THE PLACE YOU'RE MEANT TO BE By Nury "Mr Jam" Vittachi
La-Di-Dah is a small animal who is searching for a family. She encounters a range of other animal species, but how does she know which is the right place for her? A story for under-sevens charmingly illustrated by Eamonn O'Boyle. This book is published by Mother's Choice Ltd of Hong Kong, the charity for young mothers who need help and babies who need families. It is particularly well-suited for anyone who has adopted children in their families, their schools or their social circles. The book is in bilingual text: English and Chinese.
The story: La-Di-Dah, who looks kittenish, tries to fit in with a family of monkeys. Then a family of pigs. Then a family of ducks. And so on.
The twist is the tale is that she eventually finds a family of cats -- and decides that they, too, are not the right family for her. This part delightfully surprises children, as they expect the story to end here.
Instead, La-Di-Dah continues her search -- and eventually finds a place where she is adored; and the point is made: THAT'S the place she's meant to be.
