that it makes the subject just a little more complex because it's showing kids how to stand out and not be ostracized for it. Not that it advocates subduing your personality, but more being logical (don't wear heels to play soccer). Lovely little book!

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a funny and sweet tale about a chameleon who doesn't want to "just fit in." Chamelia has a very distinct sense of her own style and is not afraid to express it. But she also learns that there's a time and a place for expressing her fashion; sometimes it helps to conform, too (like wearing soccer cleats vs. high heels on the soccer field.) We really enjoyed reading this story together and our girls loved her clothing!

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one just kind of left me scratching my head at that the message is supposed to be. So, standing out is bad, and blending in but standing out a little is good?? It was just confusing. But, the pictures were nice. I don't think I'll be using this in story time. I'm not a fan of the mixed messages and there's nothing about this one that makes it good enough to overcome those mixed messages. just meh for me.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chamelia chameleon does not like to blend in at all. She takes great care to make sure she makes a statement everyday. But she eventually realizes that sticking out all the time has disadvantages. She tries blending in (doing what everyone else is doing) while still standing out (her clothes) and it works!

[Chinook · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was conflicted with this one. I think maybe there needed to somehow be more to emphasize that sometimes if we want to do sports we need specific equipment to play safely and that when we do team activities, like soccer or choir, that we need to work as a team without diluting the sense that individuals should also shine for who they are.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chamelia the chameleon likes to be seen - she wants to stand out. However, things go wrong and she feels left out. Her parents talk about fitting in and being yourself. Chamelia learns how to be true to herself and fit in activities with friends.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Chamelia wonders if there's a way join in and be herself."

It's okay to stand out, but sometimes it's good to join in, too. Chamelia, who loves to stand out, tries to find a balance.

[Cara Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable!

[Enya Medero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute story!!

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little story about the chameleon who wants to stand out.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all have a need to be noticed. I love how Chamelia works through this.

[K]

I learned that everything can't be fancy

[Mackenzie Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

[Lisa Mcbroom · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book made me angry. Long took a wonderful quirky character and turned her into a conformist!

[Mountain Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still have this book and enjoy reading it even now as a young adult. Chamelia reminds me of myself when I was little. A spunky doesn't care if her dress gets dirty, will try anything and everything, and always has the perfect outfit kind of girl. So cute! I love it!

[Cindy Huskey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chamelia is no ordinary chameleon. Rather than blend in as most chameleons do, Chamelia prefers to bounce to the beat of her own drum with flash and flair. However, the chameleon’s dramatic apparel is met with disapproving glares, wardrobe malfunctions, and much laughing behind her back. Dejected, Chamelia soon discovers a way to join in without compromising her personality. Using digital collage illustration, Long highlights Chamelia’s flamboyant character through the layering of equally ostentatious fabrics, which presents a vivid contrast to the softer hues of the other characters and settings. Long captures Chamelia’s struggle to find a balance between fitting in and standing out. However, the message that vying to be the center of attention somehow warrants ridicule and scorn is troubling in an age where the pervasiveness of bullying challenges schools across the nation. If used as a teachable moment, this book will appeal to early school aged children.

[Penny McGill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet family returned this book today and I just had to bring it home for the girls. Oh my. Chamelia has captured our hearts. And there is a second book about her! We've read it several times and wish that we knew a chameleon - or any other animal - as cool as she is.

Chamelia is the kind of girl/lizard who stands out and embraces her differences. The story shows us that her life isn't all about blending in, despite what her parents might want her to do, but she keeps her chin up and it's the kind of book you know you could read again and again.

Going to try it with a storytime crowd next week. See you Chamelia looks as a cardstock paper doll with some groovy googly eyes and a chance to add some pizzazz to her outfits. Glitter and sequins might just do the trick.

Chamelia is a treat to read aloud and would make a sweet choice for any kid who wants to hear a story about what it's like to try and fit in. Or not.

[Taylor Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chamelia is a young chameleon who likes to defy her stereotypical way of life by standing out against everything, rather than blending in. However, Chamelia begins to struggle with her desire to stand out because she begins to feel left out. Chamelia thought that it was so important to be different that she excluded herself from the people around her. With the help of her parents, Chamelia eventually finds a way to be included and go along with the cround, but manage to stand out in her own way. This was a very cute story, filled with vibrant and animated illustrations. I enjoyed this book and feel that it is great for children to read because they discover that it is okay to stand out form the crowd at times. One shouldn't be afraid to be themselves, and this is what the book, Chamelia, teaches children.

[Makenzie Sliva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chamelia is a sweet book about a chameleon named Chamelia. Chamelia isn't the average chameleon because instead of blending in with her surroundings, she likes to stand out. As the story progresses, Chamelia starts to have trouble standing out and she begins to feel left out. By the end of the book, she finds a happy medium where she blends in with those around her, but also finds a way to stand out as well. This book teaches the reader that they should always be themselves. It teaches them not to try too hard to be different and that they should just be who they are. The illustrations in this book were adorable and filled with fun bright colors. This book would be great for young readers to enjoy and it could be used in many classrooms. I loved this cute little book and I would recommend it to others!

[Brittaney Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long, E. (2011). Chamelia. New York: Little Brown and Company.

"Chamelia" is a story of a chameleon who doesn't just blend in she stands out! Chamelia beats to her own drum with great fashion sense I might add. She never seems to fit in though with anyone or any place and a discouraged Chamelia thinks there may be no place for her. But, Chamelia soon realizes she can find a way to join in without giving up her own personality and style. I just loved this main character in this story. This story shows kids sense of pride and owning ones self and not being afraid to show who you are. I think children would love this story, definitely for kindergarten to maybe third grade. It is definitely geared toward the early childhood age group. I would recommend this book. It has a good message and the illustrations are well done and entertaining.

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Summer Reading Day 61: Our book today was Chamelia by Ethan Long, a short and sweet story about a little chameleon girl who loves to stand out. As messages go, this book had sort of a complicated one: Chamelia is an original, and loves to be different from everyone else, but she lacks the understanding that her constant rebelling can affect others negatively.

Honestly, I’m not sure how I felt about the conclusion that Chamelia needed to try to blend in with everyone else (she’s a chameleon, get it?) by giving up some of her individuality. It seemed very odd to me to tell a little girl to stop being too loud, or too colorful, or too independent. It felt, well, like a book written for little girls by a man who has never been one. I can’t say I would recommend this one. Girls should not be discouraged from being who they are, regardless of how loud, unique or different they may be.

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Jennie]

Age: 4-8

Genre: Picture book

Diversity: Differences

Illustrations: Simple and colorful drawings of Chamelia, her family and the environments she finds herself in.

Personal Response: Cute story but I'm not sure about the idea that joining in is more important than standing out. I agree that individuality can still exist in group settings, but I don't think that being a member of a group should be the most important thing.

Curriculum: This story could be used in conjunction with a lesson or story time about a theme of differences being ok, but with the overall message of joining, I'm not sure that this would be my first choice for this type of lesson.

[Samittra · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a book that is about a chameleon named Chamelia that is not your average chameleon. She likes to stand out with everything she does, when everyone is doing one thing she does the opposite. After a while Chamelia starts to have trouble on standing out and starts feeling left out instead. Chamelia parents tell her that the only way to feel special and she should just try having fun. By the end of the book Chamelia is blending in but always find a way to stand out. This book would be a great way to tell students it is okay to express themselves.

[Julie (Let's Read Good Books)]

Very fun and colorful picture book. Chamelia is a chameleon, but contrary to the rest of her species, she doesn't want to blend in, she wants to stand out. After learning that standing out makes it hard to fit in, she learns to compromise but still be herself. Love the illustrations and the use of bright fabrics to make Chamelia pop off of each page.

Full review to follow at www.mangamaniaccafe.com

[Dona Gay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story was pretty basic and good that it is okay to blend in and it is okay to stand out or that it is okay to stand out in a blending in sort of a way. I know, that makes no sense but it might if you've read the book. However, I LOVED the illustrations. I loved the vibrancy of the colors and the patterns. The illustrations spoke to me and made me want to paint the walls of my house bright colors with stripes or polka dots or both.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute short story about a chameleon that likes to stand out rather than blend in. Although she fins herself being left out for standing out too much, she learns that she can be herself while also participating in things with her peers. I probably would not include this book as a read aloud but would be willing to put it in my classroom library. It sends a good message to young kids about being yourself but is not an absolute must-read for elementary students.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book with great illustrations. Unlike most chameleons who would rather blend in..Chamelia LOVES to stand out! She wears bright colors and crazy patterns. Even though she loves to wear crazy clothes, sometimes she feels left out. So her parents help her find a way to fit in with the other kids, but still be her unique self!