Sandhya Parappukkaran

Sandhya Parappukkaran is an award-winning picture book author, library assistant and avid reader. She writes stories inspired by her childhood experiences that encourage readers to embrace their cultural identities. Her books have been publshed all over the world and, among Sandhya’s many accolades, Stay for Dinner (illustrated by Michelle Pereira) won the Multicultural NSW Award at the 2024 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards and The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name (illustrated by Michelle Pereira) won the 2022 CBCA New Illustrator Award.

Sandhya believes that when we explore and celebrate our cultural identities, we show one another greater respect and empathy. She is a writer today because she is a reader, and she is a reader because of public libraries. Sandhya resides in Brisbane with her husband, three children and a backyard brimming with mango trees, curry trees and green chillies.