Rashmi Sirdeshpande (Updates Only)

Hi, I’m Rashmi - a neurodivergent children’s author who thinks and talks too much and writes a mix of picture books, poetry, fiction and nonfiction. You’ll mostly find me on other platforms but now and then I’ll share some news and books I love.

A spine poem in praise of hope. #Poetry #books #titles #hope

Everyone needs to read A MAP FOR FALASTEEN by Maysa Odeh and Aliaa Betawi. Heartbreaking and heart-expanding, it’s a beautifully written and stunningly illustrated love letter to Palestinian identity. 🇵🇸 💛

Too many clementines in a love song and the people of Gaza are dying from hunger. Gaza, once famous for its oranges and clementines, hasn’t tasted either in 22 months. The orchards that once scented the air with citrus are now scorched, the trees burned or withered to death. And…

South Asian Heritage Month is just around the corner and I have NEWS! Announcing SUPER UMA with the amazing Nakul P. A feel-good story about sensory overload, empathy and teamwork with ‘JOYFUL SOUTH ASIAN REPRESENTATION.’ Out in April 2026! @PuffinBooks @LydiaRSilver

Just look at this beautiful picture book THIS IS WHO I AM 👇🤩

Absolutely this. Any policy must start from an understanding of what writing is, what it’s for and how it’s done in the real world. If children understand that writing support them to communicate thoughts, feelings, ideas and knowledge they invest in getting their writing right.

#WeAreFamily has been chosen by kids at 30 schools and 5 libraries for the 2025 @ChildrensLFests Special Recognition Award!!!🫨 I couldn't be more honoured and thrilled! Thank you so much @christinagabbitas for all the hard work you put into making the Awards happen! 😊

Very much agree @RashmiWriting and great piece linked below unpacking this more widely from @charliehacking - do have a read

“This isn't showing off, this is showing up and showing the world that we are not only good enough to be here, but that we are actually really great at what we do and in many cases leading the way in our chosen field.” Love this, @therroneill.

This piece on the decline in reading for pleasure is a must read for everyone in children’s publishing. “This isn’t just a parenting, publishing, school, or education issue. It’s at the heart of the society that has been created with its ever-widening inequality gap.”

That is an excellent point. Had we not had 12 years of austerity and library closures we might have kept the impetus of the last National year of Reading going

Up we go We keep going up #KeepTellingofGaza #GazaGenocide‌

What a joy to listen to @MichaelRosenYes at #CILIPConf25 today, speaking about the power of the written word. At our core librarians are word hoarders, shining light in to dark places. Good to be reminded of that, and to celebrate my wonderful profession and colleagues 🧡

Which books were we recommending to our pupils, families & staff during celebration assembly this week? 📖 Ancient Greek Gods & Goddesses 📖 Sandy Fin 📖 We’ve Got This! 📖 Worst Week Ever! Sunday 📖 The Unexplained: UFOs 📖 The Elixir @LindsayGalvin

Wow @KingstonParkAc1! This is absolutely stunning. Thank you so much for sharing it with us and for working so hard on such a brilliant guidebook. I've no doubt @RashmiWriting, Viviane Schwarz, @BenShires and @jasinbath will love it too.

Beautiful night celebrating 85 years of @PuffinBooks. It all began in 1941 with a wartime dream to make books accessible, affordable and enchanting for children. A dream we authors, illustrators and book makers carry in our hearts every day. We make it real. This work matters. 💛

The Euros are coming and Sammy Striker is warming up! If you’re after the perfect book for this summer’s Euros then look no further! As seen on CBEEBIES! #euros #euros25 #football #sportsbooks #lionesses

Congratulations everyone! Some incredible books right here.