Book Reviews

CBCA READING TIME – MEM CAPP “Beautifully supported by Michelle Pereira’s retro style illustrations in oranges, greens and browns, this deceptively simple tale about identity, belonging and acceptance, encourages the reader to reflect on the rich diversity of our multicultural nation and the challenges faced by immigrants and refugees.” Read the full review here. 

KIDS’ BOOK REVIEW – DIMITY POWELL “The Boy Who Tried To Shrink His Name is a delicious juxtaposition of acceptance, assimilation and self-awareness that is the perfect fit for classroom and bedroom reading. And don’t worry about the pronunciation! Both text and pictures will give you all the confidence you need to embrace Zimdalamashkermishkada, as well.” Read the full review here. 

YOUR KIDS NEXT READ – MEGAN DALEY  “The absolute message of this story is the message that we do not have to shrink anything about ourselves for anyone else. It may seem like lots of picture books explore themes of self-identity but ‘The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name’ nails it in a way that is authentic, unique and will absolutely connect with the intended audience – from maybe 5 to…well I reckon it’s ageless!” Listen to the podcast here.

STORYLINKS – MIA MACROSSAN “A charming and thought-provoking story. This timely and sensitively written story will amuse young children and give them some understanding and sympathy for those blessed with a wonderful but possibly difficult name.” Read the full review here.

READING OPENS DOORS – ELISE ELLERMAN “Sandhya Parappukkaran’s writing is a joy to read. Her lyrical writing is brimming with poetic turns of phrase with metaphors and similes used to engage the reader. These graphic descriptions help the reader to develop empathy for how Zimdalamashkermishkada feels about his name. Zimdalamashkermishkada takes the reader on a journey of discovery, acceptance, self-love and belonging. Along the way there are feasts to be enjoyed, lessons to be learnt and epiphanous moments to be had.” Read full review here. 

READILEARN – NORAH COLVIN: This is a beautiful book about culture and identity, about accepting ourselves and respecting others. As the blurb says, ‘No-one should ever have to shrink themselves down to fit in.’ Our names are an essential part of who we are. In both a profound and subtle way, through her story, Sandhya Parappukkaran shows us the importance of respect for others and their culture by something as simple, but significant, as learning to pronounce their names correctly. It really is a very special book that should be read in every classroom and every home to open hearts and minds and grow a culture of respect. I recommend it highly. Read full review here. 

Instagram

@byronbiblio – I feel like the luckiest reader in Australia, because I get to be one of the first people to read this outstanding picture book ~ a Tikki Tikki Tembo for the modern age.

@littlelibraryowl – This is a perfect book for cultivating empathy, kindness, and acceptance, and would make a brilliant addition to school and library shelves everywhere! The story will be sure to spark important conversations about character and diversity, and is one to treasure.

@loveforlearning – The use of literary devices such as metaphor, personification and onomatopoeia make it a wonderful mentor text for use in a classroom.💚 Yet it’s the clever storyline that truly won me over. 

@bookieboobox – Similar to the likes of The Name Jar, The Boy Who Tried to Shrink his Name is simply lovely. From the inclusive message to the swoon-worthy colour palette, a new favourite for us.

@mightymuslimheroes – This book poetically shows children (and adults) that our names are parts of our identity and with practice they can be mastered to make us feel whole. That we can stand proud and expand our chests with pride.

@inda_binda – Sandhya’s imagery is exciting and at the same time very touching, as it brings Zimdalamashkermishkada’s worries to life in such a charming way. Michelle’s visual narration and her fabulous colour palette is simply inspired. Her illustrations carry the story masterfully from start to finish.

@itsalibrarianlife – This is such a beautiful story written by @sandhya_librarybagbooks A story about identity, belonging, diversity and inclusion, friendship, courage and being yourself.

@fletch_writes  – This is a book about racial diversity, acceptance and also not shrinking yourself or your personality to fit in. 

@apsarabaldovino – This is a book with captures my heart and felt it was written for me. Having an unusual Indian name growing up in the 80’s led me to try and shrink my name down… If only I had read this growing up! Thank you @sandhya_librarybagbooks

@michellewanasunderaauthor – We loved this story, sweet and funny but I love how he keeps true to his name rather than shortening it. A super important message.

@milo_reads – One from our library book haul this week – and such a great one at that! I absolutely loved this story. ~ What a sweet story about individuality and not trying to being anybody else.

@motherworkshard – I’ve found a perfect encouraging and uplifting book to help the reclamation of names. Readers, adults and kids alike can find pride in individuality. It’s also great for those who want to widen their perspectives. 

@mind_superheroes – We love that this book encourages readers to be themselves and to take the time to practise pronouncing people’s names correctly. Even if they’re in an unfamiliar language. 

@shameer_reads – This book will remind us to pay close attention to pronouncing difficult names of people which is the key ingredient to celebrating them because names matter. It influences who we are and how others view us. What a warm and uplifting book indeed!

@storytimebymagu – This book is the perfect opportunity to welcome everybody into our classrooms, and to encourage little ones to share their names and their stories to others. This book is illustrated in just the right way, transmitting a powerful message through them.

@readingopensdoors – This book is about not shrinking down in an attempt to fit in and appreciating the beauty in difference as well as the power of a person’s name which connects people not only to their identity, but family and cultural heritage.