Sandhya Parappukkaran

Author

Sandhya Parappukkaran is a picture book author who loves to share stories and her culture. She’ll bring a bundle of saris to unravel and wear. She talks about writing own voices stories, plays games to unlock creativity and move your story forward, and shares craft activities based on her books.

Where were you born?

I was born in Germany and came to Melbourne at the age of 3. I went to high school in Thrissur, Kerala in India, did my university degree in Brisbane and currently reside in Brisbane.

What other jobs have you had?

I have been a research assistant, a food microbiologist, a food technologist, a support worker, kids art program facilitator and now a library assistant.  I’ve also been a volunteer tutor at my local community English class for adult ESL students. I am the blog coordinator for my writing group, Write Links and I sometimes review books for Story Links.

What themes are recurring in your work?

My picture book stories have themes of embracing your cultural heritage, celebrating differences and being proud of who you are.

What have been the highlights of your career?

The accolades received for my first picture book, The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name have been a lovely highlight. These include the 2022 CBCA New Illustrator Award, finalist in the 2022 Queensland Literary Awards, shortlisted in the 2022 West Australian Young Readers Book Award, longlisted in the 2022 ABDA awards and highly commended in the 2022 NSW Premiers Literary Award.

Winning the Multicultural NSW Award at the 2024 Premier’s Literary Awards for my third picture book, Stay For Dinner, was a huge thrill.

Where have your works been published?

Australia, New Zealand, UK, North America & Korea.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about sharing culture to enhance and enrich our understanding about one another. I’m enthusiastic about having discussions on identity and what that means. I love picture books as an art form and narrative medium that all ages can enjoy. I advocate for libraries as safe spaces for community engagement and immersion in art and literature. And, I am passionate about promoting reading and literacy, championing teacher librarians and library events.

Haven’t I seen you before?

Yes, if you were in Adelaide for the OzAsia Festival, you would have seen me having deep conversations on panels, reading and crafting at the City Library or eating dumplings at the Lucky Dumpling Market. I have appeared at the 10^th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary of Art festival at the Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane.

If you subscribe to Story Box Hub, you would’ve seen me reading my story ‘Words that Taste Like Home.’

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

English is my second language. We speak Malayalam and English at home. I love encouraging everyone to learn their first language or learn another language. Bilingual picture books and wordless picture books are another passion of mine.