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Blue Chameleon
He can turn himself into anything and appear to fit in anywhere, but it seems that neither the swirly snail, the green grasshopper nor the stripy sock want to be friends. Will he ever find someone to talk to? Someone just like him? With a subtle and witty interplay between words and illustrations this introduction to colours and shapes (and chameleons ) is sure to delight everyone, from the youngest child upwards. Another triumph by prize-winning Emily Gravett.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published February 5, 2010
8 people are currently reading
855 people want to read
About the author
Emily Gravett
79 books278 followersEmily Gravett is twice winner of the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal and the Nestlé Children's Book Prize Bronze Award for WOLVES and LITTLE MOUSE'S BIG BOOK OF FEARS. An author/illustrator of unique talent and tremendous skill, she has a host of critically acclaimed books to her name, including BLUE CHAMELEON, WOLF WON'T BITE! and AGAIN! Emily lives in Brighton with her partner and their daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews
November 20, 2017
Check out more picture book reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...
Blue chameleon is well, blue... he's lonely and so tries to mimic others so they will be friends with him! He is finally successful at finding a friend when he stays himself and finds someone who is full of differences but shares the same values as he does toward color and pattern!
I can see where this story could be problematic for an older crowd who is aware of the great differences between people... but for a younger-ish group who sees all people as people just as all chameleons are chameleons its quite spot on!
My nephew and I TOTALLY picked this book due to the illustrations... Beautiful colored pencils he was enchanted that the tool he most used made these drawings too! We loved the white chameleon where raised glossiness is used to make an invisible outline... so clever! I was fond of the grasshopper page too! Sometimes in our efforts to gain friends we chase away those very souls we seek to catch.
Our favorite hands down are the two new chameleon friends who were different but the same too! I think this book could teach a very basic idea that we are ALL the SAME but ALL DIFFERENT at the same time! And that is what makes friends!
I would have loved a few more words because it would make the book last longer and could act as an explanation barrier to keep from misunderstandings but I still enjoyed the book whole-heartedly as it is... Not quite a necessity for a home library I still think it would make a stellar find for an art loving child or one attracted to color and creation!
BOTTOM LINE: Blue Chameleon Makes a Friend!
______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my picture book reviews in a special feature called Boo's Picture Gallery...
Blue chameleon is well, blue... he's lonely and so tries to mimic others so they will be friends with him! He is finally successful at finding a friend when he stays himself and finds someone who is full of differences but shares the same values as he does toward color and pattern!
I can see where this story could be problematic for an older crowd who is aware of the great differences between people... but for a younger-ish group who sees all people as people just as all chameleons are chameleons its quite spot on!
My nephew and I TOTALLY picked this book due to the illustrations... Beautiful colored pencils he was enchanted that the tool he most used made these drawings too! We loved the white chameleon where raised glossiness is used to make an invisible outline... so clever! I was fond of the grasshopper page too! Sometimes in our efforts to gain friends we chase away those very souls we seek to catch.
Our favorite hands down are the two new chameleon friends who were different but the same too! I think this book could teach a very basic idea that we are ALL the SAME but ALL DIFFERENT at the same time! And that is what makes friends!
I would have loved a few more words because it would make the book last longer and could act as an explanation barrier to keep from misunderstandings but I still enjoyed the book whole-heartedly as it is... Not quite a necessity for a home library I still think it would make a stellar find for an art loving child or one attracted to color and creation!
BOTTOM LINE: Blue Chameleon Makes a Friend!
______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my picture book reviews in a special feature called Boo's Picture Gallery...
November 4, 2015
Oh! Much more light and simple than I expected, based on the other Gravett titles that have impressed me. There's, what, about 20 total words in this book that uses 'colors' to teach about friendship....
But I feel I ought to mention that it's pretty easy to read a negative subtext into the story. A reader could get the message that it's ridiculous to make friends with others, that clans should cohere, and that everyone else is 'other.' Why the heck can't a chameleon and a grasshopper be friends? Why can't a Jew and an Arab be friends? I do like the body language of the sad chameleon, though, as he tries to be empathetic and akin to the grasshopper, and the cockatoo, etc.
But I feel I ought to mention that it's pretty easy to read a negative subtext into the story. A reader could get the message that it's ridiculous to make friends with others, that clans should cohere, and that everyone else is 'other.' Why the heck can't a chameleon and a grasshopper be friends? Why can't a Jew and an Arab be friends? I do like the body language of the sad chameleon, though, as he tries to be empathetic and akin to the grasshopper, and the cockatoo, etc.
June 17, 2018
I do understand and like the message: Find friends that do not require you to bend, to change, to pretend being a copy of them. Find someone who lets you be you.
But on the other hand I do not support the underlying philosophy that life is easier and happier if you stay with your own kind, your own people, exactly your brand of individuality.
Getting to know 'others' and their way of life without turning into them can be fun and interesting, too.
But on the other hand I do not support the underlying philosophy that life is easier and happier if you stay with your own kind, your own people, exactly your brand of individuality.
Getting to know 'others' and their way of life without turning into them can be fun and interesting, too.
August 13, 2011
Okay, so here is the question:is the point "you can only have friends just like you" or is it "people who like you will like you as you are--don't try to change to fit in"?
Not sure. Also not sure kids will care, as they'll just enjoy watching Chameleon change color and shape and will be happy to see him make a friend.
Not sure. Also not sure kids will care, as they'll just enjoy watching Chameleon change color and shape and will be happy to see him make a friend.
April 11, 2024
نام فارسی: آفتاب پرست غمگین
October 3, 2018
Love it! A great way to show colors (or patterns). Love the colored pencil illustrations. Loved seeing the chameleon mimic the items in posture as well as color. Loved that they included white. Even loved how they did the publication information at the beginning of the book! Just an all-around simple book to make me smile. Some parts might be over the heads for a toddler group, maybe not. But I think it would be a fun filler for a preschool group. An excellent lap-read if you point out the chameleon's mimicking.
1/25/12 I loved this so much that I wanted to use it in storytime. Then I began to worry about how I would do so. Especially since my first storytime group tends to me rather large (~60). So I had an idea to have cutouts of each item the chameleon encounters, and have them taped on the board. I stood and held the book for each page spread as I showed the pictures and asked what item he encountered. I had them notice how the chameleon was imitating the object, and I had them repeat what the chameleon said to the item. Then I held up two different colors or patterns, and the kids had to pick which one was correct for the item on the page. (I held them under papers with "1" and "2" on them so they could just say the #.) When they guessed correctly, I had them tell me what the correct color or pattern was. One would think that might have been way too much for them, but it was perfect! And the white page worked quite well, since I was already standing, so I could bring it closer to each child and ask if they saw the chameleon. The kids loved it and I had a lot of fun, too. I love it when a simple activity--and one with more than one part to it--work well.
I'm even more in love with this book now.
I suppose a toddler adapation could use the item cutouts, and then have them tell me the color or pattern, which I can put up next to the item.
3/8/12 With the impromptu age 0-5 storytime I had to do, I grabbed an already made and done activity to do. Luckily the set-up worked in the branch. The kids enjoyed telling me the colors and guessing which was which. A little awkward in the setting, since I had to sit while holding them over and under "1" and "2," but the kids didn't mind. It was a good book and activity to get me more comfortable in the library setting.
2/12/14 Perfect! Used in my "Love" theme prepping for Valentine's Day. They enjoyed the activity. Loved seeing him shape himself like the objects, and the older kids picked up the smallest details from those shapes. And they LOVED when they were able to see him on the white page. Love this book. :-)
5/6/15 Used in my "Books I Love Because Mom Taught Me to Read" theme. I put this in as part of the Literacy Moment and used the activity I previously created. But instead of using 1 and 2, I progressed in the #s: 3 and 4, 5 and 6, etc. So each child took a turn and told me what the object on the page was, and then picked which color/patter was correct by telling me the correct #. Went really well. The book got a bit lost as far as story. But everyone had a turn by the time we got to white, which totally brought them back to the story. They love that part so much. Made the colorful ending really fun, too. Definite success.
7/11/16 Used in Movement storytime with no activity. Just had them tell me the color or pattern, and try to imitate like the chameleon. They LOVE the white page, and the ending, too!
10/19/16 & 10/20/16 Used in Odd Animals Toddler theme. Took my activity and adapted it. On the flannel board I put up the squares of colors and patterns. Then I put all the objects above. The idea on the first day didn't work (passing the object over the squares until we got to the right one), so I went Blue's Clues on the 2nd day (which had been my initial plan, but I experimented instead) and it worked perfectly.
10/3/18 Forgot to put planned storytime books on hold. So I had to grab what was on the shelf the night before. Decided on an "Old Favorites" theme. Pulled this for Literacy Moment and pulled out my activity. (Working on numbers, essentially.) But we only had 2 kids, and both new. So it didn't go as well as they took turns. But then for the rest of the book I just held up the two squares and had them call out color or pattern. They enjoyed that and liked the ending.
1/25/12 I loved this so much that I wanted to use it in storytime. Then I began to worry about how I would do so. Especially since my first storytime group tends to me rather large (~60). So I had an idea to have cutouts of each item the chameleon encounters, and have them taped on the board. I stood and held the book for each page spread as I showed the pictures and asked what item he encountered. I had them notice how the chameleon was imitating the object, and I had them repeat what the chameleon said to the item. Then I held up two different colors or patterns, and the kids had to pick which one was correct for the item on the page. (I held them under papers with "1" and "2" on them so they could just say the #.) When they guessed correctly, I had them tell me what the correct color or pattern was. One would think that might have been way too much for them, but it was perfect! And the white page worked quite well, since I was already standing, so I could bring it closer to each child and ask if they saw the chameleon. The kids loved it and I had a lot of fun, too. I love it when a simple activity--and one with more than one part to it--work well.
I'm even more in love with this book now.
I suppose a toddler adapation could use the item cutouts, and then have them tell me the color or pattern, which I can put up next to the item.
3/8/12 With the impromptu age 0-5 storytime I had to do, I grabbed an already made and done activity to do. Luckily the set-up worked in the branch. The kids enjoyed telling me the colors and guessing which was which. A little awkward in the setting, since I had to sit while holding them over and under "1" and "2," but the kids didn't mind. It was a good book and activity to get me more comfortable in the library setting.
2/12/14 Perfect! Used in my "Love" theme prepping for Valentine's Day. They enjoyed the activity. Loved seeing him shape himself like the objects, and the older kids picked up the smallest details from those shapes. And they LOVED when they were able to see him on the white page. Love this book. :-)
5/6/15 Used in my "Books I Love Because Mom Taught Me to Read" theme. I put this in as part of the Literacy Moment and used the activity I previously created. But instead of using 1 and 2, I progressed in the #s: 3 and 4, 5 and 6, etc. So each child took a turn and told me what the object on the page was, and then picked which color/patter was correct by telling me the correct #. Went really well. The book got a bit lost as far as story. But everyone had a turn by the time we got to white, which totally brought them back to the story. They love that part so much. Made the colorful ending really fun, too. Definite success.
7/11/16 Used in Movement storytime with no activity. Just had them tell me the color or pattern, and try to imitate like the chameleon. They LOVE the white page, and the ending, too!
10/19/16 & 10/20/16 Used in Odd Animals Toddler theme. Took my activity and adapted it. On the flannel board I put up the squares of colors and patterns. Then I put all the objects above. The idea on the first day didn't work (passing the object over the squares until we got to the right one), so I went Blue's Clues on the 2nd day (which had been my initial plan, but I experimented instead) and it worked perfectly.
10/3/18 Forgot to put planned storytime books on hold. So I had to grab what was on the shelf the night before. Decided on an "Old Favorites" theme. Pulled this for Literacy Moment and pulled out my activity. (Working on numbers, essentially.) But we only had 2 kids, and both new. So it didn't go as well as they took turns. But then for the rest of the book I just held up the two squares and had them call out color or pattern. They enjoyed that and liked the ending.
September 8, 2024
December 4, 2011
Simple concepts such as one finds in board books, but in large, beautiful spreads. Really beautiful. Like, a great inspiration for a nursery sort of beautiful.
Library copy
Simple concepts such as one finds in board books, but in large, beautiful spreads. Really beautiful. Like, a great inspiration for a nursery sort of beautiful.
Library copy
June 19, 2017
My little one liked this especially since he could read most of it on his own :)
November 5, 2018
A bright and engaging book that can be used with new readers, also teaches them about how chameleons changer the colour of their skin depending on who/what they are around!
January 10, 2021
মনমরা এক একলা জগৎরঙির সংকট বোঝানোর ফাঁকে ফাঁকে বর্ণবাচক নানা বিশেষণ শেখাতে বাচ্চাদের জন্যে লেখা-আঁকা বইটা। গ্র্যাভেটের সপ্রতিভ সরসতার ভক্ত হয়ে গেলাম। বছরের বৃষ্টিভেজা ধূসর শুরুটা ঝলমলে কয়েকটা বইয়ের গুণে রেঙে উঠলো।
November 4, 2019
This is a fun picture book about a Chameleon that is lonely and wants to find a friend. He changes what he looks like to try and fit in and have a friend. Can he find one? This is a nice book to read with children as they can see how Chameleons can change to fit with their environment
August 6, 2019
This is one of those books that remind you to read every single page, starting with the front cover and then straight into the end pages. When detail is minimal and subtle, I find myself looking for every clue to build an understanding of the story line. Chameleon has to be blue to begin with because this colour represents loneliness and sadness, and his single trail of footsteps across the end pages emphasises this beautifully. We find him looking longingly at a small insect and then on the title page perhaps wondering where he has gone?
This book uses thought bubbles and speech marks, giving us the opportunity to discuss these language features with children. The text also reinforces colours and familiar objects for young children. Emily Gravett's illustrations playfully and cleverly change the colour, shape, expression and sentiment of the chameleon into the creature or object our poor blue character is trying to befriend. I like the different ways of saying 'hello', the humour as the words match the characters' qualities and I love the use of the white page! Here, you can feel the chameleon and spot a little bit of hope! For in the right hand corner a white claw and a little 'hello' offer that much needed friend and companion. Don't forget the end pages at the back of the book; there are a pair of colourful footsteps made by two happy chameleons ready to have an adventure.
This book uses thought bubbles and speech marks, giving us the opportunity to discuss these language features with children. The text also reinforces colours and familiar objects for young children. Emily Gravett's illustrations playfully and cleverly change the colour, shape, expression and sentiment of the chameleon into the creature or object our poor blue character is trying to befriend. I like the different ways of saying 'hello', the humour as the words match the characters' qualities and I love the use of the white page! Here, you can feel the chameleon and spot a little bit of hope! For in the right hand corner a white claw and a little 'hello' offer that much needed friend and companion. Don't forget the end pages at the back of the book; there are a pair of colourful footsteps made by two happy chameleons ready to have an adventure.
May 11, 2011
Emily Gravett’s books are always beautifully, creatively, artfully designed, and Blue Chameleon is no exception. Blue Chameleon is lonely, but looking for friendship. He changes his colors every couple pages as he tries to make himself look like whatever he encounters next. When none of them respond to his overtures, he goes gray like a rock – giving up – then white like the pages of his book, almost disappearing completely. Finally, another chameleon, bright with splashes of color, finds and befriends him and both are deliriously happy. Simple language (one word on each page, plus whatever the Chameleon has to say) describes the colors, patterns, shapes, and identities of each of the creatures/things/inanimate objects Chameleon meets on each page. This is a clever and fun concept book, with a very appealing protagonist.
April 5, 2012
A story of a sad blue chameleon that is hoping to make friends. He changes colors to emulate the color of a green grasshoppers, swirly snail, among others. This is his attempt to "fit in", but he still seems to feel sad and doesn't make friends. This for me was a bit bizarre. Why would you want to change your colors to blend in? There is something wrong if you try so hard. And, even if you do blend in, why would it still not work? Just for this point, I am not completely enamored with the story. At the end, the chameleon almost disappears turning himself transparent. Then, when he is almost gone, he finds another bright and colorful chameleon and all is well.
The book is a great way to introduce the concept of "feeling blue", colors and shapes. I think it could also be a good way to talk about the things that make us different, but still be friends.
The book is a great way to introduce the concept of "feeling blue", colors and shapes. I think it could also be a good way to talk about the things that make us different, but still be friends.
December 17, 2012
The BLUE CHAMELEON is a concept book of colors. What I really like about this book are the illustrations. Emily Gravett's depiction of the chameleon is beautiful. I love how she drew the chameleon to make it look like certain items like a banana or a cowboy boot- clever and well done. I also love the texture of the colors created by colored pencils on rough watercolor paper. It is very appealing to the eye. This book is also about a chameleon trying to fit in so he could make a friend, but his attempt almost seems senseless since the friendships he tries to make are mostly with inanimate objects. This provides readers with lots of comic relief, which I am sure will cause lots of giggles among the younger readers.
August 15, 2017
Readers will feel for the poor Chameleon as he looks high and low (literally), trying to find a friend. As well as exploring friendship, Blue Chameleon is perfect for pre-readers who are learning colours and shapes. The hand-drawn, pencil illustrations are bold, clear and fun. It has very simple text, often one or two words only per page, some encased in speech bubbles. A single word is featured at the top right or left of most pages, eg yellow (right), banana (left).I have the paperback version and was pleased to note that teachers will find the images big enough for group storytime. This is great little, feel-good book that's both engaging and educational.
October 12, 2018
Yet another beautifully illustrated story which tells the tale of a sad blue chameleon that is hoping to make friends. Despite changing colour to emulate the colour of a green grasshopper, swirly snail, etc he is never quite able to 'fit in'. Although a seemingly light hearted read, the underlying message is powerful ; you should never change yourself in order to please others. It could also be used to introduce phonetics.
August 27, 2011
Poor, lonely blue chameleon. He can turn into anything, and blend in anywhere, but despite this wonderful ability, blue chameleon cannot find anyone who wants to be his friend.
Enchanting colored pencil drawings and excellent use of color, expression, and symmetry will delight readers as chameleon struggles to find a friend.
Enchanting colored pencil drawings and excellent use of color, expression, and symmetry will delight readers as chameleon struggles to find a friend.
March 15, 2012
So, I loved the illustrations. They were adorable and I could look at them for a very long time. But the actual book was less than exciting. I can tell you what my response would have been at 4..it would have been "huh? let's move on."
Read
May 10, 2011I'm using this for my "Colors" storytime next week! Very short, but beautiful artwork.
September 10, 2011
5 stars for the illustrations 2 for the story that I just can't seem to grasp.
April 19, 2012
as read to me by Jen... a very sweet book about a lonely chameleon looking for a friend
May 31, 2015
Ellie read this book to us.
July 24, 2018
Makes for a cute picture book, but the message may be mixed.
April 5, 2019
A lovely book to use to introduce reception children to colours.
November 4, 2019
This is a nice school about a chameleon who is trying to fit in whilst finding a friend. The illustrations are lovely and is a nice storyline about why we need friends and how to get them.
February 16, 2020
Sweet little book, minimal words most of which are colours.
January 15, 2019
4 out of 5
For the audience I was presenting the book, it did help that he could understand some of the pictures and tell me what they were. He is three years old and bilingual so he is “behind” other three-year-old kids, but knowing that we could identify more items in English and Spanish was cool to see. The art in the book was fun and playful. I enjoyed explaining that the chameleon was attempting to be the other object by changing their color and moving in a war to resemble it. The theme was fairly depressing in the beginning, because you learn how he is learning, but in the end, it is energizing because the story gets resolved and the vibrancy of the colors.
The story is about a chameleon that is lonely and is trying to find someone or something that he can become to be more relatable to the someone or something. It is a story that emphasize on the phrase “you don’t need to change yourself to have friends” because he eventually finds another chameleon who is just like him.
I enjoyed this book, especially one page that says “white page” and the chameleon is the white page, where you can see the animal with the sun shining on the gloss. I like how the author embraced the idea of being yourself especially using the science of the chameleon. Most of the children’s stories base it off a true thing and I am inspired with that.
For the audience I was presenting the book, it did help that he could understand some of the pictures and tell me what they were. He is three years old and bilingual so he is “behind” other three-year-old kids, but knowing that we could identify more items in English and Spanish was cool to see. The art in the book was fun and playful. I enjoyed explaining that the chameleon was attempting to be the other object by changing their color and moving in a war to resemble it. The theme was fairly depressing in the beginning, because you learn how he is learning, but in the end, it is energizing because the story gets resolved and the vibrancy of the colors.
The story is about a chameleon that is lonely and is trying to find someone or something that he can become to be more relatable to the someone or something. It is a story that emphasize on the phrase “you don’t need to change yourself to have friends” because he eventually finds another chameleon who is just like him.
I enjoyed this book, especially one page that says “white page” and the chameleon is the white page, where you can see the animal with the sun shining on the gloss. I like how the author embraced the idea of being yourself especially using the science of the chameleon. Most of the children’s stories base it off a true thing and I am inspired with that.
September 18, 2013
This book is a charming encounter with one very lonely chameleon. A fantastic introduction Into colour and shape, this book promotes discussion and deeper thinking. By keeping the lexis simple the readers are able to express how they interpret the chameleons feelings.
I would recommend using this book from nursery to year 2 as this could be used for creating a setting or character within story writing, or on a simple level could be used to introduce colour and shape in maths. It's also a good way to discuss emotions and friendships, and explain that sometimes we feel lonely but this doesn't mean that we don't have friends and our friends will eventually come to us. I like this book because all though there is not much text it still tells such a big story. It would be great for Eal children, as the pictures help explain the story without the words.
I would recommend using this book from nursery to year 2 as this could be used for creating a setting or character within story writing, or on a simple level could be used to introduce colour and shape in maths. It's also a good way to discuss emotions and friendships, and explain that sometimes we feel lonely but this doesn't mean that we don't have friends and our friends will eventually come to us. I like this book because all though there is not much text it still tells such a big story. It would be great for Eal children, as the pictures help explain the story without the words.
November 9, 2017
A great book to read on a slightly blue day. This is a book to be read into as lightly or in as much depth as you would like. Suggestions of topics this book could link to include isolation, loneliness, difference, communication, friendship, feelings and emotions. Emily Gravett’s beautiful illustrations convey so much that there is little need for words and there are, in fact, few words included. The words that do appear lend themselves to focussing on alliteration, language, greetings, colours and conveying emotions in addition to the images.
A beautifully created character leading us through a simplistic yet clever conversation about the importance of difference. Easy access vocabulary and visuals for Early Years but easily enjoyed by any age.
Also great for looking at patterns and shapes.
A beautifully created character leading us through a simplistic yet clever conversation about the importance of difference. Easy access vocabulary and visuals for Early Years but easily enjoyed by any age.
Also great for looking at patterns and shapes.
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