A delightful introduction for young people to
the enigmatic chameleon. (Review by Caroline Smart)
Written by Charles
de Villiers with illustrations by Claire Norden, Curly the Chameleon is a delightful introduction for young people to
the enigmatic chameleon. This fascinating creature with its ponderous movements
and swivelling eyes can often instil fear in children. If they are quick enough
to catch the lightning movement of its tongue as it zaps a fly, this can create
further alarm.
However, once you
meet Curly even the most intimidated should feel comfortable around any
chameleon!
The first two pages see a beady-eyed
chameleon, peeping through dense foliage. This is Curly who really believes he’s
a dragon, all-powerful and lord of his surroundings.
However, in his immediate environment is
another being who considers itself all-powerful, the neighbourhood cat which
goes by the name of Ninja! Cats have been known to eat chameleons so this is
his closest enemy ... and Ninja’s looking his way!
This is when Curly
can exhibit his magical capacity to change colour. (While it is generally recognised
that chameleons do this according to their surroundings, they also do this to indicate their moods and attitudes) So Ninja eventually
gives up and skulks off in search of a mouse.
Curly looks for further tasty titbits
further up the tree without looking out for danger from above and the next
thing a hawk is swooping down on him. This time there’s no escape and he’s
carried off in the hawk’s talons. A scary journey ensues (I liked the change in
layout presentation!) before the story reaches a happy ending.
De Villiers works in computer software
design and is a published science writer. His text is written in rhyme and is easily
accessible to youngsters. Norden specialises in children’s book illustration
and has made a name for herself with her bold, colourful artwork. Her Curly the Chameleon illustrations are delightful.
An added attraction for the book is a full page of stickers so young readers
can create their own scenario.
Curly
the Chameleon is published by Random Struik and is
the second title in Struik Nature's Original
African Tale series - ISBN: 9781775840671 Recommended Retail Price R80. –
Caroline Smart
The
publication is also available in Afrikaans.
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