Sandhya Parappukkaran
Michelle Pereira (Illustrator)
Hardie Grant Publishing
When Zimdalamashkermishkada starts a new school, he knows he’s got to do something about his long name.
Awards:
Winner of the 2022 Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Award for New Illustrator.
Finalist – 2022 QLD Premier’s Literary Award.
2023 Outstanding International Book for USBBY (United States Board on Books for Young People.
Resources:
Sandhya Parappukkaran
Michelle Pereira (Illustrator)
Abrams Kids Books
A warm and uplifting story that encourages young readers to celebrate their authentic selves and that proclaims no one should ever shrink themselves to fit in.
Connection and Community
Access Story Box Library with your public library card
Library Collage Name Craft Workshop
Beautifully artwork by kids who attended my library and bookstore workshops!
Alyson O'Brien and Sandhya Parappukkaran talk about their debut book together.
Book Week 2022
Thank you to the wonderful teacher and kids for their awesome display! And they've added a real ball of yarn!
Book Week 2022
Thank you to all the lovelylibrary staff and awesome kids who made this display at Indooroopilly library.
Reviews
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.”
CBCA READING TIME
“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.”
KIDS’ BOOK REVIEW – DIMITY POWELL
“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!”
YOUR KIDS NEXT READ – MEGAN DALEY
“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.”
STORYLINKS – MIA MACROSSAN
“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.”
READING OPENS DOORS – ELISE ELLERMAN
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.