Sandhya Parappukkaran
Michelle Pereira (Illustrator)
Hardie Grant Publishing
As a second-generation migrant, 6-year-old Shreya’s life tilts between her life at home and the outside world.
Awards:
Finalist 2023 NSW Premier’s Literary Award – Patricia Wrightson prize for children’s literature.
Long listed – 2023 Children’s Book Council of Australia – Notable book.
Resources:
Sandhya Parappukkaran
Michelle Pereira (Illustrator)
Abrams Kids Books
My sari is a memory of love.
Shreya admires her mother’s saris, whose silky swirls embrace her every morning. But her spirits plummet at the stares and whispers that the sari attracts. When Sherya asks her mother why she wears a sari, Amma answers the question with family stories brimming with generations of love.
In this gentle and empowering picture book with vibrant full-color art, Shreya moves from embarrassment to pride as she learns that Amma’s sari is much more than a beautiful piece of clothing. It is also a connection to their shared past and the love and care woven into their family history and heritage.
Connection and Community
Library Craft Sari Workshop
Beautifully designed saris by kids who attended my library and bookstore workshops!
Sari construction underway
Window display at Where The Wild Things
Huge thank you to Hardie Grant Children's Publishing team and The Wild Things staff, especially Kasia, who made this happen.
Reviews
"Amma's Sari has one of the pinkest covers I've seen and it is absolutely gorgeous. The colours are delicate and attractive, perfectly complementing this sensitively told tale of love and acceptance, the whole notable for its careful nuance and delicacy of feeling. I am sure it will appeal to a wide readership."
"Amma's Sari is a powerful story told from the perspective of six year old Shreya, a second generation migrant as she attempts to reconcile her conflicting feelings and struggles about her Mother's sari. This book is brimming with inspiration for important conversations and has a wealth of visual literacy opportunities as students read the pictures and unpack the stories within them."
"Sandhya Parappukkaran, author of the acclaimed picture book The Boy Who Tried To Shrink His Name, delights us again with this picture book which is a powerful reflection on connection with family, the acceptance of difference, and the celebration of cultural heritage."
@Bookcowkids
"We learn that the sari is not just an item of clothing, it links family, memories, and belonging. It is a connection to the past while also giving strength for the future."
@Mypicturebookheart
An absolutely astounding book showing the importance of embracing cultural traditions and remembering their stories. @Nourishedbybooks "A BOOK WE LOVE: Amma's Sari by Sandhya Parappukkaran and Michelle Pereira. This is a stunningly illustrated story about family, culture, and acceptance. It brought a (happy) tear to our eyes!"
@Matilda_Bookshop_Kids