Konte Chameleon Fine, Fine, Fine!: A West African Folktale [Hardcover]

Cristina Kessler (Author, Narrator), Christian Epanya (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1997 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Konte Chameleon learns why he changes colors and discovers that doing so has certain advantages in his West African environment.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2. This slight tale from West Africa explains the changing colors of the chameleon. Konte Chameleon is worried that he is unwell when he notices that he has turned bright red. He goes to see Dr. Jalloh, a rabbit, who finds him healthy even though Konte insists he must be "sick, sick, sick." When he understands the fine secret of his changing colors, he decides it will be a good defense against enemies. Kessler uses very simple language and repetition to give the text a lyrical quality. Epanya's bold, primitive acrylic paintings are eye-catching. While not an outstanding folktale, in the hands of a skilled reader, hapless Konte's troubles will amuse story groups.?Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

Kessler (All the King's Animals, 1995, etc.) records a story told to her by a friend in Niger, whose grandfather told it to him, a testament to the endurance of the oral tradition. Konte Chameleon, atop a wild red orchid, is surprised when a glance over his shoulder shows that his body has turned ``as red as the setting sun.'' He seeks the advice of Dr. Jalloh, a wise rabbit who spends most of the tale teaching the chameleon about his changing colors as he leaps from leaf to twig to rock. Then, in the flick of a snake's tongue, Konte uses his new knowledge to momentarily--anti-climactically--trick Khadi Python. The telling uses sound words throughout for emphasis, just as Verna Aardema does, a usually effective device for read-aloud sessions. But the storyline becomes cluttered with too many ``Kurr-Kurr-Kurrs'' and ``Whuut-whuuts.'' The electrifying acrylic illustrations rise above this minor flaw, as Epanya's thick brush strokes layer background leaves, trees, and grasses with color and texture, and lend plenty of snap and sizzle to the saucer-eyed protagonist. The fine design includes African textiled borders, cleverly mirrored in the West African cloth hat and sack of Dr. Jalloh. (Picture book/folklore. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Boyds Mills Press; 1st edition (September 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 156397181X
• ISBN-13: 978-1563971815
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,558,186 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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