The Animals Who Changed Their Colors

by Pascale Allamand

The polar bear, whale, tortoise, and two crocodiles try to imitate the parrot's beautiful colors, only to discover how impractical they are.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

First published June 7, 1979

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down my favorite book as a child. The message is simple. The illustrations rudimentary. But the book is perfect.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.3 stars

I am somewhat surprised that this
book is not better known.

Allright, so the plot isn't deep or profound.

I think it--this picture book--does have a
legitimate point.

The illustrations are bright and very attractive.
I know that most young children would like
this picture book just because of the illustrations.

A very appealing picture book for very young
children because of the illustrations.

BTW, I really liked the last illustration in the
book where the penguins were sliding down
the hill slide.

[Snail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m absolutely in love with these charming and slightly wonky illustrations. <3 Bought my copy at an antique stores a long time ago. You can find some pretty great, random stuff in those places! (Like old Russian children’s books.)

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this literally 9 times while babysitting on Sunday...

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Animals Who Changed Their Colors is a story of a polar bear who is unhappy with how he looks and so, taking his friend, they set off to see if they can can a find a way of doing so. Meanwhile on their journey they pick up others as well.

The writing is simple but in large font that makes the writing seem more than it should. As such I would recommend the book to older elementary children who are reading on their own or as a shared story.

The animal characters are rather very basic both in personlity as well as in portrayal with the bears just seeming to be an altered human in bear. Furthermore they do not live in Antarctica but the change of location does make it more feasible to reach the Amazon for the second half of the story.

All in all it was a cute story about being who you are and recognizing that how you are made is right for where you are ultimately meant to be.

[Peacegal · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a simple book that reads as if it could have been written by a child. The illustrations are simple but very colorful. Themes include learning colors, identifying animals, and learning to like yourself just as the way you are. This book was a Weekly Reader children's book club selection, which I was part of, so the endpapers looked very familiar.

[Tiffany Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published in 1979, The Animals who Changed their Colors by Pascale Allamand is a beautifully written and illustrated children’s book. The polar bear, whale, tortoise, and two crocodiles see a beautiful parrot in all its glorious color. Feeling less than beautiful, they set on an adventure to change their colors. Along the way, they learn that they are perfect just the way they are. It teaches a wonderful lesson about acceptance and self-love.