The Mixed-up Chameleon
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What’s inside...
The Mixed-Up Chameleon is a children's book by Eric Carle that tells the story of a chameleon who feels dissatisfied with its life and abilities. One day, the chameleon sees a zoo and wishes to be like the different animals it sees, such as a flamingo, a fox, a fish, and an elephant, among others. As it wishes to have the best features of these animals, it finds itself turning into a bizarre creature with parts from all the different animals. Eventually, the chameleon realizes that being a combination of all these animals is not as great as it thought. It can't catch flies with its new clumsy body, and it wishes to be itself again. The chameleon learns to appreciate its own unique abilities and the importance of being content with who you are. The story is accompanied by Eric Carle's distinctive collage illustrations and teaches children about self-acceptance and the value of individuality.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the chameleon wanted to change colors and shapes? What did it learn by the end of the story?
How did the chameleon feel when it was changing? Can you think of a time when you wanted to be like someone else?
What do you think the chameleon liked most about its own unique features?
How do all the different animals in the book help the chameleon understand itself better?
If you could change like the chameleon, what would you choose to be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the themes of identity and self-acceptance in 'The Mixed-up Chameleon'. Use open-ended questions to explore their understanding of uniqueness and self-esteem. Relate the chameleon’s experiences to real-life situations your child might face, such as feeling different or wanting to fit in. Highlight the importance of appreciating oneself as the chameleon learns by the end of the story. Engage in a creative activity, such as drawing their own unique chameleon, to reinforce the message of individuality.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of self-acceptance
Explanation: In 'The Mixed-up Chameleon', the chameleon wishes to be like other animals but soon discovers the value of its own unique abilities
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their own unique qualities and strengths, understanding that everyone is different and special in their own way.
Example Lesson: Understanding identity
Explanation: The story illustrates the chameleon's journey of self-discovery as it transforms into different animals, only to realize its own identity is most fulfilling.
Real-World Application: This can help children grasp the concept of self-identity and encourage them to be comfortable and confident in who they are.
Example Lesson: Contentment
Explanation: The chameleon’s experience teaches the importance of contentment with what one has rather than always desiring to be someone else.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to find happiness in their own circumstances and develop a healthy sense of gratitude.
Example Lesson: Exploration and curiosity
Explanation: Through the chameleon’s desires to change into different animals, the book celebrates exploration and curiosity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore the world around them and fosters a sense of curiosity and learning.