A Color of His Own with Color Wheel
Standalone Picture Book Series
What’s inside...
Leo Lionni’s classic picture book follows a little chameleon who longs for a permanent color of his own. After noticing that each animal he meets has a unique hue, the chameleon tries several schemes—perching on a leaf, hiding among flowers, even standing on a tiger—to stay one color. When these attempts fail, he feels lonely and confused until he meets another chameleon who suggests they stay together and share every color they become. This special edition includes a detachable color wheel that lets children explore color mixing and identify shades as they read.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-4
Length
30 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Chameleon
Older Chameleon
Discussion points
Why does the chameleon want his own color?
How do the chameleon’s feelings change throughout the story?
What does the new friend suggest, and why does it help?
Which color in the book do you like most and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Invite your child to spin the color wheel when the chameleon changes color.
Act out the chameleon’s emotions with facial expressions.
Relate the story to times your child adapted to change—new school, new clothes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: The chameleon learns he is fine even without a fixed color.
Real-World Application: Children accept their own unique traits and preferences.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: A companion alleviates loneliness and shares experiences.
Real-World Application: Kids see that support networks make challenges easier.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Changing colors is portrayed as natural and positive.
Real-World Application: Children view change (moving house, new class) as manageable.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The older chameleon understands the young one’s feelings.
Real-World Application: Kids practice noticing and responding to peers’ emotions.