Pet and animal storytimes are always a big hit. The themes of “Cats” and “Dogs” are sure to draw in a crowd at your story times but why not try a storytime on Lizards and Chameleons? For a craft activity, make Play-doh lizards, or make these cool Gecko magnets using wooden craft spoons.
Carle, Eric. THE MIXED UP CHAMELEON. In this classic picture book, a chameleon learns to change his shape and size as well as his color.
Carlson, Nancy. HENRY’S SHOW AND TELL. Henry brings his pet lizard for show and tell, but it escapes!
Chisato, Tashiro. CHAMELEON’S COLORS. Chameleon is tired of changing colors, but the other animals wish they could so he helps them by painting them in exciting patterns.
Cowley, Joy. CHAMELEON, CHAMELEON. Dramatic color photos are the highlight of this very simple nonfiction book on chameleons.
Craig, Lindsey. DANCING FEET! Six different animals, including a lizard, get up and dance in this rhyming guessing game that will inspire interaction with the audience.
Gravett, Emily. BLUE CHAMELEON. Chameleon wants to make a friend but has a difficult time.
Hadithi, Mwenye. CRAFTY CHAMELEON. In this African pourquoi tale, a chameleon tries to escape from a leopard and a crocodile.
Koontz, Robin. LIZZIE LITTLE, THE SKY IS FALLING! Lizzie the lizard gets the other desert animals to help her when she believes the sky is falling.
Lionni, Leo. A COLOR OF HIS OWN. A chameleon wishes to stay one color, but learns to be himself.
Na, Il Sung. HIDE & SEEK. Elephant counts to ten and plays hide and seek with the other animals, who are all easy to pick out of the illustrations except the chameleon.
Perlman, Janet. THE DELICIOUS BUG. Two chameleon’s catch a bug on their tongues at the same time and fight over who gets to eat it.
Shannon, George. LIZARD’S SONG. Bear tries to learn the words to Lizard’s song; the audience will chant along to this humorous tale.
Also see the previous Lizards storytime ideas page from February 2003.
Penny Peck, April 2014