Uncle Daniel’s Favourite Colour: A Tale of Colour, Curiosity, and Courage
Picture Yusuf standing at his kitchen counter, holding a crayon in each hand, ready to ask his family about their favourite hues. He’s about to hit “start” for a little family colour survey, but then he pauses. “Should I ask Uncle Daniel? He’s blind, after all!” he wonders. This quirky premise is the heart of a brand‑new children’s book that’s already turning heads.
What Sparked the Idea
Far’ain Jaafar, a dynamic early‑childhood educator and foster mother, had a secret passion: teaching kids that the world is full of diversity. Her own two kids—one brand‑new‑to‑life, the other a vibrant neuro‑diverse whirlwind—stirred her imagination. “Kids! Their curiosity about the world inspired me to write this book,” she laughed delightedly when we asked why she’d created Uncle Daniel.
It all began a decade ago at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, watching a blind individual navigate life with confidence. Fast forward to a recent sensory walk with preschoolers, who stared at the tactile tiles on the pavement. “That moment lit a spark,” Far’ain recalls. The pieces fell together: a personal experience, an educational angle, and a story that could help kids ask the right questions about a person who sees differently.
Why Diverse Books Matter
Short, sweet, and direct, Uncle Daniel’s Favourite Colour is a 32‑page gem that does more than just pop colour names. It nurtures:
- Language & Literacy Development – Engaging words that click with young readers.
- Empathy & Kindness – Stories that ask “how would you feel if…”
- Social‑Pro‑Behaviour Boost – Encouraging kids to treat every person with respect.
- Accurate Representation – Introducing diverse perspectives in a realistic, relatable way.
Parents often find it tricky to explain milestones of differences to children. This book acts as a gentle bridge, providing a narrative that parents can share and discuss, turning awkward conversations into learning moments.
The Q&A with Far’ain Jaafar
To dive deeper into why the story matters, we sat down with Far’ain for a casual chat. If you’re craving more detail, check out the full interview and feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CSNjX6wh3YD/?utm<em>source=ig</em>web<em>copy</em>link
Uncle Daniel’s favourite colour isn’t just a book; it’s a conversation starter, a teaching tool, and a reminder that everyone, whether they see in a rainbow or not, carries a unique palette of experiences.
What was it like writing Uncle Daniel’s Favourite Colour? What kind of research went into it, and to what extent did you consult or engage members of the visually impaired community while writing it?
My Journey with the Blind Community
Back in my days at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, I found myself chatting with a remarkable blind acquaintance. It was a time when our campus was gearing up to launch Dialogue in the Dark—a project that promised to turn the invisible into something you could feel.
Ngee Ann Polytechnic: A Pre‑DiD Preview
- Conversation Starter: The easy‑going chat that sparked my curiosity about how people navigate the world without sight.
- Behind the Scenes: I got a sneak peek into the planning that would set the stage for the full DiD experience.
When Dialogue in the Dark (DiD) Finally Lightened the Room
- Walking in Footsteps: I met the blind guides who run the program and watched the participants rely on their senses to step through a corridor blindfolded.
- First‑hand Experience: The moment the lights went out, I realized that “blindness” isn’t a lack—it’s a different way of perceiving.
University Days and Perkins School for the Blind
While pursuing higher education, fate let me visit the renowned Perkins School for the Blind. It was more than a visit—it was a lesson in genuine empowerment.
Tour Highlights
- Sports Paradise: From fully equipped courts to a swimming pool, I watched blind athletes tackle their sports with sheer confidence.
- Playground Paradox: The older I was, the younger I felt exploring this playground of inclusivity.
The Epiphany
There I realized that accessibility isn’t a “nice-to-have.” It’s a must-have—and it’s thrilling to see people turn obstacles into opportunities.
From Classroom to Book
All those conversations, those visits, those moments of awe fed into one of my proudest achievements: the publication of a book that blends my educational insights with first‑hand experiences of the blind community.
So, if you ever wonder what learning from a community with different needs looks like, just picture me—young, wide‑eyed, and absolutely mind‑blown by the unforgettable world of the blind. And trust me—this isn’t just a story; it’s a reminder that knowledge, empathy, and a dash of humor can teach us more than any textbook ever could.
You’ve written two (three actually) other children’s books! What goes into writing a book that is both educational, yet fun and entertaining for children?
From Desk to Storybook: A Teacher’s Creative Odyssey
As someone who spends most of her days rubbishing student silences and turning a chalkboard into a portal for imagination, Jane has always found that stories shape how kids see the world. Instead of merely teaching facts, she wants them to experience learning through a child’s eyes—tiny-eyed wonder that turns the ordinary into extraordinary.
Why a Book? Because Embedding Lessons in Fun Is the Magic Trick
When Jane sat down to write Uncle Daniel’s Favourite Colour, she didn’t just want another “learning book” on the shelves. She aimed to stitch together:
- SPOKEN senses
— objects that smell, feel, taste, and touch. - PASCAL‑SIZED colours
— the rainbow hummed from bright yellows to whispering lilacs. - Familial bonds
— every character is a mirror of someone she knows. - ACCESSIBILITY, not as a buzzword, but the backbone of every lesson.
With a sprinkle of humour and a splash of feeling, the story turns a child’s curiosity into a wildfire that can’t be contained.
The Biracial Beat: Yusuf’s Dual Heritage
Yusuf, the protagonist’s sidekick, carries the colors of two worlds. His mother (one of Jane’s dear friends—Uncle Daniel’s sister) is Chinese, and his dad is Malay. This duality weaves through the narrative like a weaving combo of bright silk threads—showing that diversity isn’t a debate, it’s a fact that enriches everyone.
Jane believes that our local stories need to reflect the authenticity of these mixed‑heritage families; she wants every child to see themselves unwrapped, crayons in hand, playing in the pages of the book.
Characters Named After Real People—Because Life is the Best Teacher
With each page, Jane asks her readers to look into the mirror. Which names echo? Which ones are the names of her own kin? She ensures the protagonists feel like friends shouting from the quiet corners of a classroom—living proof that literature can echo real voices and real lives.
Bottom Line: A Book That’s a Playground for the Mind
With a dash of colour, a splash of senses, a big hug for accessibility, and a focus on real, mixed‑heritage families, Uncle Daniel’s Favourite Colour turns the act of learning into a laugh‑filled adventure. It’s not just a book—it’s a classroom that’s open, inviting, and never quite finished learning.
What do you hope to inspire or raise awareness for after people read this book? What do you hope they will take away from it?
Opening the Conversation
Picture this: a book waving its pages like a friendly wave, hoping to spark lively chats in living rooms and classrooms alike. It’s not just a story—it’s an invitation to explore the vibrant tapestry of our world.
Curiosity on the Brain
The plot is a gentle nudge, tickling readers’ curiosity about how we build the places we live and whether we make them welcoming or a tight‑rope for some.
Calling Out the Sighted World
- Awareness: Aimed at those who can see, the narrative shines a spotlight on the blind.
- Mindset Shift: It encourages folks to flip their perspectives, opening minds to new possibilities.
- Deeper Connection: By making space for empathy, it charts a course toward a kinder, more equitable society.
Why It Matters
When we read this, we’re challenged to think: “What do others feel?” If we keep the dialogue going, we can paint a world where everyone’s story fits without missing a beat.
Aside from being an author, you’re also a mother! Can you share about some life lessons you’ve learned in your journey parenting a neurodiverse child, and how has this impacted your creative process?
Raising My Little Star: How Motherhood Changed My Writing
Being a mom is like adding a new chapter to the book of my life—one that instantly rewrites the script of my words. The stories that flutter through my head now focus more on bridging gaps, smashing stereotypes, and championing kindness.
Three Nuggets of Wisdom I Picked Up Along the Way
- I’m My Child’s Front‑Row Fan
Every letter, every diary entry, every essay—I’m right there in the front row, ready to shout “You’ve got this!” - Unlearn, Relearn, Repeat
Parenting teaches me that progress isn’t a straight line. One moment you’re “nurturing,” the next you’re “unpacking bias.” It keeps the brain on its toes and the stories fresh. - Rest is the Secret Sauce
Just like a marathon runner checks the hydration station, I’ve learned to pause, breathe, and recharge. Because if you sprint through life, you’ll end up burnt out.
These are the simple yet powerful lessons I’ve learned while steering my little one’s world. Each lesson helps me write with more empathy, more clarity, and a splash of humor.
Why It Matters
If you think parenting is all about tea parties and burnt toast, think again! It’s the serial, behind‑the‑scenes drama that shapes the way we see the world—and the way we tell its stories. My journey has turned my writing from a neat, tidy page into a messy, glitter‑laden creative scrapbook.
Final Thought: Keep Writing (and Parenting) with Love
So whether you’re a parent, a student, or simply a reader craving relatable tales, remember: every child teaches us to look a little deeper, speak a little kinder, and live a little louder.
