The Mixed-Up Chameleon

Carle, E. (1984). The Mixed Up Chameleon. New York: Harper Collins Publishers.

The Mixed-Up Chameleon is a great story written by Eric Carle. It is a fantastic story about a chameleon who wants to be anything and everything but himself. The chameleon did not live a very interesting life until he saw a zoo and changed into the many different animals. Throughout the story the chameleon says that he wishes to be many animals because of the different traits and abilities they have. In the end the chameleon realizes that he is unique in his own way and can do things that the other animals can’t do which is what makes him not so boring.

This story is a great resource to use when teaching students the importance of being themselves. The chameleon changes into different animals throughout the story but in the end realizes that being himself is good enough. Children in the primary grades would benefit from hearing the story because they might see themselves as boring but this story helps to teach that being yourself is always the best in the end.   

The illustrations in the story give a child like perspective with vivid bright colors and a colored pencil like media. The illustrations have a lot of texture because of the media that is used which helps to set a whimsical “mixed-up” mood to the story. The bright colors and simple lines are very attractive to young readers and get them excited to read more.    

Questions:

Have you ever wanted to be someone else? Why?

How would you persuade the Chameleon that being himself is always best?