My Books
It all began as a project inspired by my students a few years ago when I started teaching in Naples, Florida. I wanted to show them what illustration art truly is and how they could transform their own creations into a real, published book.
At first, my plan was simply to collaborate with an author and focus entirely on the illustrations. But after months of searching without finding the right match, I decided to try writing the story myself. I fell in love with the process and the result—and that is how Chameleon Taily was born. This book is dedicated to my wonderful students, as well as to my own children.
Since that first spark, my creative journey has grown into a collection of additional books celebrating my art.
Chameleon Taily · Camaleón
Hardcover · USD 19.99 · Ages 3–8 · 36 pages · English and Spanish · Hand-painted watercolor illustrations
When a stormy night brings a mysterious white egg into a hummingbird's nest, a brand-new adventure begins. Out pops a curious little chameleon who doesn't yet know who he is or what a forest is. After a shy start, he crosses paths with a friendly snail named Lola. Because of his beautiful tail that rolls up just like a snail's, she affectionately names him Taily.
Through playful hide-and-seek, shared treats, and plenty of laughter, Taily learns what it truly means to be a friend and discovers the joy of finding his place in the world. Written and illustrated with love in both English and Spanish, Chameleon Taily is a heartwarming celebration of friendship, curiosity, and self-discovery.
Questions parents ask
What age is Chameleon Taily for? — Ages 3 to 8: a read-aloud for the youngest and an easy first bilingual read for 6–8 year olds. Is Chameleon Taily in both English and Spanish? — Yes. The story is told in English and Spanish throughout the book, so children can follow both languages. Who illustrated Chameleon Taily? — The author, Palina P. Chávez. Every illustration is a hand-painted watercolor; nothing is AI-generated. Where can I buy Chameleon Taily? — At Barnes & Noble: hardcover, 36 pages, USD 19.99. bn.com ships across the United States, free on orders over $60, and any Barnes & Noble store can order it for you.
Look inside
The Heart of Authentic Creation
Looking back, Chameleon Taily was created right before ChatGPT emerged and the world as we knew it changed. As a professional designer, I handled every part of the journey myself, from the initial pencil sketches and hand painted watercolor illustrations to formatting the print design, blending colors on the pages, and weaving text together in two languages.
Now, five years after its first publication, I look at my work with an immense sense of satisfaction and love. A love for art, for writing, for languages, and for the incredible inspiration given to me by children, both my own and my students, as well as my global audience.
While artificial intelligence is an amazing tool that many use for fast book production today, it can never replicate the profound feeling of authentic creation that real artists experience. Pouring your soul into hand drawn illustrations and an original story is pure bliss, an incomparable and irreplaceable satisfaction that I will always cherish.
Young Readers & Inspiration
Seeing my students and young readers holding Chameleon Taily in their hands brings my artistic journey full circle. This book is for all the young dreamers out there!
New projects!
My books that speak the Words of my Art
My art books are much more than collections of paintings—through the poetic resonance of Living Souls and the revolutionary Multitude series, they are profound philosophical journeys into the human spirit. I invite you to explore the space where rhythm, pure energy, color, and abstraction spontaneously give birth to form. These interwoven figures and verses speak of a shared universal consciousness, reminding us that we vibrate together, create as one, and find extraordinary depth in our collective existence.
Click on the button below to order
