Author
Sandhya Parappukkaran writes stories that encourage celebrating who you are, being bold and not shrinking down for anyone. She writes stories which are inspired by her childhood experiences traversing different cultures and are steeped in themes of ‘embracing your cultural identity’. Scrumptious food and glimpses of nature inspired by her Kerala Indian heritage feature heavily when she sits down to write. Sandhya lives in Meanjin/Brisbane with her husband, three children and a backyard brimming with mango trees, curry leaves and green chillies.
Sandhya’s debut picture book The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name was a Notable book, winner of the 2022 CBCA Book of the Year New Illustrator Award and a finalist in the QLD Premier’s Literary Award. Her second picture Book Amma’s Sari was a 2023 CBCA Notable book and a finalist in the NSW Premier’s Literary Award. The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name was included on the list of Best Books of 2023 collated by ‘The Centre for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature.’ Stay For Dinner is her third picture book. Her latest title with Michelle Pereira is Words That Taste Like Home.
Meet children’s author Sandhya Parappukkaran, author of award-winning The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name. Enjoy a deep discussion about names, learn the secrets to wearing a saree and join in a chat about the different ways we eat food.