The Timid Chameleon: Parents' Guide

Activities

Color Change Storytelling

Create your own story about a chameleon, focusing on how changing colors can represent emotions.

  • 1Describe a time when you felt like you needed to blend in. What "color" were you that day?
  • 2Draw a picture of yourself as a chameleon, using colors that represent your emotions.
  • 3What advice would you give to Cammie if you met her in the forest?

Thinking About Cammie

Reflect on the story and connect it to your own experiences.

  • 1What do you think is important to Cammie? Why does she feel like she needs to hide?
  • 2How do you feel when you try to fit in with others? Is it always important to fit in?
  • 3What colors would you use to show your true self?

Color Your Own Cammie

Use the coloring page to create your own version of Cammie with colors that represent how you feel today.

Cammie the chameleon coloring page

Print this coloring page for your child

Parental Guidelines

How to Read This Story With Your Child

Before Reading:

  • Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can sit together.
  • Ask your child if they've ever felt like they needed to "fit in" with others.

During Reading:

  • Pause at the discussion prompts to let your child share their thoughts.
  • Use different voices for each character to make the story engaging.
  • Point out Cammie's color changes and ask what emotion they might represent.

After Reading:

  • Ask your child which character they related to most.
  • Discuss times when being yourself felt scary but turned out okay.
  • Consider doing the "Color Change Storytelling" activity together.

The Psychology Behind the Story

This story addresses a core irrational belief that many children (and adults) hold: "I need others to love and respect me; hence I should do everything to keep others happy." Through Cammie's journey, children learn that:

  1. Authenticity is valuable - Being yourself is more fulfilling than constantly adapting to please others.
  2. True friends accept you - Real friendships are based on who you are, not who you pretend to be.
  3. Emotions are normal - Feeling anxious about social situations is common and manageable.
  4. Self-acceptance is a process - It's okay to take time to feel comfortable being yourself.