Sandhya Parappukkaran – författare

Winner of the 2022 Children's Book Council of Australia's Award for New IllustratorThe Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name is a warm and uplifting story that encourages young readers to celebrate their individuality, and shows how no-one should ever have to shrink themselves down to fit in.When Zimdalamishkermishkada starts a new school, he knows he’s got to do something about his long name. When no amount of shrinking, folding or crumpling works, he simply settles for Zim – but deep down, it doesn’t feel right. It’s not until a new friend sees him for who he truly is that Zimdalamishkermishkada finds the confidence to step boldly into his long name. For ages 3 and up.

From the creators of The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name, winner of the 2022 Children's Book Council of Australia's Award for New IllustratorAmma's Sari is a powerful reflection on connection with family, the acceptance of difference, and the celebration of cultural heritage.As a second-generation migrant, 6-year-old Shreya’s life tilts between her life at home and the outside world. While her love for family lifts her up, her spirits plummet at the stares and whispers that her mother's sari attracts. Searching for balance, Shreya asks questions about her culture. Despite the beautiful stories her mother shares, Shreya’s internal and external struggle continues. But when Shreya finds herself lost in a crowd, it's the shimmer of Amma’s sari that leads her to finding pride in her difference. Perfect for ages 3 and up.

Stay for Dinner is a powerful story that celebrates culture and connection through food, from the creators of The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name, winner of the 2022 Children's Book Council of Australia's Award for New Illustrator.Reshma loves dinnertime with her family. Her family eat with their hands – not just finger food type–eating, but hands-on squishy eating. When she’s invited to stay for dinner at her friends’ places, she finds out that they all eat in different ways. Some go ting ting with their cutlery, and others go click clack with their chopsticks. So what will her friends say when they see her family eat with their hands? For ages 3 and up.