This Is Who I Am

by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane

Interest age: 4 to 7

Published by Andersen Press, 2025

  • Picture books
  • Diversity and inclusion
  • Around the world

About this book

A little girl describes what it’s like to have a foot in two worlds – to be from the UK and India, through her extended family. 

She is temple bells and flower garlands. She is wriggly toes in bright wellies. She is every page of a shared history. She is a vibrant tapestry. She is herself. 

Rashmi Sirdeshpande’s poetic words are complemented perfectly by the soft, stunning illustrations of Ruchi Mhasane. This is a beautiful, important picture book that will speak to all those who’ve been asked where they’re from. 

It’s a celebration of both heritages, both cultures, and of the special mix of these in the little girl. 

There are many children in the UK with family backgrounds from across the world, and this would be a lovely book to share with them, to encourage pride in their heritage. Every child would enjoy reading this.

About the author

Rashmi Sirdeshpande is an award-winning neurodivergent children's author who loves taking big ideas and making them accessible and exciting for young readers. She writes a mix of picture books, poetry, fiction and illustrated non-fiction. A former official World Book Day author and BookTrust Writer-in-Residence, her books have been published around the world and featured in a number of national and international newspapers. 

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