Now you see me, now you don't

PreS-Gr 2--In this lighthearted tale of comeuppance, readers meet boastful Chameleon, who loves to play tricks. In the beginning, most of the deceptions are things that will appeal to young kids, like escaping chores or bedtime and gaining access to unlimited snacks. Chameleon gets carried away with power, however, and the tricks turn mean-spirited, causing a chain reaction of dismay for the other jungle animals. Chameleon is enjoying the chaos when Frog, who can also use camouflage, appears. At first Chameleon thinks that they will join forces to cause more mischief, but Frog has a lesson in mind. Frog makes Chameleon visible by tossing a juicy berry on Chameleon's head and then yells insults at the other animals before disappearing. Chameleon is immediately contrite, issuing a sincere apology and assuring readers that a lesson has been learned and true change is possible. Lambert's bright, verdant illustrations are full of texture and layers, perfectly evoking a shadowy jungle. VERDICT Readers will enjoy spotting Chameleon on every page, and then Frog, who was there all along, in a silly romp recommended for general purchase.--Anna Haase Krueger, Ramsey County Lib., MN

A mischievous chameleon learns it's important not only to change colors, but also one's ways. Chameleon is a trickster and proud of it. Narrating this lively romp in first--er, lizard, Chameleon gleefully boasts of its playfully sneaky antics. Whenever it wants to get away with some wily shenanigans--which is always--it simply plays the camouflage card and hides in plain sight. Pretty cool that Chameleon can switch from gray to red--or purple, silver, or whatever shade suits its purpose. It's also a clever means of shirking responsibilities or bedtime and of literally stealing food out from under a pal's nose. But everyone gets a comeuppance eventually. When Chameleon unwittingly causes a chain reaction that could land a neighbor in trouble if not danger, Frog, in a giggle-inducing scene, comically turns the tables. In an ending that feels rushed, a contrite Chameleon owns up to its mistakes and apologizes. Harmony and friendship are restored. This jaunty tale is presented in bouncy rhymes that match smiley Chameleon's devil-may-care attitude toward life and fellow creatures. Many readers will understand and sympathize as they chuckle. Illustrations are colorful, lush, and vegetation-filled, appropriate to the jungle setting; animals typical of this backdrop are depicted: an elephant, a jaguar, a sloth, an orangutan, and toucans. Ample white space helps readers focus on Chameleon, its friends, and the humorous goings-on. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11.3-by-20-inch double-page spreads viewed at 61.4% of actual size.) A fun exploration of recognizing the error of one's ways and making and keeping friends. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.