Howard the Average Gecko

The key character in this fascinating book is Howard the gecko. He considers himself the only camouflaged creature in the forest, so brilliantly camouflaged that he really deserves a prize. So he is amazed as well as shocked to be told by exasperated bees, beetles, birds and butterflies that they are ALL camouflaged, but he is too busy noticing himself to realise. They tell him he is …just average, an idea which appals Howard. He believes that no one will ever love him if he is just an average gecko. But into the picture comes the most beautiful creature he has ever seen. ‘Her skin is wrinkly. Her fingertips are gloopy. Her eyes wobble about like spinning moons.’ Howard thinks she is MAGNIFICENT. But other creatures call her…average. So, one doesn’t have to be special to be loved? Indeed. Rich glowing colours flood every page, and the camouflaged creatures hidden in the forest are worth seeking. The final page gives more information on camouflage, how it can help an animal hide from would-be predators. The camouflage can be of colour, or pattern, and some creatures, like geckos, can change colour to match their immediate surroundings.