The Mixed-Up Chameleon-Eric Carle

Eric Carle, The Mixed-Up Chameleon, New York: Harper & Row 1989, 32pp, ISBN 0-590-42143-3

Ages: 3-8
Rating: 4.5/5

“on a shiny green leaf sat a small green chameleon” but this beautiful chameleon wasn’t satisfied with herself, she wants to be like all the other wonderful animals that she saw at the zoo. Her wishes come true and she becomes big and white like the polar bear, handsome like the flamingo, smart like the fox….but when she tries to catch a fly for lunch, she learns why it's so important to be yourself!!

This is one more lovely book from Eric Carle, whose write also “the very hungry caterpillar”, papa please get the moon for me”, “draw me a star” and many more.

His sensitive writing accompanies with simple and beautiful illustrations that he made can help young children identify animals, colors and the main features we attribute to those animals. Older children can also have important morals “be you. It's much better than being someone else” don’t be jealous of others in what they have, learn to be happy with what you have and be proud of it! 

The book gives us as parents\teachers a good opportunity to speak what happiness is, what things make us happy, and whether others' happiness is always our happiness also?

I know that the book may sound little bit philosophical but believe me he will put smile on your and your children face. Wait until you will meet the chameleons funny new look, it will make all of you laugh.