The Mixed-Up Chameleon

Book Description

The chameleon's life was not very exciting until the day it discovered it could change not only its color but its shape and size,too. When it saw the wonderful animals in the zoo, it immediately wanted to be like them -- and ended up likeall of them at once -- with hilarious results.

Customer Reviews:

The Mixed-Up Chameleon Board Book.......2007-08-01

I enjoy reading this book not only to my 18 month old son but for myself.
At the moment he doesn't always sit for the whole book as it is a little long sometimes for a board book.
I feel this book encourages imagine and is simple enough for a toddler to understand!

Mixed-Up Chameleon.......2007-05-15

This product was a wonderful addition to my teaching arsenal for animal adaptions. I gave the students an humerous start to thinking about the real life adaptions organism have that helps them survive.

Fun Story with a Message.......2007-04-17

I think this is a fun story with a good message at the end. It's funny to see the creature the chameleon winds up being toward the end - before he decides to be himself. I'd put this on the list of recommended Carle books.

Delightful.......2007-01-12

My granddaughter loves this book. Like all of Eric Carle's books, it's a great story and the pictures are wonderful.

EXCELLENT BUY.......2006-07-16

This text is an invaluable picture book for children learning how to read, how to enjoy reading and to learn about the joys and absurdities that life can bring. It is a humerous text that utilises excellent illustrations to represent the plot. The plot itself humerously intertwines fantasy with reality, ofcoarse it depends upon the child's imagination. A must for any child that enjoys playing with words and surreal ideas. The book's design is additionally unique in that is in an organisational folder style whereby children may select various imaginary creatures as they choose. I hope that others can share this wonderful picture book with all children they read to and/or with.

Average customer rating:

Classic "trilogy" !
Not Free SF Reader
Harry Potter of its day--Started my love of reading!
Enjoyable fantasy
This Book Was Good

A Spell for Chameleon (Xanth, Book 1)
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0345347536
Release Date: 1987-03-12

Amazon.com

Though already developing a successful career in SF with such heady novels as Chthon and Omnivore, Piers Anthony did not reach brand-name status until he cooked up some fantasy in 1977. And it was cheerful, humorous fantasy at that, as in his first Xanth series novel, A Spell for Chameleon. The book's young hero, Bink, is without magical powers in a world ruled entirely by magic. Worse still, if he doesn't discover his own magical talent soon, he will be forever banished from his homeland. Naturally, it takes an epic quest for Bink to learn what his unique talent truly is--and perhaps to win the girl of his dreams as well. A Spell for Chameleon was the very first of Anthony's bestselling (and still ongoing) humorous fantasy series. Noteworthy for their outrageous word puns and bizarre characters, the Xanth books are a light yet often satisfying brew, especially when compared with the author's sometimes nihilistic and ultraviolent hard SF. --Stanley Wiater

Book Description

Xanth was the enchanted land where magic ruled--where every citizen had a special spell only he could cast. That is, except for Bink of North Village. He was sure he possessed no magic, and knew that if he didn't find some soon, he would be exiled. According to the Good Magician Humpfrey, the charts said that Bink was as powerful as the King or even the Evil Magician Trent. Unfortunately, no one could determine its form. Meanwhile, Bink was in despair. If he didn't find his magic soon, he would be forced to leave....

Customer Reviews:

Classic "trilogy" !.......2007-09-08

This was one of my favorite series of books. Wonderfully entertaining, I often read the books in less than a day.

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

Get magic, or get the arse.

The world of Xanth is full of magical creatures, and all the humans there are also magic wielders of one sort or another, from Aces to Deuces, to borrow some Wild Cards terminology i.e. powerful to useless.

The boy Bink has no magic, and sets out to find out why, on the way encountering the titular character, a woman with multiple forms who ends up having the hots for him.

Adventure ensues, and Bink does discover his own magical ability, which is a negative one, so tricky to find out about.

Harry Potter of its day--Started my love of reading!.......2007-08-20

I would be very surprised if J.K. Rowling hasn't read the Xanth series. Her puns and plays on words and her magical world that coexists with the world of Muggles draws many parallels to Piers Anthony's world of Xanth and the world of Mundania. These books could EASILY be brought to life on the screen, and are very appropriate for the younger set--to most degrees (I wouldn't say so with his Adept series, though).

I first started reading this series when my older cousin gave them to me back in 1987--I read about 10 or 11 of them before finally petering out--because I think Anthony started to wear out with them as well. Still, these are some of the first real books I read, and I devoured each one with absolute relish. They are witty, adventurous, and have a light-hearted feel that many other fantasy series lack.

Highly recommended for tweens and above!

Jason Sipe, Hood Press Books, Tales of Madness: Seven Horror Stories by Edgar Allan Poe

Enjoyable fantasy.......2007-05-28

Pier Anthony's Xanth series gets off to a terrific start with "A Spell for Chameleon." Bink is a young man who doesn't possess any magic, which in the world of Xanth is a problem. If he can't show some ability, then he'll be exiled to the non-magical world - Mundania. Bink is advised to consult the Great Magician Humfrey, who has the power to reveal what is hidden. If Bink really does have magic, then Humfrey should be able to help. The journey to Humfrey's castle is fraught with perils, and this leg represents only the beginning of Bink's adventures.

I'm a newbie to fantasy novels, but several people recommended this book to me, and the Xanth series sounded intriguing. This first novel has everything I'd expect - a likeable protagonist, a journey that is constantly thwarted, and a few good plot twists. What I enjoyed most was the Xanth world, which is filled with creative touches, as well as Anthony's jokey tone. The book does have quite a few puns (Xanth's wilderness is crowded with numerous "punny" trees, including shoe trees); however, the humor doesn't hinder the story. All in all "A Spell for Chameleon" was an enjoyable read, and one that has convinced me to try the second book in the series.

This Book Was Good.......2007-05-18

I thought that this was a good book. It had me constantly thinking about what was going to happen next, it had surprises that I didn't even expect, and it was very descriptive that the images constantly stayed in my head till I finished the book. This book will keep you reading until you turn the last page; you won't want to put it down.
I liked the book because it has just the right amount of everything that you would look for in a book: mystery, murder, comedy, and suspense. It also had lots of questions that really made me think, and as I continued to read, it answered them all. There are few twists in the book that you wouldn't expect, most are good but it really depends on the way that you look at it. I thought the comedy in the book was great, but you have to understand what is going on and also have to have a good sense of humor.
The book is very interesting until the very end and you want to stop reading. The story is based on a young man in his late twenties named Bink who is to be exiled from Xanth, unless he can show that he has a magical talent. So he sets out on an adventure to discover if he has a magic talent or not. Along the way he makes friends, enemies, and comes close to death. This book is an adventure waiting to unfold.
I think the author did a great job of compiling all of the events into an imaginative story that has you wondering what's going to happen on every page. There is minimal inappropriate language and some sexual references, but it should be fine for anyone that can handle it that isn't too immature. I suggest that if you like this book that you will enjoy the sequels like I did; they are just as equally exciting and just as descriptive. I suggest this book to anyone that has a good imagination and who likes to ponder interesting yet difficult questions because this would be the book for you.

Average customer rating:

Chameleons Are Cool
Any young child who enjoys animals will like this book !
Chameleons ARE cool
Did You Know.....
"Chameleons Are Cool" is COOL!

Chameleons Are Cool: Read and Wonder
Martin Jenkins
Manufacturer: Candlewick
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0763611395
Release Date: 2001-05-01

Book Description

A great resource for teachers!

Read and Wonder books tell stories, take children on adventures,
and reveal how big and WONDER-full the natural world really is.

Customer Reviews:

Chameleons Are Cool.......2007-03-14

This book had lots of good facts about chameleons. The pictures were very colorful. Many of the pictures made me laugh! This book had lots of facts about chameleons that I did not know! I think every teacher should share this book with their class just like my teacher did!

Any young child who enjoys animals will like this book !.......2007-02-19

Colorfully drawn pictures and lively text show and tell lots of interesting facts about Chameleons. You'll think they're cool, too, after reading this book ! It is charming and informative and would be great for pre-readers as a read-to-me book or for elementaary school age.

Chameleons ARE cool.......2007-02-14

Brilliant illustrations, fun facts, fascinating for even the most reluctant readers. Chameleons Are Cool is a "must have" for elementary classroom libraries or the collection of any child interested in animals. This book corrects the common misconception that chameleons change color to camouflage themselves. Many other brief but fun facts are included which makes this selection a great non-fiction source for elementary grade researchers.

Did You Know............2001-04-02

Did you know that there are around 120 different kinds of chameleons, that their eyes move separately and their very long tongues have a sticky tip at the end? Did you know that chameleons are lizards, that some are the size of small cats and that they change colors when they're angry or too hot or cold or sick...but not to match their surroundings? Martin Jenkins loves chameleons and his enthusiasm is infectious. He's authored a marvelous book full of fun and interesting facts that's perfect for all young nature lovers. His enjoyable, conversational text is complimented by Sue Shields colorful, expressive artwork, that will mesmerize youngsters with its close-up attention to detail. Written for kids 5-9, Chameleons are Cool is a winner!

"Chameleons Are Cool" is COOL!.......2000-06-14

In our elementary school library, not many non-fiction books make it as successful read-aloud books. This is one of them.

Primary age students beg for this title. Both the brightly colored, humorous illistrations and the light conversational tone of the text grab the interest of the children. I'm continually amazed at how many facts about chameleons are slipped into this cheerful picture book, like "they change color when they're angry, or when they're too cold or too hot, or when they're sick."

Many pages have additional facts worked into the illustrations, such as "Chameleons usually get sick and die of kept as pets."

Book Description

At the heart of The Three Lands, there is a paradise, filled with beauty and wonders of all kinds. A lush and vibrant place, it stands in sharp contrast to the baseness and squalor of the world outside the walls of Osrakum.

But this beauty comes at a cost. The Masters who rule the world are driven by sadistic dreams and mythic charms. They use their vast powers to leech the resources of the world unto themselves, to create an artificial haven where they play out twisted games of power amid a decadent splendor. Within the inner circle of power lies a glittering court where the royal houses plot vile atrocities, and madness and bestiality hold sway. The Masters are nothing less than gods in this realm and their plans (or whims) can bring either perfect pleasure... or death.

Young Carnelian has spent his entire life in exile with his father, a nobleman who rejected the evil ways of his people and fled to the ends of the known world. But forces conspired to change all that, and Carnelian returned to his homeland. He is a sheep among wolves, and it has taken every ounce of his strength to resist the temptations of power that threaten to seduce his very soul.

What Carnelian could never have imagined was that he would fall in love with none other than Osidian, one of the twin Gods, ruler of his world--or that forces far darker than he thought possible would use him as a weapon. When the young lovers are kidnapped by the Empress Ykoriana and forced from the safety of the empire, it appears that their lives are forfeit. But Carnelian and Osidian fall into the hands of barbarians from the southern plain they call the Undersky. These raiders manage to elude the legions of the Masters, and after enduring terrible hardships, they succeed in bringing their prizes home to their tribe.

Carnelian comes to realize that the world is much more bizarre than he could ever imagine, that love can sometimes blind you to things that may destroy you, that the simple things the heart can teach you will prove to be the most true....

And that he holds in his hands the potential to save or doom all of his world.

The Standing Dead is the powerful sequel to Ricardo Pinto's first novel The Chosen, and it continues this unique fantasy series about power, eros, and madness...and the depths a man will go to for love. It is the second volume in The Stone Dance of the Chameleon series, and he is currently at work on the third. Ricardo Pinto resides in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting.......2006-08-03

A real departure from the first book, "The Chosen" I prefer the first one because it just strikes me as more evocative work. It is really interesting however to watch Carnelian torn between the desire for a peaceful life and Osidian Nephron and watch the desire for peace (for once) actually win out over his supposed love for Osidian.

This book deals a great deal with the subjects of love, ambition and disaster. Osidian is unable to accept that he, the God-Emperor elect, has been dethroned through betrayal. Carnelian begs him to accept a life among the "barbarians" but Osidian has other plans. Namely, forging the plainsmen into an army so he can retake his throne.

An interesting novel, but I think I prefered the story of the Chosen of Osrakum to the story of Carnelian and Osidian living on the plains. No fault of the other, I simply prefered the first book, this book is still excellent!

And it continues...........2006-04-20

Not much more I can add here that I didn't already said in my review of The Chosen. My only complaint at this point is how long I'm having to wait for the third and final book.

I see from Amazon UK that the new release date is March 2007. I have to wait another year???? It better be good. After all this delaying the third book better wrap up everything perfectly! So, Ricardo, much pressure yet?

Another great book by Pinto.......2005-08-11

What a pleasure is to read a book so well written. Pinto continues developing the world introduced in The Chosen with a
richness of atmosphere and characters that makes one savour every sentence as if it were delicious food. The plot and characters have the depth and complexity one only finds in series like Dune or Hyperion, and one can't help but caring for all of them. I highly recommend this book and the series. I can't wait for the third installment!

A struggle for substance.......2003-06-17

In 2000's highly acclaimed "The Chosen", debut author Pinto chose style over substance and vision over plot. And he did so with some brilliance. "The Chosen" was, summarily put, an intelligent and convincing (if somewhat gruesome) portrayal of an oligarchic and dominant master race - "The Chosen", or "Masters" - caught up in their internal feuds and machinations, whilst around them simple humanity suffered in their name in a world somewhat reminiscent of, say, old China.

The problem with "Chosen" was, however, both simple and profound: it had little or no plot. It was a wonderful - even grand - canvas, but it hardly moved an inch.

In "The Standing Dead" - the second part of what seems to be a trilogy - Pinto has had to face this drawback by attempting to to drive the story forwards. He's done so bravely, but with less than perfect results.

Essentially, the story in "Dead" takes off where "Chosen" left off: with Pinto's protagonist Carnelian, along with his new-found lover Osidian, being held captive by what turns out to be a simple bunch of slavers. On their way to cash in on their prize, the slavers are attacked by Tribesmen from the Outer Reach (a people dominated by the Chosen and forced to proffer a number of their childern as slaves regularly, but otherwise left generally unmolested). Carnelian and Osidian are then taken by the Tribesmen to their home - the Koppie - where Carnelian becomes enamoured of the local customs, whilst Osidian becomes an increasingly dominating and debilitating force in the local community, slowly destroying their (imagined) rural peace.

The rest of the story follows these lines - Carnelian's basic goodness and Osidian's essential decrepitude being portrayed in equally stark measure - without hardly a single twist (or even an occasional surprising insight) to enliven matters.

What this means is that, in terms of plot, "Dead" is basically a one-way street. You can see what's coming, then it comes. And then it comes again. And throughout, you find yourself wondering, with increasing puzzlement, why Carnelian (or anyone else you may care about, for that matter) doesn't simply *do* something, instead of letting all hell slowly settle around them.

Given "Chosen's" weakness (style over substance, vision over plot), this is not that surprising. Whilst Pinto does try to provide a better storyline this time round, he's still struggling. He's great at painting portraits, at depicting static visions - but he's still not good at action. In fact, he doesn't seem to understand the concept all that clearly: "Dead" hardly contains a character that seems alive - that appears capable of moment of his or her own accord. To put it another way: Pinto's moulding his cast to fit his vision, instead of allowing them to embody that vision themselves. And, more strongly than in "Chosen", the vision we're talking about is ultimately one of horror: this book doesn't end on a happy note, to say the least.

That ending, by the way, reminded me of a combination of "Heart of Darkness" and just about any good modern-day horror story you might like to come up with (Stephen King's Pet Semetary, for example). And it must be said that Pinto pulls this off with considerable skill; it is in the closing chapters that his undeniable writing skills combine with his subject material and he manages to create something very memorable.

Still, a capacity for convincing and intelligent horror is, in itself, perhaps insufficient for being a great fantasy author. And since Pinto has embarked on what can only be judged as an epic fantasy, he should be judged along those lines.

In my view, in "Dead", he is yet found wanting, despite obvious and enviable talents. Perhaps the next (and final) volume will re-address this, perhaps not. Assuming that it will conclude this story, it should, in any case, answer many questions.

extremely complex world filled with deep social systems.......2003-03-15

Masters Carnelian and the God-Emperor elect Osidian are lovers. However, the latter's enemies have slavers kidnap them. The duo is fortunate that the nomadic Ochre tribe rescue them on the dangerous Earthsky. Carnelian, who grew up outside the hedonistic capital of the Three Lands, Osrakum, adapts to the tribe's way of life and quickly becomes assimilated. On the other hand, Osidian is in a depression but also believes these wild wanderers are beneath him and fails to communicate with anyone except his lover.

As Osidian heals in mind and body, he becomes angry with those who betrayed him. He seeks vengeance and realizes this tribe is the first cannon fodder tool to succeed. Carnelian tries to talk him out of it as he enjoys his new lifestyle and just wants to live in peace. However, the charismatic Osidian begins rallying the impressionable young around his cause while Carnelian attempts to stop the rising tide.

As he did in his first book THE CHOSEN of the Stone Dance of the Chameleon trilogy, Ricardo Pinto paints an extremely complex world filled with deep social systems. The varying races and tribes seem so authentic and the Masters come across as the ruling God-like upper caste. Though it helps to read the first novel because the audience will have a greater understanding of the predicament that the lead couple face at the start, fans of violent barbaric fantasy that hides nothing will appreciate the middle endeavor.

Harriet Klausner

Average customer rating:

Cama cama cama, cama chameleon

full of info

A Terrific Book for The Rain Forest and Earth Day!

Chameleon Chameleon (Bccb Blue Ribbon Nonfiction Book Award (Awards))
Joy Cowley
Manufacturer: Scholastic Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Red-eyed Tree Frog (Scholastic Bookshelf)

White Is for Blueberry (Ala Notable Children's Books. Younger Readers (Awards))

Chameleons Are Cool: Read and Wonder

I See a Kookaburra!: Discovering Animal Habitats Around the World (Bccb Blue Ribbon Nonfiction Book Award (Awards))

Snip Snap!: What's That?

ASIN: 0439666538

Book Description

Experience close-up the many moods (and colors) of chameleons. One brave chameleon ventures from the safety of his tree in search of a new home. On his journey, he meets other rain forest animals, not all of them friendly! Alas, the new tree he chooses is already home to another chameleon. She dons her aggressive coloring until she's sure that the visitor is friend, not foe. Then they welcome each other with brilliant, happy colors.Incredible photographs and simple text perfect for young children is rounded out with informative backmatter on one of the planet's most captivating creatures.

Customer Reviews:

Cama cama cama, cama chameleon.......2005-12-02

The concept of photography as an art is finally coming into its own. Once reluctant art centers are placing their Edward Westons alongside their Claude Monets. As recently as 2004 the very first Caldecott Honor was given to a picture book that contained photography in some way (it was "Knuffle Bunny" by Mo Willems). And Joy Cowley has singlehandedly reinvented the notion of the photographic picture book. Having begun this process with "Red-Eyed Tree Frog" (a title that National Geographic Press must feel they should've gotten first dibs on), Cowley has once again paired with photographer extraordinaire Nic Bishop with the multi-colored and magnificent, "Chameleon, Chameleon". Until these last two books, the notion of a fictional photographic tale has never been properly realized ("Stranger In the Woods" by Carl R. Sams does NOT count). Now all that has changed and Cowley & Bishop can be commended for formenting an entirely new genre in the picture book oeuvre. No small task.

Open the book and marvel at the first double-page image. A chameleon grasps a tiny branch, its eyes completely closed in slumber. The skin of the critter is aquamarine, cobalt blue, orange, sea green, yellow, and an array of other shades. When the chameleon wakes up it goes on a hunt for food. We watch its perfect little feet grasp thin tree branches. The reptile confronts a harmless gecko, a tiny chameleon, a frog, a different gecko, and a dangerous scorpion. At last the chameleon locates a caterpillar in a tree and ZAP! Its tongue shoots out and pulls the tasty morsel into its mouth. A female chameleon threatens the gecko with angry colors. It, in turn, calms her with bright colors and she turns an albino-like white to welcome him. "Two chameleon friends... have happy colors".

Prior to reading this book, if you had stopped me on the street and shouted the word, "CHAMELEON" into my ear, my first thought (aside from wondering, "Why is this person yelling reptilian names into my ear?") would have been of a green creature that is able to change its skin color. It was to my delight that I discovered, all thanks to this book, that chameleons sport beautiful mottled skins of every conceivable color when they are relaxed or happy. The book is eager to show other creatures that camouflage themselves to fit their environments. Sharp eyed young 'uns should check out the picture of the gecko as a twig and the other gecko as a leaf. In the back of the book, a factual "Did You Know?" section gives more details about chameleons and their defining characteristics. A further section labeled, "How the Photographs Were Taken" explains the process the photographer had to go through to get these riveting shots. There is a brief mention that because putting two animals together is "unpredictable", the pictures that had more than one reptile or insect in the shot have been "stitched" together, presumably with the help of Photoshop. This is a near seamless process in all but one picture. In the picture of the chameleon passing a tiny frog, the frog has that sharp-edged quality found in poorly merged Photoshop images. It seems to float on its leaf, rather than grasp it. Gravity does not seem to affect this frog. I do wish that Bishop could have improved on this photo before sending it off to the publisher. Ah well.

By and large, "Chameleon, Chameleon" fills the ever widening need young children have for non-fiction titles that speak on their level. Cowley doesn't suddenly burst into a paragraph long explanation of the feeding habits of chameleons. She is perfectly aware that her audience is small, likes bright colors, cool animals, and the proper use of words like ZAP! For those parents eager to get their kids hooked on science early, "Chameleon, Chameleon" is a worthy successor to the equally lovely and lively, "Red-Eyed Tree Frog". I sure many readers can hardly wait to see what Cowley and Bishop come up with next. I vote for toucans.

full of info.......2005-07-27

If you have ever wanted to learn more about chameleons this is the book for you. It features several chameleons and follows then through out their day. We see their homes, we find out how they catch their prey and how they eat it. We also we how they react to one another. The authors note in the back of the book gives lots of factual information on chameleons.

This truly delightful book gives a surprising amount of information. It would appeal to any age level, though its simple text is designed for a younger audience.

Yes The full color photos of the chameleon are great!

A Terrific Book for The Rain Forest and Earth Day!.......2005-04-25

Joy Cowley dreams up another simple fun book with pictures of great detail. It reminds what I have been missing, not looking at photographs of chameleons rather than drawings. The photos are spectacular!

Average customer rating:

In his own words
Fabulous after thirty years
I Read and Enjoyed Every LIne of Every Page
Pretty entertaining, but not entirely factual
Great Writing

Music for Chameleons
Truman Capote
Manufacturer: Vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0679745661
Release Date: 1994-03-29

Book Description

In these gems of reportage Truman Capote takes true stories and real people and renders then with the stylistic brio we expect from great fiction. Here we encounter an exquisitely preserved Creole aristocrat sipping absinthe in her Martinique salon; an enigmatic killer who sends his victims announcements of their forthcoming demise; and a proper Connecticut householder with a ruinous obsession for a twelve-year-old girl he has never met. And we meet Capote himself, who, whether he is smoking with his cleaning lady or trading sexual gossip with Marilyn Monroe, remainds one of the most elegant, malicious, yet compassionate writers to train his eye on the social fauna of our time.

Customer Reviews:

In his own words.......2007-07-22

In the truest sense of the word, Truman Capote is a wordsmith. Even before looking at the context of a story, I am amazed by Capote's ability to to craft words together in a sentence for a powerful meaning. While I wish I had half of his writing talent, I also wish more contemporary writers were as gifted in composing prose as Capote.

In large part, "Music for Chameleons" fits into Capote's unique category "the non-fiction novel". I have noticed other reviewers have disputed some of the facts in this book which I will leave for them to debate. For purposes of this review, I will state that I enjoyed this book as will many others that are familiar with Capote's writing and the celebrity culture with which he was engrained. Aside from a small minority, the stories focused on ordinary people. The interview with Marilyn Monroe reveals a quirky side of her character which sheds light on a different side of her as a person. While I thought "Handcarvered Coffins" was the highlight of the set, I also enjoyed stories like "A Day's Work" and Hello, Stranger."

Some readers may pick and choose which stories from this set that they read or even enjoy. It is appropriate that Capote closed the collection with a self-interview. While initially evasive in his self-interview, Capote bring the collection of stories full circle with a beautiful simple theme.

Fabulous after thirty years.......2007-01-11

I read this the first time when it was first published in the 1970's, but, after re-reading it, I really didn't get the message. I got it this time. If I were to list the five best books I've read, this would be near the top of that list.

I Read and Enjoyed Every LIne of Every Page.......2006-07-11

This is a good collection of short stories that entertains while his writing reveals a lot about the writer himself.

I have a read some of Capote's other works and his book "In Cold Blood" must be one of his best, if not the best, although he became famous a decade earlier for "Other Voices, Other Rooms" in the late 1940s. Here we see the other side of Capote: the short story artist. In fact, Capote is probably more famous for his short stories and magazine articles. He was a two time winner of the O'Henry award for his short stories.

This is a great book because it presents a wide range of stories about his life in New Orleans, New York, Hollywood, and his encounters with other people such as Pearl Bailey and Marilyn Monroe.

There are shades of "In Cold Blood" here as well; he has two short stories on crime: one a mid-west crime similar to his famous book, and another interviewing a member of the Manson family in California.

This is a book that I could not put down. My favourite short story here is the one where he follows a cleaning lady in New York for a day. They end up smoking a joint at one of her client's homes and then they dance around the kitchen after eating some chocolate cake taken (or stolen) from the client's fridge.

In any case this is a good introduction to Capote and it is a well balanced collection of his short works. The final story is a self interview of Capote. It is all very entertaining and as a bonus gives us a good insight into of the author's mind.

5 Stars.

Pretty entertaining, but not entirely factual.......2006-07-08

THIS REVIEW CONTAINS A SPOILER.

I read Music for Chameleons when it first came out and enjoyed the vignettes. I also enjoyed "Handcarved Coffins" but suspected that it wasn't completely true. That didn't diminish my enjoyment of it though. True or not (and there seems to be good evidence that it is fiction) it is still a compelling read.

Having re-read this recently, I still enjoyed "Handcarved Coffins" and was reminded of a glaring error I remembered from the first time around (and what probably made me think the account wasn't completely factual) and that error is when Addie is telling her story to Capote for the first time she says she is 44 years old.

SPOILER BELOW!!!

After she has died, Addie's sister sends Capote a photo of Addie as a memento with the dates of her birth and death written on the back: 1939-1975. All of my math has this worked out to 36 years. An 8 year age gap is a pretty hefty error and indicates a bit of sloppiness on the part of Capote (and his editor). That made me realize that Capote wasn't as careful as he thought, but since at this time in his life he was pretty drug and alcohol addled, he probably was just sloppy. That's where the editor should have come in and caught the error.

END OF SPOILER.

Nonetheless, it is still a good read. That error was just something that caught me and stayed with me as I was finishing the story.

The other piece I really enjoyed was "A Day's Work" in which Capote tags along with his cleaning woman as she goes to her various cleaning jobs.

Overall, a good selection of short pieces. "Handcarved Coffins" stands out, but it is probably best that you don't believe a word of it. Just read the story and enjoy it.

Great Writing.......2006-07-05

This is a collection of Capote's shorter non-fiction works first published in 1979. The contents include:

I. Music for Chameleons
One. Music for Chameleons
Two. Mr. Jones
Three. A Lamp in the Window
Four. Mojave
Five. Hospitality
Six. Dazzle

II. Handcarved Coffins
A Nonfiction Account of an American Crime

III. Conversational Portraits
One. A Day's Work
Two. Hello, Stranger
Three. Hidden Gardens
Four. Derring-do
Five. Then It All Came Down
Six. A Beautiful Child
Seven. Nocturnal Turnings

All of these works are enjoyable, but "Handcarved Coffins" stands out from the pack. A true masterpiece that will keep you sitting on the edge of your chair and that you'll remember forever. It alone is worth the price of the book.

Three Complete Xanth Novels: A Spell for Chameleon; The Source of Magic; Castle Roogna

Average customer rating:

THESE BOOKS ARE GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Piers Anthony at his finest!
You Gotta Love These Books!
The best of the series
The first books of Piers Anthony's renowned Xanth Series

Three Complete Xanth Novels: A Spell for Chameleon; The Source of Magic; Castle Roogna
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Wings
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0517122332
Release Date: 1995-02-11

Customer Reviews:

THESE BOOKS ARE GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......1999-07-07

These books are fantastic!!!! It is a shame not more kids are into these books.I know people all ages would like them because ALL my friends like these books & they are my father's favorite books. Maybe some more people should show these books on their sites. I give these books 1000+ thumbs up (if I had that many thumbs) and 1,000,000,000,000+ stars.

Piers Anthony at his finest!.......1998-12-06

These three books make for an excellent trilogy, thick with a rich writing style, imaginative prose, and surprising depth for a "lightweight" fantasy series. I cannot imagine the fantasy genre without these. Piers Anthony has opened up a whole new route of writing fantasy. You'll be won over by Xanth's charm instantly. Excellent.

You Gotta Love These Books!.......1998-11-04

Pier Xanthony is a great author. His books are mostly for adults, but teens love them too! I happen to be one, so I would know. His books are punishly hilarious, and lots of fun! I hope he never stops writing them. If you haven't read any then you should definately go for these. Start with A Spell for Chameleon, the rest of the books are listed inside in the order that you read them. They are best read if you start from the beginning, that way you get the right info at the right time. For example, if you don't know about the Gap and the Gap Dragon then you won't understand what's going on at some points. I wouldn't give this series anything less than a 5-star rating. I love it!

The best of the series.......1997-07-29

The first three books of the Xanth series are the best of the hideously sprawling series. The characters are more fully realized and the atmosphere is not so cheekily sexist. The puns actually add to the stories, instead of dragging the readers along to the big blinking neon sign PUN! PUN! PUN! Bink and Chameleon are probably the best characters Anthony has written, because they are adults and have some rather serious relationship problems. To put it bluntly, this was the only volume of my Xanth collection that I bothered to save when my bedroom was flooded

The first books of Piers Anthony's renowned Xanth Series.......1996-08-20

Containing the trilogy that started the well-known series, this book introduces the reader to the magical world of Xanth.

Book Description

After thirty years of autocratic rule under "Life President" Kamuzu Banda, Malawians experienced a transition to multi-party democracy in 1994. A new constitution and several democratic institutions promised a new dawn in a country ravaged by poverty and injustice. This book presents original research on the economic, social, political and cultural consequences of the new era. A new generation of scholars, most of them from Malawi, cover virtually every issue causing debate in the New Malawi: poverty and hunger, the plight of civil servants, the role of the judiciary, political intolerance and hate speech, popular music as a form of protest, clergy activism, voluntary associations and ethnic revival, responses to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and controversies over women’s rights. Both chameleon-like leaders and the donors of Malawi’s foreign aid come under critical scrutiny for supporting superficial democratization. The book ends with a rare public statement on the New Malawi by Jack Mapanje, Malawi’s internationally acclaimed writer.

Average customer rating:

Puzzled
Victoria Hughes is the best!
Great Technique Illustration
This Book Humbles Polymer into Natural Basics
cost-effective exploration of faux stone techniques

Polymer: The Chameleon Clay
Victoria Hughes
Manufacturer: Krause Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0873493737

Book Description

Explore the versatility and beauty of polymer clay! In this new book, author Victoria Hughes shows readers an amazing array of finishes for this magical medium.

Hughes presents, in detail, how polymer clay can imitate various materials including ivory, jade, coral, shell, onyx, and turquoise through assorted finishing, shaping, baking, and molding techniques. Eighteen unique and stunning projects, including an ivory pendant and an accordion-style jade book, are featured and illustrated by 250 beautiful, step-by-step photographs and detailed line drawings. A gallery of finished pieces by the author and more than 10 other skilled artists offers inspiration for readers to go beyond what is presented to make their own unique creations.

Hughes, a well-known polymer clay artist, invented these techniques and teaches them nationwide.

• New, inventive, and amazing techniques to make polymer clay imitate more than 10 different materials

• Gorgeous photos of completed pieces to inspire creativity

• Complete information and step-by-step instructions for creating each look

Customer Reviews:

Puzzled.......2007-09-15

I can't understand why this book has such rave reviews. This is the reason I purchased it but was very disappointed and sent it back. I think it is a waste of money and maybe my view is based upon the fact that there are so many good polymer clay books that followed this one. If I hadn't sampled these newer books maybe I would be like the other consumers here, giving it five stars. In all honesty, save your money for something better.

Victoria Hughes is the best!.......2007-07-01

Polymer: The Chameleon Clay was the first polymer clay book I bought. It's not really geared toward beginners, but I've never been afraid to jump in with both feet. I'm glad I did! Victoria Hughes is a pioneer in making polymer clay look like just about anything. While I've since seen alternate techniques that make creating faux bone or stones simpler, I've never seen an technique that does it more realistically than hers. I regret I've never had a chance to take one of her classes.

In addition to the wonderful techniques for mimicking other materials, this book is inspirational. It showcases wonderful art or Hughes and a number of other talented artists. Exciting techniques, a wide variety of projects and beautiful photography combine to make this book remain one of my favorite books on polymer clay--and I now have quite a library of them!

Great Technique Illustration.......2003-05-13

I have gotten frustrated by books that only show a person how to make product "X". This book teaches the reader several techniques and how to apply them. From the beginning of the book the reader is encouraged to consider the creative process and experiment with their own techniques and designs. While you are learning specific techniques, Tori Hughes also points out that changes in color and style will also work well. Through this she is teaching the reader, not just showing them how to do a project. That alone makes this book a valuable asset to a book shelf. I highly recommend this book.

This Book Humbles Polymer into Natural Basics.......2003-01-10

I am new to polymer clay and have never taken classes, or even heard of this author prior to the purchase of this book. May be on my way to an addict. I have gotten a pasta maker. So provided you are into things that far, I think even beginners with a reasonable amount of intelligence can deal with this book. The author is very specific in explaining how to imitate different natural mediums with polymer clays (some premo, some fimo, some combinations of the 2). I don't have a great deal of inventory of clay, but was able to emulate most of the techniques, represented with what I had - even if the colors were off a bit. I have gotten a couple other books, and polymer can really get outrageous, complicated, time consuming,and just plain dissapointing when the end result is not perfect enough. This book seems to take things slow and specifically enough to follow and enjoy. And, the nice thing about simulating stones, and natural things is that they are inherently defective, cracked, uneven, and irregular. Even when you mess something up a bit, it can look like it was done on purpose. For the price, I considered this book a good buy for my money.

cost-effective exploration of faux stone techniques.......2002-12-21

This book consolidates the information from a number of her videos... and is a cost-effective way to explore these techniques. And you don't have to watch Ms. Hughes roll her eyes and practice alternative pronunciation of words in an attempt at humor. Her alternative vocabulary takes a bit of getting used to but once you figure out what she's referring to, there is quite a bit of great info in this book. Thanks, Ms. Hughes, for this alternative!...

Average customer rating:

CHARMING READ AND THE KIDS LOVE IT.
A great wedding gift...
Leo Lionni
Colorful Children's Book
A First Rate Children's Book

A Color of His Own
Leo Lionni
Manufacturer: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0375836977
Release Date: 2006-06-13

Amazon.com

Every animal has a color of its own. "Parrots are green, elephants are gray, pigs are pink." But chameleons change color wherever they go. "On lemons they are yellow. In the heather they are purple." One chameleon is not pleased with his changeable appearance. He thinks, "If I remain on a leaf, I shall be green forever, and so I too will have a color of my own." Of course, what he doesn't take into account is the changes wrought by autumn, and soon the green chameleon is yellow, then red, and then tumbled to the ground for the long black winter night. It isn't until he befriends another older, wiser chameleon that our hero begins to find inner peace, even as his outer surface is transformed again and again.

Leo Lionni, children's book creator extraordinaire, author of such beloved picture books as Frederick, Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse, Swimmy, and Inch by Inch, all Caldecott Honor winners, introduces color concepts in an exquisite and touching story. This small board book edition of the classic tale of self-acceptance and friendship will be a favorite for toddlers and parents alike. (Baby to preschool) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

The charming story of a chameleon searching for his own color, who ends up finding a true friend.

Elephants are gray. Pigs are pink. Only the chameleon has no color of his own. He is purple like the heather, yellow like a lemon, even black and orange striped like a tiger! Then one day a chameleon has an idea to remain one color forever by staying on the greenest leaf he can find. But in the autumn, the leaf changes from green to yellow to red . . . and so does the chameleon. When another chameleon suggests they travel together, he learns that companionship is more important than having a color of his own. No matter where he goes with his new friend, they will always be alike.

From the Trade Paperback edition.

Customer Reviews:

CHARMING READ AND THE KIDS LOVE IT........2007-09-20

Leo Lionni does good work and this offering is no different than in the past. A little Chameleon finds that all the animals, i.e. pigs, fish, elephants and more, all have their own color. He then finds that he does not seem to have one of his own, as each time he moves to a different location, his color changes. This is a charming tale of a little creature in search of himself, much like a small child might be. The art work in this little book is great and quite eye catching to the little ones. The art work and simple text make the story interesting and easy to read and I have noted that even with miltiple readings, I don't seem to get as bored as I often do with children's books after about fifty or so goes at it. The book of course has a happy ending, but you will have to read that for yourself. Highly recommened this one.

A great wedding gift..........2007-09-09

When I read this book, I was struck by how much it captures how I feel about my husband. I feel so lucky to have found another chameleon in life who loves me how I am and has agreed to travel alongside me as we grow and change together. I've bought several copies and plan to use them for wedding gifts in the near future!

Leo Lionni.......2007-04-01

Love this guy. Have ordered numerous books. The reading parts are easy to read and the artistic style is very colorful and fun. The stories have morals as well.

Colorful Children's Book.......2007-02-15

Though perhaps not completely correct in teaching your child about chameleons, this book is adorable. My three-year-old son and I read it at the library, and he kept asking about it, so I ordered it for him. He really enjoys reading it again and again.

A First Rate Children's Book.......2006-09-27

My daughter is not quite a year, and she laughed at the colorful pictures.

The pictures are really well done, and the story is wonderful. The chameleon is searching for permanence. He tries to stay on a leaf and remain the same color forever, but he changes with the color of the leaf in the autumn, and he goes through the dark winter.

But then he meets another chameleon! His need for something unchanging could not be met by denying his nature and remaining the same color all the time. Instead, his need was met by his new companion.

This is a really good lesson. We can't be perfect. We can't have "ideal" lives. We can't remain young forever. But it's our close relationships that help us go through life. I hope my daughter finds friends who will be there through life's changing colors.

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