Sandhya Parappukkaran (text) and Michelle Pereira (illustrator), Words That Taste Like Home, Bright Light, September 2024, 32 pp., ISBN 9781761213281
Award winning author, Parapukkaran, and illustrator, Pereira, have again collaborated to create a beautiful book which is well deserving of its recognition as a CBCA Picture Book Notable 2025. Their latest work, Words That Taste Like Home, is a skilfully crafted story which brilliantly captures the emotional experience of migration—the sadness of distancing from loved ones and familiar cultural roots, alongside the excitement of adapting to a new country. As a former migrant myself, I connected with this theme.
Parappukkaran presents a sensitive story about Rohan who is focused on learning the language of his new home. However, as his fluency in his first language fades, he struggles with stilted phone calls to his Muthassi (Grandmother), longing to find the words to reconnect with her. When a family trip is planned to visit Muthassi, Rohan worries whether he can regain his knowledge of his first language.
Pereira’s brightly coloured illustrations, filled with attractive patterns and lines, and interesting details, are a visual delight. More than just beautiful artwork, they play a crucial role in conveying emotional experiences and setting the cultural and environmental context of the story. Lush tropical plants, Indian architectural styles, traditional clothing—such as saris—and the lively energy of southern India contrast with the Western-style buildings, orderly streets, and modern clothing of Rohan’s new home.
I enjoyed Parapukkaran’s poetic and lyrical writing style, with original metaphors that hint at the rhythm and tone of Rohan’s first language. One of my favourites is … a language that tickled his toes and kissed his cheeks. I also loved the cooking metaphors that symbolize Rohan’s reconnection with his first language and his bond with Muthassi, cleverly linking food, cooking and language as markers of culture. The word “taste” in the title also aptly suggests that culture is a whole sensory experience.
Words That Taste Like Home is a valuable book for supporting migrant children as they adjust to their new home, while encouraging them to maintain their cultural heritage. The story also explores more universal experiences—such as the bond with grandparents and the sadness of losing touch with loved ones—making it also relevant to a broader audience.
Best suited for children aged 4–7, this book offers an accessible way to start conversations about family, identity, and belonging.
Reviewed by Barbara Swartz
