Chamelia

Chamelia is no ordinary chameleon. Rather than blend in as most chameleons do, Chamelia prefers to bounce to the beat of her own drum with flash and flair. However, the chameleon’s dramatic apparel is met with disapproving glares, wardrobe malfunctions, and much laughing behind her back. Dejected, Chamelia soon discovers a way to join in without compromising her personality. Using digital collage illustration, Long highlights Chamelia’s flamboyant character through the layering of equally ostentatious fabrics, which presents a vivid contrast to the softer hues of the other characters and settings. Long captures Chamelia’s struggle to find a balance between fitting in and standing out. However, the message that vying to be the center of attention somehow warrants ridicule and scorn is troubling in an age where the pervasiveness of bullying challenges schools across the nation. If used as a teachable moment, this book will appeal to early school aged children.