Cover Espousing the Soulful Feasts values that serve as a vector for daily positive change, Stephanie Zubiri releases ‘Chalky The Chameleon’, a children’s book celebrating neurodiversity.
Espousing the Soulful Feasts values that serve as a vector for daily positive change, Stephanie Zubiri releases ‘Chalky The Chameleon’, a children’s book celebrating neurodiversity.
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In ‘Chalky the Chameleon’, Stephanie Zubiri tells the touching story of a colourless chameleon learning to embrace his uniqueness—a tale for anyone who has ever felt out of place
When Stephanie Zubiri first told her two sons the story of Chalky the Chameleon, it wasn’t meant for the world. It was just another imaginative bedtime story, spun like so many others to comfort her children after a long day. Chalky, unlike other chameleons, was white—not from fear, but from an overwhelming inability to change colours. He was stuck, struggling with the intensity of the world around him.
Years later, that simple story has grown into a powerful children’s book, Chalky the Chameleon, now resonating far beyond Zubiri’s home. “Chalky the Chameleon is about neurodiversity,” she explains, “but it’s also for anyone who feels overwhelmed by the world and embarks on a journey to find the magic within.”
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Speaking over Zoom, Zubiri’s warmth is apparent—her words thoughtful and generous. “It’s a story I used to tell my kids when they were little,” she says. “Eventually, its purpose became clear, and everything fell into place.”
Above Stephanie Zubiri with her kids, Sebastian and Max.
Stephanie Zubiri with her kids, Sebastian and Max.
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The story follows Chalky, a chameleon who can’t change colours like the others because, as Zubiri puts it, “the world is just so overwhelming for him.” Chalky’s journey of self-discovery reflects the experiences of many who feel different in a world that often demands conformity. “He realises he experiences the world deeply and intensely, differently from the others, and that’s how he finds the rainbow within himself.”
Creating Chalky took time. “It wasn’t like, ‘Oh, I want to write a book,’” Zubiri laughs. “They were just bedtime stories for my kids.” But by 2022, after launching her podcast Soulful Feasts, she felt it was the right moment to fully commit to writing. The timing felt especially poignant after sharing her son Max’s journey on the autism spectrum with the public. “Max is such an advocate for himself, and he thinks autism is a superpower,” she says with pride. “It just felt like the right time to tell this story.”
Above ‘Chalky the Chameleon’, one in a series of four children’s books, all celebrating neurodiversity.
‘Chalky the Chameleon’, one in a series of four children’s books, all celebrating neurodiversity.
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This children’s book isn’t just a personal project—it’s also a communal effort. From the illustrator, Vico Cham, to the support of Project Inclusion Network and Best Buddies Philippines, Zubiri ensured the book’s impact would go beyond its pages.
“I reached out to Vico because I wanted an artist who could resonate with the story, and he just fit perfectly,” Zubiri says. Their collaboration was seamless, with Cham given full creative freedom. “It’s his story too, which is beautiful. He really connected with it.” Cham’s illustrations perfectly capture the heart of the tale, visually amplifying its emotional depth.
“Chalky and I have something in common. We are both unique and differently-abled. This story reminded me to believe in myself and prove to the world that Chalky and I can achieve our dreams!”
Chalky the Chameleon feels like an extension of Zubiri’s broader ethos, threading through her podcast Soulful Feasts and her advocacy for mindful living. But when she speaks about the children’s book, there’s a particular light in her eyes. “I didn’t overthink it,” she says. “I wrote it from the heart.” And that sincerity shines through.
Above Stephanie Zubiri with Vico Cham, illustrator of her new children’s book.
Stephanie Zubiri with Vico Cham, illustrator of her new children’s book.
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The true test of any story, though, is its resonance with readers. Zubiri recalls one of her first public readings, with a group from Best Buddies Philippines, an organisation that brings together differently-abled and neurodivergent individuals. “Afterwards, one woman came up to me in tears,” Zubiri remembers. “She said, ‘Chalky is me. My family doesn’t see the rainbow inside of me. But now, I feel seen.’”
For Zubiri, moments like these affirm why Chalky the Chameleon is more than just a children’s book—it’s a universal story. “It’s for anyone who’s ever felt different, anyone who’s struggled to find where they fit,” she reflects. “There’s a rainbow inside all of us, waiting to be seen.”
Above Stephanie Zubiri: “I’m so excited for everyone to dive into the colourful story of ‘Chalky the Chameleon’ and to spread the word about neurodiversity and the magic that radiatesfrom 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.”
Stephanie Zubiri: “I’m so excited for everyone to dive into the colourful story of ‘Chalky the Chameleon’ and to spread the word about neurodiversity and the magic that radiatesfrom 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.”
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And the future for this book is bright. Zubiri reveals that this is just the start of a planned series. “This is only the beginning,” she says. “There’s a whole series in the works.” The next story, The Very Clumsy Octopus, will explore the experiences of differently-abled individuals, followed by The Artsy Fartsy Spider and The Bird Who Can’t Sing, each delving into different aspects of neurodiversity with Zubiri’s signature warmth and insight. She is also working on a cookbook for next year and a collection of essays.
But for now, Chalky the Chameleon stands as a quiet, powerful reminder that we all experience the world differently—and that’s what makes each of us beautiful.
Chalky the Chameleon is now available for purchase on Shopee.
There are also 500 limited-edition hardbound copies, which are being sold at PHP 1000. All proceeds from the hardbound edition will support Project Inclusion Network and Best Buddies Philippines and will be used to cover the printing of the softbound copies, which are sold at PhP 250 per book.
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Credits
Images: Stephanie Zubiri and Scott A Woodward
Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
