Book Review of The Chameleon Who Couldn’t Change Colors
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The Children’s Book Review
The Chameleon Who Couldn’t Change Colors
Written and illustrated by Nielle P. Marques
Ages: 4-6 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Greeny Books (2025) | ISBN: 979-8999130600
What to Expect: Change, identity, self-acceptance, friendship.
Everyone wishes they could be different than they are from time to time, and this beautiful picture book helps readers explore that longing—and learn to appreciate themselves just as they are.
Frilly the Chameleon is a beautiful green color… but that’s all she is. While all her friends can change colors whenever they want, Frilly stays green no matter how hard she tries. Although her friends assure her that she is perfect exactly as she is, Frilly is determined to try being red—and a pot of red paint helps her achieve her dream. Being red feels wonderful—until it nearly makes her a snake’s dinner. When the rain washes Frilly back to green, she is happy to realize she loves being green after all—red was fun, but green is safer and just as beautiful!
Frilly is relatable in her journey from dissatisfaction to comfort with her own body, but her friends are the real stars of the story, modeling nonjudgmental acceptance and unconditional friendship for readers. The story is illustrated with vibrant full-page acrylic paint collages reminiscent of Eric Carle’s work, with invitingly bold colors and textures for readers to explore.
Whether learning their colors, exploring the concepts of change and identity, or simply sharing a heartwarming story, this book is sure to be a favorite with young readers.
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About the Author
Nielle P. Marques is an award-winning author and illustrator with a formal background in dentistry and a lifelong love for creative expression. She has been crafting stories since she was a young girl, transforming her vivid imagination into tales that inspire and delight.
Her passions for reading, writing, and illustration come together beautifully in her children’s books, which often explore themes of nature, animals, and self-discovery. Inspired by her son’s boundless curiosity, Nielle creates stories that spark wonder and encourage a love for the world around us.
When she’s not writing or illustrating, Nielle enjoys spending time outdoors exploring with her family. Her books are treasured by families and educators for their warmth, whimsy, and ability to connect with young readers.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of The Chameleon Who Couldn’t Change Colors. Learn more about getting a book review …
