The Adventures of Charlie Chameleon: School Days

By Ellen L. Buikema

Charlie Chameleon and his friends are having trouble with Boris Bunny, the class bully. Charlie thinks Boris is putting on an act, but his friends disagree. Follow Charlie’s adventures as he helps Boris learn how to be a friend.

These multicultural stories are intended for second and third grade students as well as advanced first graders to read independently. Children ages three through nine will enjoy the antics of the characters in the Charlie books. To the author’s surprise, these books are being enjoyed by a wider audience than expected.
Reading the series helps children develop empathy and cultivate insight into their lives. The stories cover situations children typically encounter like getting lost, moving, starting a new school, making friends, family vacations, working in a team, and dealing with bullies using a positive method.

The animals possess human characteristics. Charlie Chameleon takes Frankie the fish wherever he goes. If the fish in Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat represents the Superego, Frankie, one of the feistier characters in the series, is all Id. Frankie wants everything, and he wants it right now.

Each chapter ends with one or more activities for children and parents or teachers to do together, related to the actions in the stories.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ellen L. Buikema
• Release date: Mar 9, 2017
• ISBN: 9780990897989

Ellen L. Buikema

Author, speaker, and former teacher, Ellen L. Buikema has written non-fiction for parents and a series of chapter books for children, The Adventures of Charlie Chameleon, with stories encouraging the development of empathy—sprinkling humor wherever possible. Her Work In Progress, The Hobo Code, is a YA historical fiction novel, loosely based on her family history. Find her at http://ellenbuikema.com, https://www.amazon.com/Ellen-L.-Buikema-M.Ed./e/B00THGTSA6, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+, https://www.youtube.com/c/EllenLBuikema?gvnc=1 for Sock Puppet Tim videos, and https://www.itmattersradio.com for a podcast interview.

Book preview

Lost in the Museum

Charlie looks for his permission slip

(Double Tap to Enlarge Image)

Charlie Chameleon walked around his bedroom. I’m supposed to do something. I can’t remember what it is. Oh, I remember now. I have to find my permission slip for our school trip. It’s due today! My teacher, Mrs. Grey, won’t let me go if I don’t bring it with me to school.

Charlie’s pet fish, Frankie, waved a piece of paper above his aquarium. Charlie looked under the bed. Where is it, where is it?

Frankie waved the paper even higher for Charlie to see.

Ouch! That hurts, cried Charlie as he bumped his head under the bed. Charlie looked up, rubbed his head, and saw Frankie waving the paper held in his fin. The paper drooped with water spots.

Oh, thanks, Frankie. You found my permission slip. You’re the best fish ever! Charlie was happy he didn’t have to miss the field trip.

He ran down the hall with the paper in his hand. CRASH!

Charlie! Be more careful. No running in the house, cried Mama Chameleon.

Sorry, Mom. Charlie slowed down to a walk. Mama, can you sign my permission slip, please?

Yes, said Mama. Hurry and put your lunch into your backpack. Papa is waiting for you. You’re going to be late for school!

I know, Charlie shouted as he ran out the doorway. Oh no, I almost forgot Frankie. Mrs. Grey said he could come, too, if he stays in my backpack tank.

Charlie ran down the hallway and crashed into a table.

Charlie! Please walk. You’re going to hurt yourself running in the house. Mama shook her head.

Okay, Mama. Charlie tried to scoop Frankie out of his aquarium.

Wait! You need to put some water in my portable tank first. You know I can’t breathe air.

Charlie poured water into the smaller tank and scooped Frankie into it. Then, he carefully put Frankie’s portable tank into the backpack. Are you ready to go, Frankie? he asked.

Yes. I’m ready!

Charlie walked into his classroom just before the school bell rang. The students had lined up, holding their lunches, and were waiting to leave for the museum.

Mrs. Grey collected all the permission slips from her students and said, "It’s time to walk to the bus. Please use your

Reviews for The Adventures of Charlie Chameleon

[Nathaly · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Muy entretenido para los niños, me encantó la parte de las actividades al final de cada capítulo, excelente para vacaciones.