A Million Chameleons
by James Young
Overview
Publishers Weekly
A host of irresistible, pint-size creatures sweep the reader along on a colorful romp through their day. The frivolity begins as one ``little chameleon all in vermilion / Danced alone in a garden pavilion.'' He is quickly joined by a million companions, who frolic so much that they soon turn green--and take a quantum leap onto a submarine. Succeeding spreads show the carefree chameleons turning pink at a skating rink, blue at the zoo, yellow ``when the beasts began to bellow,'' brown on the merry-go-round and white ``while dancing in the pale moonlight.'' Finally, all tired out after their adventures, ``multicolored, in a tumbled heap, / A million chameleons fell fast asleep.'' Children on the high end of the suggested age group may find the reading level a bit elementary, but readers of all ages will be charmed. The vivid colors, appealing illustrations and rhyming text which deftly captures the joyous mood make this book as much fun as a day at the carnival. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)
My thoughts
This will forever remain a classic to me. My daughters loved this book growing up, as is evidenced by the fact that the binding is now fragile. We all had this book memorized, and never ceased to find fun in the colourful illustrations. I recommend a copy for every young child learning his/her colors!
Favorite Passage
...and multicolored, in a tumbled heap, A million chameleons fell fast asleep.
