A COLOR OF HIS OWN by Leo Lionni

Every animal has its own color and "wears it" with pride. Is this a rule? There appears to be an exception, the chameleon; it seems to change color wherever it goes! Actually, chameleon is the common name for the anole, the best known lizard in our Western Hemisphere. Under the influence of light, temperature, or even its own emotions, the anole may be bright green, brown, or gray. This form of camouflage provides great protection for this small reptile. The Chameleon in Leo Lionni's story, however, does not see this color changing ability as an attribute; he wants a color of his own! He tries remaining on a leaf, but finds that the leaf itself experiences a series of color changes as the fall season ends and the winter one begins. Finally, when spring comes, he finds a wonderful solution as he gains a true friend. The Touch-ItTM Paper changes color with the temperature in your hands. Besides being amazed and excited about what happens when they pick up the paper, students could make a chameleon out of different colored papers and then do some problem solving. What color does the chameleon have to become when the paper changes color?