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.