Jenkins, Martin. Chameleons Are Cool. Illustrated by Sue Shields. Candlewick Press, 1997. ISBN 0-7636-0144-6. $15.99. Unpaginated. A K-3 FI Reviewed by Annette VanWagenen How could you possibly resist a pocket- sized, bad-tempered, color-changing, swivel-eyed, snail-paced, long-tongued sharpshooter? This book will make readers experts on these wrinkly-skinned, long-tongued, grumpy little lizards and explain just exactly why Chameleons Are Cool! There are around 120 different species of chameleons. The illustrator has brilliantly watercolored numerous varieties with vivid, bright hues, and rightly so, since these lizards are most famous for changing colors. However, chameleons don’t change colors to match their surroundings as a lot of people think. The book reveals the four real reasons for their color variation. After reading this engaging book, readers will want to meet one these cool critters.
