The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name - by Sandhya Parappukkaran (Hardcover)

About the Book

When Zimdalamashkermishkada starts a new school, he decides to shrink his name to the shorter, simpler Zim, but when his new friend Elly sees him for who he truly is, Zimdalamashkermishkada finds the confidence to step proudly into his long name.

Book Synopsis

A warm and uplifting story that encourages young readers to celebrate their authentic selves and that proclaims no one should ever have to shrink themselves to fit in.

The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name encourages readers to take up space and support each other with respect and kindness. ​Perfect for fans of Alma and How She Got Her Name and Your Name Is a Song, this charming picture book is from author Sandhya Parappukkaran and illustrator Michelle Pereira.

When Zimdalamashkermishkada starts at a new school, he knows he'll have to introduce himself to lots of new people. He trips over his long name and decides to shrink it down to the shorter, simpler Zim. The nickname works fine for introductions, but deep down, it doesn't feel right.

It's not until a new friend sees him for who he truly is that Zimdalamashkermishkada finds the confidence to step proudly into his long name.

"This sensitive book will make an excellent lead-in to age-appropriate discussions about difference and belonging." --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)

Review Quotes

**STARRED REVIEW**
"With gentle compassion and tender wisdom, this Australian import portrays the challenges and joys of starting over in a new setting, juxtaposing fraught school days with the cozy warmth of evenings at home. Pereira's block print style digital artwork brings Zimdalamashkermishkada's name to vibrant life. When he begins to teach Elly his name, the unruly shapes begin to take the form of a bird, adding more detail with each syllable until it soars gloriously across a two-page spread in joyous, fiery tones when Elly says the whole thing. This sensitive book will make an excellent lead-in to age-appropriate discussions about difference and belonging."

--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"For intercultural sharing, for awakening ­compassion, for tending empathy, or the SEL shelves, this story has many uses and should not be missed."--School Library Journal

"The orange cord turns into a bird, soaring around the new friends as the story finds a satisfying crescendo. This story shines in its gentle insistence that, with time and practice, we can learn new things--and that there's nothing like a trusty friend. The art and language are lovely, with details to note with repeated readings."--Booklist

About the Author

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. Her stories are inspired by her multicultural experience and include scrumptious food from her Kerala Indian heritage. Parappukkaran resides in Brisbane, Australia, with her family.

Michelle Pereira is an illustrator who spent her childhood in Nairobi, Kenya, and now lives in Melbourne, Australia. She graduated from Monash University with a bachelor of communication design. She has worked with a range of clients such as Penguin UK, Netflix, the New York Times and Marie Claire.