Neon Leon

Neon Leon is not your average chameleon. He's easy to spot amongst his inconspicuous friends, whether or not he's hanging around in a leafy jungle, a sunny desert or a craggy rock pile. Whilst he may look like all of the other chameleons, lizard shaped with tong-like feet and an incredible curly tail, he is very different. Leon lacks the ability to change his colour and camouflage himself to his surroundings, like the other chameleons. He is also permanently coloured a striking bright neon orange. He's certainly not difficult to spot in a crowd! Chameleon's aren't meant to be different and as Neon moves though the story we realise he isn't happy being the odd one out and he needs some help. Every environment he tries to live in just makes him more and more miserable. When the other chameleons complain that his bright colour is keeping them awake at night, he decides to look for somewhere else to live; somewhere he can fit in. Leon thinks he has found the perfect companions when he discovers a flock of dazzlingly coloured birds but their friendship doesn't last long. Finally, Leon finds a habitat where he really blends in; a place where all the plants are as radiant as he is. But there's one thing that would make Leon even happier - a friend and finally he finds the perfect match. This is a wonderful interactive book, which speaks directly to the reader, asking questions, counting, clapping, smiling and offering encouragement to think empathically. Readers will enjoy the simple colourful illustrations as they follow Leon through a variety of terrains until he finally finds the perfect home. Count the camouflaged chameleons on each page and watch for Leon's changing moods and expressions. After the story has finished readers could think about what makes chameleons such special creatures. They could design an environment for Leon to live in or ponder how Leon feels, 'standing out from the crowd'. Jane Clarke writes about Leon's experiences in several different environments and readers could describe these further and think about how Leon would feel trying to live under the sea, the North Pole or out in space. Readers could also explore recreating Britta Teckentrup's illustrations by printing, blowing paint and cutting out leaves to make their own jungle environments for Leon to live in. Picture book / Ages 4+ / Reviewed by Emily Beale, school librarian.

Suggested Reading Age 3+