About me
I am a writer today, because I am a reader. And, I am reader because of public libraries.
I left my job as a Food Technologist so I could put my feet up and read. Then I rediscovered my passion for children’s books. I write stories which are inspired by my childhood experiences.
Fun Facts!
- I love mangoes - green ones! Dipped in salt and chilli powder.
- My first language - Malayalam. This word is a pallindrome!
- I love watching Malayalam movies and comedy shows.
- Sandhya is a two syllable word (Sun-dhya) meaning 'dusk'. Parappukkaran is pronounced Para-poo-kkaa:-ren. The stress is on the kk and the second last 'a' is a long vowel sound.
- I visit the library once a week.
- Galahs are my favourite bird. You can see them around Brisbane.
Awards and
achievements
The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name
2022 CBCA New Illustrator Award and Notable
2022 Highly Commended NSW Premier's Literary Award
2022 Shortlisted QLD Premier's Literary Award
2023 Outstanding Book on US Board on Books for Young People (USBBY)
2024 Shortlisted Speech Pathology Book of the Year Award
Amma's Sari
2023 CBCA Notable
2023 Shortlisted NSW Premier's Literary Award
Stay For Dinner
2024 CBCA Notable
2024 Winner of the Multicultural NSW Award at the NSW Premier's Literary Awards.
Words That Taste Like Home
2025 CBCA Notable
Publications
Publications
The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name
2021
Sandhya Parappukkaran
Michelle Pereira (Illustrator)