This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
In Camilla the Chameleon’s Colorful Day by Jennifer Melvin, readers meet the title character, Camilla, who’s feeling nervous. At school, surrounded by her friends like Burt the Bearded Dragon, she’s usually a happy student in Ms. Gecko’s classroom. That changes when her teacher announces that a new student will be joining their class. Everyone, including her pals, is excited, but Camilla’s skin turns yellow with worry. She’s anxious about meeting someone new. She’s also a bit embarrassed about how her skin color changes, so she tries to hide it by wearing a black cape or painting herself. Then Camilla talks with her buddies and learns that each of them has unique traits, too, showing her that everyone has something special. Does she begin to feel better after this or worse? And what happens when the new student finally arrives?
I found Camilla the Chameleon’s Colorful Day by Jennifer Melvin to be enjoyable as both a regular reader and an educator. I love how Camilla’s changing hues turn emotions into something young learners can see and name, and how her friends’ “differences” (a puffy beard and a shell to hide in, to name a couple) all become traits to be proud of. The writing is light and friendly, which is perfect for keeping kids’ attention during a read-aloud. In the classroom, I could envision it being used to start conversations on emotions and how each of us is one of a kind. Students could also draw a picture of themselves and color it to match their mood. I also liked the section at the end asking, “What color are you feeling?” It’s a great way to include readers in the story. Nadia Ronquillo’s artwork uses bright colors and details, making each character’s face and body language clear. It’s an uplifting read that helps youngsters to understand not only themselves, but each other, too.
