Chameleons Are Cool (Read & Wonder) (Paperback)

by Martin Jenkins (Author), Susan Shields (Author, Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 1-3--With infectious enthusiasm, a boy explains his fascination with chameleons by describing their unique physical and behavioral characteristics. Vivid ink-and-watercolor paintings realistically depict a variety of the strange-looking lizards; each double-page spread shows one or more kinds. Miscellaneous facts are also included in small-print sentences that curve under or over the illustrations. The tone of the first-person narration doesn't get in the way of the information presented, with the minor exception of a section describing chameleons as "grumpy." While this title does not attempt to be a comprehensive introduction, some basic material is missing. Specifically, the text does not mention the lizard's tail, which in most species is prehensile and aids in gripping branches. Additionally, most of the species depicted are not identified. Despite these minor flaws, this book will serve as a companion volume to the more thorough introductions aimed at slightly older readers, such as James Martin's Chameleons (Crown, 1991) or Claudia Schnieper's Chameleons (Carolrhoda, 1989).

Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public Library

Copyright 1998 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
Describes different kinds of chameleons, examining their physical features, their behavior, and their ability to change color. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Walker Books Ltd (March 5, 2001)
• ISBN-10: 0744562767
• ISBN-13: 978-0744562767
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 8.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Chameleons Are Cool" is COOL!, June 13, 2000

By	Volkert Volkersz (Snohomish, WA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Chameleons Are Cool: Read and Wonder (Hardcover)

In our elementary school library, not many non-fiction books make it as successful read-aloud books. This is one of them.

Primary age students beg for this title. Both the brightly colored, humorous illistrations and the light conversational tone of the text grab the interest of the children. I'm continually amazed at how many facts about chameleons are slipped into this cheerful picture book, like "they change color when they're angry, or when they're too cold or too hot, or when they're sick."

Many pages have additional facts worked into the illustrations, such as "Chameleons usually get sick and die of kept as pets."

This book is to be recommended not only as a great read-aloud, but as a good source of information for students doing a report on chameleons. It even has a helpful index.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Did You Know....., April 1, 2001

By	Roz Levine (Virginia) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Chameleons Are Cool: Read and Wonder (Hardcover)

Did you know that there are around 120 different kinds of chameleons, that their eyes move separately and their very long tongues have a sticky tip at the end? Did you know that chameleons are lizards, that some are the size of small cats and that they change colors when they're angry or too hot or cold or sick...but not to match their surroundings? Martin Jenkins loves chameleons and his enthusiasm is infectious. He's authored a marvelous book full of fun and interesting facts that's perfect for all young nature lovers. His enjoyable, conversational text is complimented by Sue Shields colorful, expressive artwork, that will mesmerize youngsters with its close-up attention to detail. Written for kids 5-9, Chameleons are Cool is a winner!

4.0 out of 5 stars Chameleons Are Cool, March 14, 2007

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Chameleons Are Cool: Read and Wonder (Paperback)

This book had lots of good facts about chameleons. The pictures were very colorful. Many of the pictures made me laugh! This book had lots of facts about chameleons that I did not know! I think every teacher should share this book with their class just like my teacher did!