New Chalky the Chameleon Book Hits The Shelves!
Inspired by her son, Stephanie Zubiri debuts a new children’s book, Chalky the Chameleon to spread awareness of neurodiversity
Stephanie Zubiri, Modern Parenting’s October 2023 cover and podcaster for Soulful Feasts, celebrates the anniversary of her show with a party, “Kaleidoscope: A prism of infinite possibilities,” while debuting her first self-published children’s book Chalky the Chameleon last October 14, 2024. Drawing inspiration from her son, Stephanie reveals Chalky is a white chameleon who can’t do what typical chameleons do.
“I’m also so excited for everyone to dive into the colorful story of Chalky the Chameleon and to spread the word about neurodiversity and the magic that radiates from within! In fact, the story is for everyone, you and old; it’s a journey of self-discovery and a reminder to allow ourselves to shine,” she elaborates.
Chalky is the first of the four series
As part of her campaign to spread awareness regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder, she hopes that Chalky the Chameleon encourages parents to do early detection and intervention to help their children with autism cope in a world that’s still transitioning into a more neuro-inclusive society. Stephanie’s youngest son, Max, is on the spectrum and has done “a full 180” with the early intervention of his “amazing therapists.”
“Max is a great example of early detection and early intervention,” Stephanie beams. “He firmly advocates for himself and is very proud of his journey.”
Inspired by her son’s self-advocation, Stephanie continues to build Chalky the Chameleon universe by adding three new books to the mix including The Very Clumsy Octopus, The Artsy Fartsy Spider, and The Bird Who Can’t Sing. While there are 500 limited-edition, hardbound books at PHP 1000.00, the proceeds of those books will be given to Project Inclusion Network and Best Buddies Philippines. It’ll also be used to print out soft-bound copies, selling at PHP250.00 each.
As a mom and dedicated storyteller, Stephanie hopes that the books are making their way to parents as she continues to build the Chalky the Chameleon universe.
“I want to get it into as many hands as possible because at the end of the book, there are some tips and pointers from my son’s developmental pediatrician, Dr. Jan Harold Sia, about what autism is, how to detect it, as well as key resources and is basically a first point of reference for awareness,” she adds.
Here’s another step towards neuro-inclusivity
As society slowly opens up to various kinds of neurological profiles, we can feel a little swamped with all the terms and language. Neurodivergence or neurospicy, for starters, is a big umbrella that groups both developmental disabilities and chronic mental disorders, acknowledging the complexities and layers of how we process information differently. Back in the day, it was all-or-nothing — but with the world being more open and information at our fingertips, there’s always a way to work things out.
For parents who feel that their child might have something, trust your gut. Take them to a developmental pediatrician when you can. The earlier, the better.
Order Chalky the Chameleon on Shoppee: Chalky the Chameleon Children’s Story Hardbound Edition | Shopee Philippines
Learn more about neurodivergence
Adulting With ADHD or Autism: Coping in the Typical World
Vincent Rocha: Cherishing Conversations and Connections
Dear Ausome Parents, You’re Not Alone: A Doctor’s Perspective When Diagnosing Autism in Kids
