Press Kit

BIO:

Sandhya Parappukkaran left her job as a Food Technologist so she could put her feet up and read. Then she rediscovered her passion for children’s books. 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 resides in Brisbane with her husband, three children and a backyard brimming with mango trees, curry leaves and green chillies.

Sandhya is published by the Bright Light Imprint of Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing. See here & here. 

AWARDS:

Sandhya’s debut picture book, The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name, was illustrated by Michelle Pereira and won the 2022 Children’s Book Council of Australia New Illustrator Award. The US edition of The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name was reviewed by Kirkus Reviews and in the New York Times. And, was selected by the United States Board on Books for Young People for the 2023 Outstanding International Books List.

Her second picture book, Amma’s Sari, was released on 30th March, 2022. Amma’s Sari is a 2023 CBCA Notable book and a finalist in the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards. 

Sandhya, Michelle and Hello Bright Light books join forces a third time and have created a picture book that celebrates culture and connection through food – Stay For Dinner – OUT NOW!