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February 2021
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CONTENTS — 0 2/ 2 1
14
Cover Story Stamford in the spotlight
Hello from the hot desk
4 CONTRIBUTORS
Meet this month’s team
Events going ahead in February
8 NEWS
Your monthly local news roundup
11 ME & MY BIG IDEA
18 PARENT & BABY AWARDS 2021
36 BOOK CLUB
6 PLANNER
33 HOROSCOPES
2 EDITOR’S LETTER
12 MUST HAVES
Mina Miyagawa shares on jewellery investing
Welcome the Year of the Ox in style
Letao Wang reveals your fate in February
We reveal Hong Kong’s best baby products
Conny Wong introduces her pandemic-inspired lullaby
24 DINING
Tea for two? Afternoon teas with a Chinese New Year twist
6
26 EDUCATION
The Harvard grads redesigning education for the post-Covid age
30 BIG DAY OUT
Our socially-distanced guide to lunar new year fun
24
18 30
36
12
26
“The person that said winning isn’t everything, never won anything.” - Mia Hamm
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editor’s Letter
who’s in charge?
Life as a new parent is overwhelming. Honestly, I didn’t understand the full extent of this statement until I actually became a parent. Nine months in, I’m finding my way with the support of some fabulous brands and services in Hong Kong. This month, I’m thrilled to announce the winners of our Parent & Baby Awards (I believe, the first of its kind in Hong Kong). Through the awards, we celebrate the brands that make parenting that little bit easier. In this issue, we also head to Stamford American School Hong Kong as they celebrate their third anniversary and unveil brand new facilities. Meanwhile, our founder (and current Bali correspondent) Tom Hilditch meets the Harvard grads who are redesigning education for a new age in Ubud. Join us on February 4 to meet the winners of our Parent & Baby Awards over an afternoon tea at Maggie & Rose in Causeway Bay. Tickets available on our website. Look forward to seeing you there.
Editorial editorial@hongkongliving.com Editor-in-chief Nicole Slater
Editor Gemma Shaw
Digital Editor Ching Yuen
Design vicky@hongkongliving.com Graphic Designer Vicky Lam
Graphic Designer Yankee Tsang
Sales & Marketing talk@hongkongliving.com Director of Content Hilda Chan
Partnership Manager Elaine Li
Circulation Manager Pranali Gupta
Sales & Partnership Manager Debbie Ky
Publisher Matt Eaton matt@hongkongliving.com
Editor’s picks
Founding Director Tom Hilditch tom@hongkongliving.com
Contact us Admin: 3568 3722 | Editorial: 2776 2773 | Advertising: 2776 2772 Published by Hong Kong Living Ltd, L1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong
Macarons for charity
Stunning macaron brand, Little Miss Macarons is releasing a limited edition box of CNY macarons ($350 for eight pieces) with festive flavours including yuzu and jasmine, and mandarin and earl grey. Fifty percent of the proceeds will go to support children in countries including Malawi, China, and South America, providing sufficient meals for one child for a whole month. littlemissmacarons.shop
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Fresh from the bakery
Starting February 1, head to Four Seasons Cake Shop for a taste of Chef Ringo Chan’s new cakes and pastries. In particular, the Classic Egg Tart is rumoured to be the best in town. For something more exotic, try the Pandan and Kaya Portugest Egg Tart ($15 each.) fourseasons.com
HONG KONG hongkongliving.com Expat Parent is published by Hong Kong Living Ltd. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Expat Parent cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors. The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
Photo: Stamford American School
Printer Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, Hong Kong
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contributors Thank you to our contributors
Conny Wong Conny is founder of gorgeous children’s shoe brand Pepper & Mint and has just released her first children’s book I Love You, Little Dumpling. We check out her book on page 36.
Aude Camus Born and raised in Paris, Aude Camus and baby Noa are our stylish mama and baby about town. Aude is managing editor of city guide, Hong Kong Madame. Check out her plans for the new year on page 7. @hongkongmadame
Harry Hilditch Karrie Dietz Originally from the United States, Stamford American School Hong Kong Principal Karrie Dietz has over 25 years of teaching and school leadership experience across six countries. As a founding member of Stamford in Hong Kong, she has led its development since 2017. sais.edu.hk
Barefooted, bow in one hand, arrow in the other, eight-year-old plastic warrior Harry Hilditch tells us what it’s like to be a student at Empathy School in Ubud, Bali on page 26. empathy.school
Letao Wang Letao Wang is a spiritual counsellor specialised in professional tarot, astrology and numerology. On page 33 he reveals what’s in store for you this month... Get in touch with Leato at thehealingkingdom.com
Want to write for Expat Parent? Contact editorial@hongkongliving.com 4 | EXPAT PARENT
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what’s on FEB 14
Valentine’s Day Love isn’t cancelled.
FEB 15
Spring Race
Photo: Cotton Pigs
Rescheduled from 2020, this 14km spring race circles Kowloon Reservoir. 9am. $250. Kowloon Reservoir BBQ Site. xterace.com
FEB 4
Parent & Baby Awards Ceremony Enjoy an afternoon of tea and free-flow wine with Expat Parent editor Gemma Shaw as we celebrate the winners of our very first Parent & Baby Awards. 4-5:30pm. $388. Maggie & Rose, Shop 308 & 311, 3/F, Lee Garden Two, Causeway Bay. hongkongliving.com/shop
UNTIL MAR 14
FEB 4
Tackle Sai Kung’s toughest trails as part of the Action Asia HK50 Series. Choose to complete distances of 12km, 22km or 54km within 24 hours. $98. Pak Tam Chung Picnic Garden, Sai Kung. actionasiaevents.com
Meet primary and secondary school principals at Hong Kong Academy’s virtual open house. Free. Register at hkacademy.edu.hk/virtualopen-house
Virtual Sai Kung 50
HKA Virtual Open House
FEB 12-15
Chinese New Year Kung Hei Fat Choi! It’s the Year of The Ox. Unfortunately the usual fireworks and parades have been cancelled but there is plenty to see and do. Check out our guide on page 30.
FEB 4
Shrewsbury VIP Digital Campus Tour Explore Shrewsbury’s Tseung Kwan O campus from the comfort of your own home via Zoom. 10am. Free. shrewsbury.edu.hk
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FEB 25 - MAR 13 Redemption Room
Secret Theater will showcase this immersive online thriller via Zoom. Times vary. $155. secrettheatres.com
book now BOOK NOW MAR 19-20
30-Hour Famine This annual famine will take place virtually with proceeds going to support World Vision’s assistance projects for families in Zimbabwe, South Sudan and Somalia. 30hourfamine.org
Puppies and Sai Kung Stray Friends at this pop-up market hosted by our sister magazine. 12-5pm. Free. hongkongliving.com/shop
APR 4
Wild Sunday Hike and Run Families are welcome to choose a 9km, 12km or 24km trail run or hike in Aberdeen Country Park. 9am-12pm. $250. xte.hk
MAR 20
Sai Kung Magazine’s Pet-Friendly Market Support local dog charities Catherine’s
APR 5
HK50 WEST This 6km,10km, 25km or 54km race heads across Maclehose Trail to Lung Mun Country Trail. 6.30am. From $180. Shing Mun Reservoir Catchwater, Tsuen Wan. actionasiaevents.com
APR 1-12
Hong Kong International Film Festival In it’s 45th year, celebrate Chinese cinema and local talent through virtual and in-theatre screenings. Times and priced to be announced. hkiff.org.hk
Got an event? We can publish the details. Email editorial@hongkongliving.com
Mum about town Aude Camus shares plans to welcome the Year of The Ox Being French, a new month means a new excuse to indulge and in February we celebrate La Chandeleur which translates as ‘Crepes Day’. We’ve been introducing solid food to Noa since she was four months old and we’ve been lucky that it has been a fun and easy journey. I swear this little one is a true foodie so we’ll enjoy feasting on crepes as a family – both at La Crêperie, which is hosting Chandeleur Week in partnership with French jam brand Bonne Maman, and at home. It will be a great opportunity to spend some delicious time together and introduce Noa to some new treats such as jam and chocolate spread. Over Chinese New Year we are planning on making the most of the public holiday with a family staycation at Hong Kong’s hippest new hotel, The Hari. I’ll be packing Noa’s adorable new book, I love You, Little Dumpling in which author Conny Wong
combines adorable illustrations with a sweet, gentle rhyme. We might also hop on the Star Ferry and head over to K11 MUSEA to check out Petit Bazaar’s new store, I love their curated selection of kidswear, toys and home décor.
The Hari Hong Kong
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news
Redress design awards open The world’s largest sustainable fashion design competition is calling for entrants with a passion for sustainability. Applicants must submit three ready-to-wear outfit sketches before the deadline of March 15. Finalists will have the opportunity to debut their design at the Grand Final fashion show and stand a chance of winning $80,000 in prize money. All finalists and semi-finalists will also receive educational and career enhancing initiatives. redressdesignaward.com
No more plastic, doo doo doo EcoDrive Hong Kong and Pinkfong, the company responsible for the unforgettably catchy Baby Shark tune, have joined forces to create a new Baby Shark video, No Single-Use Plastic, to educate young children about single-use plastic pollution. It is the first time Pinkfong has collaborated with a non-profit organisation and the message is clear: single-use plastic pollution is a critical environmental issue. In
Hong Kong alone, we produce over 2,000 tonnes of plastic waste per day and since the start of the pandemic the amount of plastic waste has doubled. By enlisting the voices of Baby Shark and his ocean friends, the team behind the drive hope that children will have greater compassion, knowledge and be more motivated to care for their environment. Youtube: Baby Shark x EcoDrive
A new era for Ocean Park The Hong Kong Government has announced plans to transform Ocean Park into an exciting new resort and leisure destination. New attractions will be launched in phases from 2023 to 2027 and will see Ocean Park evolve into an adventure-themed resort destination, with a strong emphasis on environmental conservation. Features will include a brand new wellness-themed zone and a 6,400sqm water park which has been under construction since 2017 and is due to open this summer. A revamped business model will see individual attractions charged while retail, dining and entertainment spaces will be free for the public to access anytime they wish. “The operation mode of the park will change by outsourcing part of its park area or facilities for development and operation to become financially sustainable in the long run,� said the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Edward Yau. The Hong Kong Government will play a role in financing the
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transformation which is expected to cost $10.64 billion. oceanpark.com.hk
news
Felix & Mina flagship store
New club lounge at Mandarin Oriental Mandarin Oriental is set to debut a 6,200 square foot club lounge on the 23rd floor of the hotel later this month. The lounge will cater to club guests and offer private checkin, breakfast, afternoon tea, light snacks and
German family lifestyle store, Felix & Mina, opened their first ever flagship store in Discovery Bay last month. The one stop family store offers a curated collection of European branded baby and kids clothing and toys. Felix & Mina was founded in 2002 by passionate mums who wanted to create environmentally conscious, safe and stylish children’s wear. The brand already has stores in Beijing, Ningbo and Changsha. felixandmina.com
nightly champagne and canapĂŠs. Mandarin Oriental is currently offering a range of staycation packages priced from $1,963. mandarinoriental.com
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me & my big idea
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me & my big idea
Investing in style Charmaine Ng meets Hong Kong-based jewellery designer and investment advisor Mina Miyagawa When we think of investment, our mind tends to veer in the direction of real estate and stocks. But not for Mina Miyagawa. A jewellery designer, investment advisor and appraiser in Hong Kong who grew up surrounded by stones as her parents owned a gemstone cutting factory, Miyagawa took an interest in jewellery early on. Because of her family background, she spent her formative years observing different types of natural stones and looking into their potential for investment. In her twenties, while all of her friends were buying into property and stocks, Miyagawa turned towards individual coloured diamonds – much to the chagrin of everyone around her. But years on, the value of these stones has surged significantly. During this time, Miyagawa also kickstarted her career as a jewellery designer, opening up her eponymous brand. “In Hong Kong, jewellery investment is in its beginning stage,” she tells Hong Kong Living. “People here are used to buying jewellery as gifts. In other regions, however, jewellery investment is very common. This may be because you don’t need to pay so much to invest as there are gemstones which only require a relatively low budget to get started with.” Having been in the business since 1995, Miyagawa has seen how the jewellery industry has changed. Decades ago, people were only looking for mass-produced jewellery in shopping malls. At the same time, it seemed like round white diamonds were the only choice for engagement rings. There wasn’t much variety in the market because people were unfamiliar with the different options out there. The change only came about in recent
years, as more and more people have looked towards celebrities such as the British royal family for inspiration. Slowly, public interest has edged away from simply white diamonds to coloured gemstones like aquamarine. “The ratio of coloured diamonds to white diamonds is 1:100,000,” says Miyagawa, when asked about the types of jewels that are popular today. “So, instead of white diamonds, I always suggest my customers go for coloured diamonds. And in terms of colours, pink diamonds are the primary choice. I say this because the argyle mine in Australia, which produces 90 percent of pink diamonds in the world, is going to be closed in 2021. So,
the value of pink diamonds is expected to increase 443 percent in near future.” For those who want to dip into the world of jewellery investment, Miyagawa has a few words of advice. “Different jewels have a different criteria, so do your research carefully,” she says. “For example, if you are looking for a piece of aquamarine, a Santa Maria grade is the most investable; if you are looking at a piece of emerald, the origin is of top priority, with emerald from Colombia being the best.” Book an online consultation or drop in for a meeting at her shop in IFC. en.minajw.com
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MUST HAVES World Explorations Shanghai Lungo coffee $42 per sleeve from Nespresso nespresso.com
Tangerine macaron tree from $538 for 15 macarons from Little Miss Macarons littlemissmacarons.shop
Gold plated tea caddy $2,788 from Fortnum & Mason fortnumandmason.com
Year of the Ox chopsticks $1380 from Shanghai Tang shanghaitang.com
Cute ox bracelet set $1,298 from Pandora hk.pandora.net
Lucky charms $388 from Cookie Smiles cookiesmiles.com.hk
Dragon legend bubble stick $80 from Lush hk.lush.com
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Ring in the Ye in style with prod
MUST HAVES lip+luminizer set: Lunar New Year edition $428 from Fenty Beauty fentybeauty.com
Greeting card $39 from 852 Prints 852prints.com
Lion dance lai see packet $40 from Lion Rock Press thelionrockpress.com
ear of The Ox these lucky ducts
Lion dance bear $450 from The Peninsula Boutique peninsulaboutique.com/hk
Inspiring gift box $770 from La Maison Du Chocolat lamaisonduchocolat.hk
Chinese New Year double layer hexagon gift box $788 from Venchi venchi.com.hk
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cover story
Spotlight on Stamford The future is bright at Stamford as the school unveils state-of-the-art facilities. By Gemma Shaw 14 | EXPAT PARENT
cover story It’s an exciting year at Stamford American School Hong Kong. Three years since its opening, student numbers have doubled to 700 and following recent expansion works, state-of-the-art new facilities have been unveiled just ahead of the new lunar year. As the school looks ahead to its next major milestone – the first graduating class in 2023, Head of School, Karrie Dietz fills us in on what current and prospective students can expect.
Learning approach Stamford offers an American Standardsbased curriculum taught through an inquirybased approach. “This is important as it is a progressive approach to teaching and learning, but the standards ensure a clear path and milestones along the way so we can also ensure growth and prepare students well for their futures,” says Dietz. For those who are interested, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is also offered and IB learner profile values are fostered within students. These values focus on developing internationally minded people who, recognising their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world. In Grades 9 and 10, a special program called Cornerstones provides students with the opportunity to gain real-life, handson experience working on a project with industry leaders. This year the school has
All smiles at Stamford
partnered with MIT Innovation Node, Oxfam and SCMP. Each term, students will be mentored in a professional environment and gain real-world experience before moving into their critical years of high school. “This unique learning experience is something our students loved and gained something additional for their portfolios and the learning,” says Dietz.
New Facilities and annex launch Having recently expanded facilities to provide additional learning spaces, Stamford boasts a brand new design and technology workshop, specialist art rooms, science labs, outdoor space on the ground floor and rooftop, as well
as a new library and collaboration space that was designed with the help of the students. “Our students have big aspirations, and the facilities will support our diploma graduates, IB Course Candidates and IBDP graduates so they can continue to pursue their passions at universities around the globe,” says Dietz.
Stamford values While academic excellence is undoubtedly integral, Stamford also places huge emphasis on whole-child development. “People often think you need to trade one for the other, however, care and nurture bring out the best in children,” says Dietz. Four core values of integrity, courage, innovation and compassion are deeply rooted in the school ethos. “Last year was undoubtedly a tough year; we have focused on resiliency and our #StamfordStrong was born out of Covid-19 to celebrate the gains we have made as a community amidst the challenges,” adds Dietz. As part of the Cognita Schools Group, which encompasses 80 schools worldwide, a special day is set aside to recognise and encourage ways to be well as a school group. On Global Be Well Day, Stamford students participate in a range of activities to promote mindfulness and healthy lifestyle, emphasising the importance of sleep, healthy eating habits, and physical activities to keep their bodies strong and hearts and minds happy. This year, Stamford accepted Cognita’s Active World Challenge logging an incredible 41,127 km of walking, running, swimming, and riding. The school community virtually ‘travelled’ from Hong Kong to International School Zurich North, in four weeks, and visited Cognita schools in Brazil, Spain, and the UK en route.
Tug of war
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cover story
Making friends
Follow Your Path In 2023, Stamford will celebrate its first batch of graduates. All students receive the American High School Diploma and there is the option to be an IB Course Candidate or pursue the full diploma programme. “We are passionate about choice and are non-selective for our IBDP. At Stamford American, we believe that every student is unique, which is why our curriculum
and community work together to inspire each child to create their own pathway,� says Dietz. In the not so distant future, Stamford is looking forward to resuming more experiences for students to explore the world outside of the classroom with overseas trips to schools within the Cognita network highly anticipated.
School report Established: 2017 Number of students: 700 with capacity for 1,000. Currently accepting Pre-primary to Grade 10 students with capacity to accept Grades 11 and 12 in subsequent years. Class size: Maximum 24 students in each class. Curriculum: Inquiry-based, American Education Reaches Out, Common Core Plus, IB - Fees 2020/2021: $178,800 to HK$206,000 per annum Non refundable capital levy: $30,000 Address: 25 Man Fuk Road, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong Admissions Tel: 2500 8688
To find out more about Stamford American School Hong Kong visit sais.edu.hk
A robotics lesson
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cover story
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Awards
Parent & Baby Awards You voted, we counted. Presenting the first-ever Parent & Baby Awards, celebrating the brands and people who make parenting a breeze, as Gemma Shaw discovers Life as a new parent is overwhelming. Honestly, I didn’t understand the full extent of this statement until I actually became a parent. What to buy, what to not buy, when to wean, how to get them to sleep… There are a million different questions that new parents ask themselves, and a million different answers.
That’s why we’ve created Hong Kong’s very first Parent & Baby Awards with the aim of celebrating the brands that make parenting a little bit easier. The following pages celebrate the winners of 16 categories voted for online by our readers.
Best sustainable brand Retykle This much-loved online store founded by Hong Kong expat Sarah Garner focuses on buying and selling high-end, second hand children’s clothing from top brands including Bonpoint, Jacadi and Ralph Lauren. After having her first child, Sarah recognised that raising little tykes can be costly and hard on the environment. She opened Asia’s first online trading platform for parents to buy and sell children’s clothes. Shoppers can enjoy up to 90 percent off original clothing prices. Retykle now has a permanent store in Wong Chuk Hang. retykle.com
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AWARDS
Best private hospital Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong Located in Wong Chuk Hang, Gleneagles offers an incredibly modern and spacious environment for expectant and postpartum mothers to relax and recover. The hospital is well-known for its high-quality, accessible healthcare services as well as transparent pricing. For example, throughout 2020, Gleneagles offered a very popular cappedfee package to provide a solution for parents who didn’t want to take the public route during the pandemic. Gleneagles is also the only private hospital in Hong Kong to join the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative which promotes and supports breastfeeding. gleneagles.hk
Best familyfriendly club Maggie & Rose Dreamt up by Maggie Bolger and Rose Astor back in London in 2006, Maggie & Rose is a modern family private members’ club which
offers a unique and creative space for children to play, in surroundings that appeal to grown ups too. Since its opening, Maggie & Rose has grown to include two Hong Kong locations – Repulse Bay and Causeway Bay. Kids are spoilt for choice with an outdoor play area, movie room, soft play and creative classes which include cooking with real chefs, listening to jazz and getting messy on canvases. hk.maggieandrose.com
Best nursery furniture brand Indigo Kids Home furnishing retailer and interior design service provider Indigo Living has been leading the way in interior trends across Asia and the Middle East for the last 30 years. It’s dedicated children’s line, Indigo Kids offers a range of high-quality, safe, fun and educational furniture, accessories, décor and gifts for children’s bedrooms. indigo-living.com
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Awards
Best baby skincare Mustela
With 70 years of skincare experience, mums know they are in safe hands with Mustela. The brand uses natural ingredients such as avocado, olives and plum oil to create its unique range of creams and oils. With a focus on pregnant women and babies, Mustela offers a range of everyday essentials, from nipple cream to shower gel to cater to you and your child’s every need. mustela.hk
Best baby food brand Piccolo British baby food brand Piccolo engages a diverse team of midwives, fitness experts, writers and researches to ensure that their products are always ahead of the game. While the team are huge supporters of home cooking, they realise that there are days when preparing food on-the-go simply isn’t possible, that’s where these organic, nutritionist-approved, super tasty meals and snacks come in. Find them online at Baby Central. mylittlepiccolo.com
Best online retailer Baby Central Baby Central was created by two mums who wanted to spend more time with their babies and less time running around the shops. The online store stocks everything you’ll need for a baby under one roof. As well as clothing
from brands such as Aden + Anais, Love To Dream and Baby Hero, the store stocks books, toys from brands such as Lamaze, maternity wear and a huge range of feeding supplies. For orders over $450, Baby Central offers same day or next day delivery along with free local shipping to many areas in Hong Kong. babycentral.com.hk
Best sleeping product Naked Lab After her daughter Pia was diagnosed with eczema in 2018, Hong Kong-based founder of Naked Lab, Joyce Lau went on the hunt for organic bedding to help ease her daughter’s skin irritation. Following an unsuccessful search, she decided to take matters into her own hands and hence Naked Lab was born. The company specialises in creating the softest vegan bamboo silk sheets and bedding sets for adults and children. Having welcomed her baby boy last month, this award could not have come at a better time. Congratulations Joyce. nakedlab.me
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AWARDS
Best baby fashion brand Raph & Remy After spotting a gap in the market for high quality, sustainable baby products, this Singaporeanbased husband and wife duo decided to create their own brand offering personalised premium bamboo baby essentials and gifts including swaddles, headbands and bibs. The brand is extremely environmentally conscious working with leading eco-friendly textile manufacturers in Asia and using only organically grown bamboo. In 2019, Raph & Remy partnered with global charity The Red Pencil Humanitarian Mission to help provide art therapy to low-income families. raphandremy.com
Out-and-About Gift Set
Best innovative product Cotton Pigs After having her daughter, travel junkie and avid hiker Stephanie Zhu began searching for ways to pack light with a baby-in-tow. She looked for multipurpose, minimalist outfits for her daughter that looked cute. Taking matters into her own hands, Zhu soon created a line of fun, versatile, reservable baby clothing made from the softest organic cotton in hand-picked adorable prints. With urban parents in mind, the brand has grown and caters to a worldwide market looking for a stylish-yet-minimalist approach to dressing their children. Sizes currently cater for newborn to 48 months. cottonpigs.com
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Awards
Best baby carrier
Ergobaby Carrier Omni 360 Baby Carrier With humidity in Hong Kong high most of the year, parents need a carrier that is lightweight, breathable and comfortable. Ergobaby’s Carrier Omni 360 Baby Carrier ticks all these boxes and more, this all-in-one, newborn ready carrier offers all carry positions and is suitable for babies from newborn to 48 months. ergobaby.com
Best baby stroller Silver Cross In 1877, Silver Cross’ founder William Wilson invented the world’s first baby carriage. Today, Silver Cross is Britain’s oldest nursery brand
Best playmat Momomi As a mother of two and a design and brand consultant, Gigi Ng knows a thing or two about entertaining children in style. Her Momomi Soft Touch Tatami Mat has been popular among parents around the world since its launch three years ago. Taking inspiration from the Japanese tatami mat, Ng was able to create a stylish and sophisticated multipurpose playmat. Through close collaboration with local communities, each mat is ethically produced and provides a sustainable income for female artisans. momomijapan.com
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and continues to lead the way in nursery furniture and pram design, using traditional methods of supreme quality and craftsmanship. Visit Silver Cross’ flagship store in K11 Musea to browse their range of modern prams, car seats, furniture, babywear and bedding and see the world’s oldest surviving baby carriage, crafted by William Wilson in 1878. silvercrossbaby.com
AWARDS
Best for newborn essentials Bimbo Concept With a background in fashion, Bimbo Concept founder Elaine So-Girardi noticed that Hong Kong was lacking in high quality children’s stores after the birth of her two children. She launched Bimbo Concept in 2018 to fill this void and bring curation of design and high quality products to families with children. Each item is hand selected to ensure it meets the ‘Bimbo Concept’ standard of style, quality and sustainability and a focus on minimal Scandinavian aesthetic. The website is packed with gorgeous, inspiring content and the brand now has three permanent stores in Repulse Bay, Stanley and at K11 Musea in Tsim Sha Tsui. bimboconcept.com
Best postnatal support Matilda International Hospital Matilda nurses and midwives are renowned for their excellent care and tailored approach and this doesn’t stop once mum and baby leave
the hospital. Matilda community midwives offer support to parents and their babies once they are home, guiding parents, offering advice on mum and baby wellbeing, supporting breastfeeding and providing an important link, when needed, to paediatricians, obstetricians and other healthcare professionals. matilda.org
Best baby accessory Ben & Ellie Nappy Change Clutch Co-founded in 2019 by new mothers Jess DeAngelis and Julie Rout, inspiration hit when they started reflecting on the shortfalls of the countless baby change mats and baby bags they’d tried. Made by mums for mums, their vegan leather nappy change clutch is one of the most stylish and functional baby products on the market. Jess and Julie understand that a lot changes when you have a baby, but you don’t stop being a woman when you become a mum. benandelliebaby.com
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dining
Kerry Hotel
Tea for two Amber Lai rings in the new year with these festive themed teas W Hong Kong Designed by executive chef Rafael Gil, from Netflix’s popular show Chef’s Table and executive pastry chef Baptiste Villefranque, this tea set is sure to give you an Ox-traordinary start to the year. The east meets west menu showcases auspicious ingredients such as an abalone tart and bird’s nest cheesecake to bring luck to diners. While pork-themed dishes including the W BBQ Puff celebrate the animal of the year. $498 for two. Book through W Hong Kong’s e-shop to receive exclusive discounts. whongkong-shop.com
Hue Set infront of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline, Hue offers diners a glamorous start to the new year. It’s new afternoon tea will add additional dishes throughout the festive period including savoury radish cake with chorizo and red velvet cake with dates, to give an international twist to traditional dishes. The new additions
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will be featured throughout February. $680 for two. huedining.com.hk
dining LUMI This French and Japanese fusion restaurant has embraced cherry blossoms this festive season. LUMI’s afternoon tea set is themed around the beautiful blossoms and features a range of savoury bites including golden urchin wagyu on rosti and smoked salmon and avocado crisps. No afternoon tea is complete without scones, this set includes raspberry rose jam and clotted cream to spread on top. $428 for two. lumi.com.hk
5 festive foods to celebrate the new year Dumplings: with a history of over 1,800 years, dumplings are believed to bring luck. It is said that the more dumplings you eat during the festivities, the more money you will make that year. Whilst filling your dumplings, hide a gold coin in one dumpling for a lucky guest to find.
Island Shangri-La Featuring Chinese-inspired savoury dishes such as crispy suckling pig on brioche and an abalone vol-au-vent, Island Shangri La’s latest tea set is designed to symbolise happiness and good luck for the year. For those with a sweet tooth, the set includes an array of desserts like the Chinese new year macaron, white chocolate sesame cheesecake and an osmanthus gold jelly with earl grey mousse. $588 for two. shangri-la.com
Fruit: one of the key elements of CNY is giving gifts to your loved ones. You often see pomelos and tangerines popping up around the festive season due to their symbolic meaning. Pomelos are believed to bring prosperity, tangerines for luck and oranges for wealth. Spring rolls: a traditional dish for Chinese family meals. Traditionally, the dish should incorporate the freshest and most seasonal ingredients to celebrate the start of spring.
Kerry Hotel An ox-pixious afternoon tea at Kerry Hotel will bring you and your guest a healthy start to the new year. The set puts a western spin on traditional dishes with options such as barbecue duck and beef pastrami. Classic scones with clotted cream and an orange marmalade are the perfect accompaniment. $682 for two. shangri-la.com
Grand Hyatt From February 11 to 13, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong will be putting a Chinese New Year spin on its floral themed afternoon tea set. The set will feature floral flavoured desserts such as rose profiteroles and blueberry and violet cheesecake, along with five savory dishes including a roast beef and
cucumber sandwiches and a smoked salmon crepe roll. Available for dine-in and take away. $656 for two. hyatt.com
Noodles: long, uncut noodles symbolize longevity during the new year, so be sure not to break them while serving up. Tray of togetherness: A tray of sweet treats offered to guests around Chinese New Year. These trays traditionally include seeds which symbolise fortune and riches, lotus root which brings abundance and candied coconut and water chestnuts to symbolise family unity and togetherness.
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Education
The most amazing childhood possible? From Harvard to the rice field, meet the educators of the future who are redesigning education for a new age at the same time have the most amazing childhood possible”. The school is part of a global movement of “nature schools” or “wild schools”. And as you approach, it is clear that something special is happening. The school was established in mid-May 2020, in a luxury villa and its surrounding fields. Now - just nine months later - it has transmogrified into an Arcadian village. In terms of numbers, it is over halfway to its ultimate target of 75 children. It has a waiting list in most categories, and the three or four new places it does offer each month fill up fast. The new parents are international entrepreneurs, technology innovators and creatives. Part of a global tribe that is rethinking consumerism, waste, and our growing disconnect with mother earth. Strange, perhaps, that the people designing our shiny new world and thinking most about the future want their children to grow up in nature. “Nature is our best teacher,” says Eric Gonzales-Payne, School Principal, as he greets you at the school gate. “Nature challenges us. You never know what is going to happen.” As you stand on the terrace of the villa (now nicknamed “The Castle”) it is clear Hui Ya Ting is centre holding her youngest son, Eric Gonzales-Payne is far right holding their son Miles
Visitors to Empathy School in Ubud, Bali, are often perplexed. Where are the desks? The discipline? The disinfectant? What kind of school has a mud pit? An average class size of four children? Why are classes not based on age? Does this kind of education work? Questions. Questions. All of them will be answered in time. But first you have to ask the big question at the heart of the project. The question that has occupied founders Eric Gonzales-Payne and his wife Hui Ya Ting since they studied at Harvard University. Namely - in this age of artificial
intelligence, global consumerism and climate change - what kind of education will best prepare your child for the future? Or as Hui Ya Ting puts it, succinctly: “What do you want for your child?” Your tour begins. You park your car in a country lane outside Ubud and walk up a wooded hill, past rice fields, ducks, cows, an old lady bathing in a stream, and into a landscape barely touched by modernity. Empathy School’s stated mission is “to create an empathetic environment in which students become equipped with skills to tackle life in the 21st century… and In touch with nature
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Education
how radically and completely the founders have put nature at the heart of the school. Most classes take place outside. Everyone is barefoot. The area is dotted with small bamboo huts where Maths and English classes happen. (Also mythology, robotics, woodwork, art, music, markets and chess to name a few). And if a giant bug flies into the bamboo classroom? “That’s okay,” says Eric. “That is real life. You are doing something and then something else comes up. It’s okay to have these conflicts. Children learn better when they are passionate and having fun.” On the gentle hill below, children of all ages are busy with various forms of “evidencebased education” and you can’t help but notice something - not only do they look super happy, they are also super fit. “We serve only vegan food,” says Eric. “Most of it is grown within a mile of the school.” Sugar is banned. Sweets (and toys for that matter) must be turned in at the door. “We start the day
Harry Hilditch, eight-year-old student
with a nature walk and give children lots of physical activity - the trampoline is especially popular - so they burn off energy and can focus on classes.” Focusing in class is something that Eric and Hui Ya are very keen on. Classes average around four children per teacher. And even more unusual - they are not streamed by age but by ability. This means
A typical day Early morning - A morning walk or run through nature to prepare for the day. Morning - No two students will have the same schedule. Morning classes consist of maths, arts, adventure, and magic (our version of writing and reading). Adventure class could be building a cob house for the rabbits, collecting fruit or hiking. Lunchtime - We begin by serving only vegetables. After five minutes, we’ll add rice. Many of our students have learned to enjoy eating vegetables this way. All of our fruit and vegetables are grown on or near campus. Afternoon - Kids are free to choose their classes. Options include science, robotics, quiet time, empathy and kid-led classes during which the kids can present topics that excite them. Late afternoon - Free play. The children are encouraged to create their own games. Teachers can get involved but the kids set the rules.
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Education
Staying cool in a pool
The mud swing helps symbolise the main lesson Empathy School is teaching. (No, it’s not ‘mud is good for your immune system’ although they do believe that.) Eric waits to make sure you are listening. “The single most important skill we are teaching is the ability to listen to your inner voice.” This is why the school is called Empathy. “The foundation of education is empathy,” says Eric. “Empathy first means being able to talk to oneself. Everyone of us has had this time when we question who we are. What we want in life. What we don’t want. We need a clear voice to be able to thrive in life. So many people have lost - or never developed - their inner voice. So many adults are still walking in the darkness.” As your tour continues up ladders,
a five year old might be in the same class as two seven year olds. “Streaming according to age was invented a century ago to make education cheaper,” explains Eric. “It’s more effective to focus on ability. That way no one gets left behind and no one gets slowed down.” Teachers - some of whom are ex-Montessori - are not allowed to rely on worksheets. “We want our teachers to be in the moment - focused on the children not free-wheeling on old class notes.” You walk with Eric down the hill. Past Excalibur stuck into a stone, past a swimming pool with a balancing pole, solar panels, water wheels and various school irrigation projects to the mud pit. A rope hangs over the goo. “Wanna swing across?” Eric asks. You eye the rope doubtfully. “Don’t worry,” smiles Eric. “We have extra clothes.” Empathy School grounds
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Education along paths and through the “enchanted forest” you watch children being supervised in evidence-based education - learning fractions with watermelon slices in the kitchen, building kites, making their own wooden swords, building homes for the animal sanctuary or just ferociously jumping on the trampoline - you become aware of how much emphasis is put on playing together and learning together. “After listening to your own voice, the next most important lesson we teach is how to communicate and empathize with others,” says Eric. If the school had a founding father it would be Marshall Rosenberg, the psychologist who developed Non-Violent Communication (NVC) in the 1960s. His picture is on the wall, his works are part of the teacher training and his birthday is celebrated with a school workshop. “ NVC
is our default language,” says Eric. “We teach pupils how to communicate without attaching blame and how to develop real communication strategies. We focus on their socio-emotional development. This helps the students to bond together and paves the way for them to quickly advance in this area very early on.”
As you return to the castle and survey the scene; mud, animals, flowers, the barefoot children in their colorful rags, Eric concedes: “Empathy School is not for everyone. You wouldn’t come here if you felt your child needs to be in a box.” Which brings you back to the big question: “What do you want for your child?”
A Parent’s view My son Harry, now eight, has blossomed at Empathy School. His confidence and verbal skills have rocketed. Even his body has changed he’s now lean, fit (“Look daddy: Six-pack!”) and carries himself with his shoulders back. His ability to interact with others has also improved. He plays well with other children. He rarely cries now. He’s not afraid to ask adults questions and listens closely to what they say. Coming from Hong Kong, we honestly never gave much thought to consumerism and waste. But Harry is beginning to change that. He sees “plastic rubbish” as unnecessary. He doesn’t like plastic bottles or tubs and has initiated moves to limit it in our household. We can walk straight past Toys R Us barely a second glance. For Christmas given the choice between an Xbox and an electric sander… Harry chose the sander. The parent community has been a lovely surprise. Empathy seems to attract parents who are innovators, creatives and entrepreneurs. The school does a lot to connect parents and involve them - they host free workshops, have fab end-of-term parties, the WhatsApp group is extremely active. So we have formed good relationships with a lot of very interesting and committed people. The Dad’s Night sauna - an authentic Russian banya - was really something.
Get in touch WhatsApp: +62 812-1511-1354 Facebook: facebook.com/empathyschoolbali Insta: empathyschoolbali www.empathy.School The school is currently accepting children aged three to nine years old Learning makes for muddy work
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Big day out
Chi Lin Nunnery
Kung Hei Fat Choy Eight fun, free and cultured things to do over Chinese New Year Chinese New Year celebrations are all about giving thanks for the previous year and praying for good fortune for the next. This year, celebrations may look a little different but there is still plenty to do.
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Zen out at Chi Lin Nunnery This large Buddhist complex in Diamond Hill was founded in the 1930s as a retreat for Buddhist nuns. It was rebuilt in the 1990s following traditional Tang Dynasty architecture – constructed entirely from cypress wood, using no nails, and is, in fact, the world’s largest handmade wooden building. Once you’ve viewed
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the nunnery, stroll through over 3.5 hectares of landscaped gardens at the surrounding Nan Lian Gardens.
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Visit the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery Best attempted at a cooler time of year, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is actually five temples, four pavilions, one pagoda – and 430 steep hillside steps to reach them. Make sure the walking party is forewarned and forearmed. Alongside the climb are dozens of golden and painted lifesize Buddha statues, all of which are different, so take your time and catch your breath while you have a look.
big day out
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Chow down on festive treats
sounds like the word for ‘abundance’, it is therefore lucky to consume fish over Chinese New Year. Similarly, the word for ‘tangerine’ sounds like the word for ‘luck’. However, avoid porridge for breakfast over the holidays as this food symbolises poverty. South Stream Market has an excellent selection of fresh and frozen seafood for delivery. southstreammarket.com
Celebrate Lunar New Year with dedicant puddings, and gifting hampers. Three Michelin-starred Lung King Heen at Four Seasons has some excellent options. While you’re there, stop by Four Seasons Cake Shop to try what is rumoured to be the best egg tart in Hong Kong. shopfourseasonshk.com
Volunteer at an animal shelter Founded by Sally Andersen in 2003, Hong Kong Dog Rescue has two locations in Ap Lei Chau and Tai Po. Both homes are always looking for volunteers to help walk and take care of the dogs. You may even come home with a furry friend of your own. hongkongdogrescue.com
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Eat auspicious foods In Chinese tradition, foods tend to be considered lucky due to association with their name or appearance. For example, the Chinese word for fish, ‘yu’,
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Wash the windows, scrub the floors and dust away the dirt. While this might not seem like the most enjoyable activity, it is considered necessary in order to start afresh. Perhaps the kids could get involved and help earn their red packets. Beware that cleaning must stop on New Year’s Day, for fear that good fortune will be swept away.
Buy a tree Brighten your surroundings with a Mandarin tree, the fruit of which is believed to bring prosperity and fortune around this time of year. According to the latest government information, Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year flower markets will be open but with crowd-control measures and reduced opening hours. Victoria Park Market offers a spectacular display, or head to Prince Edward Flower Market to pick up a bargain.
Out with the old In the days leading up to the lunar new year it is customary to clean your home.
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DIY New Year Lanterns Stock up on paper, card, scissors and glue and spend the morning helping your little ones create their very own Chinese New Year lanterns. Lanterns come in all shapes and sizes, however, the traditional red and gold balloon lantern is most popular at this time of year. Red decorations are considered to bring good luck into the home and scare away evil spirits.
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Horoscope
Written in the stars Letao Wang, The Kingdom Healer shares his insights on what the stars hold for you this month AQUARIUS You may feel emotionally and mentally isolated from others, Aquarius. It seems that everyone criticises everything you do and prevents you from expressing yourself freely and enjoying social interactions. However, this is a trap of your mind filled with insecurities, Aquarius. Use this time to work on your self-esteem and self-confidence.
TAURUS The path to your independence, both financially and emotionally will be clear. You will prioritise freedom in all activities you perform, Taurus. Therefore, you will not allow any social or family dictates to rule your life. However, keep in mind that eagerness may sometimes beat you in the race. So be careful not to prioritise individual needs over those of the group along the way.
LEO Although you tend to have an outgoing personality, you will need to get away from the hustle and bustle to find yourself. It is not a good time to take on new responsibilities or start new projects. However, you will be able to connect with your intuition and your inner self. Honor your sensitivity and tap into your creativity, they will be your allies in the future.
SCORPIO You will undertake independent projects that promise good fortune. Your ambitious and energetic spirit will be supported by beneficial planetary influences, Scorpio. This will provide a solid foundation for a stable and happy future. If you are looking to buy a new property withyour partner, this is the ideal opportunity to do so.
PISCES You are going to excel in every single task you set out to do, Pisces. You will need to assert your personality, so activities related to power and leadership will be welcome. Your sensitivity and empathy will connect you with new people. Your charm and loving personality are contagious and everyone will want to be by your side. Enjoy your popularity to the fullest.
GEMINI Sensitivity and intuition will guide your actions and prospects during this time. Creative or artistic pursuits will bring you much satisfaction, as you are connected to a higher vision of life. However, be careful not to project a confused and distorted image of your own reality onto others. Try to detach yourself from the rest when emotions get the better of you, Gemini.
VIRGO You may feel shy or insecure about expressing your ideas at this time Virgo. However, the astral configuration encourages you to trust yourself and reveal who you are, with no fear of being different from others. Your originality and creativity will captivate everyone around you, promising new projects that will fulfill you in the future.
SAGITTARIUS You may feel disoriented during this time, but it is because you are going through a paradigm shift. A cycle in your life has ended, so it will be necessary to leave behind old patterns. It is time to release the shackles of the past and focus fully on your future. You may not know exactly how to continue, but your mental creativity will light the way forward.
thehealingkingdom.com
ARIES You will have a strong need to design the right structure for your professional goals. These new challenges are exciting and you will have enough determination to overcome all the obstacles in your way, Aries. However, beware of any authoritarian attitudes you may have towards your colleagues. Remember that the end does not justify the means.
CANCER The planetary energies encourage you to achieve professional and financial goals, Cancer. Your great perseverance, objectivity and self-confidence will lead you to success. Therefore, trust in your wisdom and expertise to undertake new projects. Don’t forget to aim high because you’re ready for it.
LIBRA Your romantic relationships will take an unexpected turn, Libra. You are going to look for new ways to express your affections. New people will become part of your life, although it will feel like you already know their souls. However, beware of excessive control and power struggles. Keep in mind that you must learn about freedom in your relationships during this period of time.
CAPRICORN Conventional methods provide you with security and comfort. However, changes are imminent, Capricorn and resisting them will only generate more suffering. Therefore, it’s time to venture into new programmes and jump into the unknown. Far from being a negative experience, this is the path that will bring you closer to your dreams.
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marketplace
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To advertise, email talk@hongkongliving.com or call 2776 2772.
marketplace
To advertise, email talk@hongkongliving.com or call 2776 2772.
marketplace
GET LISTED! 2776 2772 talk@hongkongliving.com EXPAT PARENT | 35
book club
I Love You, Little Dumpling Conny Wong discusses her pandemic-inspired children’s book with Gemma Shaw for many reasons, one being the delicious cuisine. Whilst we may not stay in Hong Kong forever, this book will be a permanent memory of this incredible city where our children were born and are fortunate to spend their early years. How did you connect with the illustrator? I was connected to my wonderful Indonesian illustrator Ms. Zahra whilst in Jakarta at the beginning of last year. She was excited when she read my poem and I was so thankful to find someone so passionate. Ms. Zahra speaks Bahasa Indonesia which luckily I am fluent in, this played a major role in our smooth communication and bringing the book together visually. Can you tell us about your kids’ bedtime routine? My husband and I believe that a good bedtime routine is key to a good night’s sleep. Ours involves a bath followed by a bedtime story and prayers, before lights out. Since my kids are young, they find the rhythm reassuring and calming so it was important for me to create something that could be read as a rhythmic lullaby.
Venture Studios
What’s next? I Love You, Little Dumpling is the first book under my new label Mini Love Tales. I’m planning to release more children’s books under this label with a focus on celebrating cultural diversity, nurturing respect, empathy and acceptance.
As founder of gorgeous children’s shoe brand Pepper & Mint, what motivated you to write a book? The pandemic has meant my little family spending a lot of time together, giving me the unique opportunity to really spend time with my children. Some days have been difficult, but I always wanted my kids to know how much I cherish our time together. That’s where I came up with the idea to write a book for them. During this strange time, I also turned my focus to writing as part of my own personal time to find peace during our uncertain world.
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What’s the book about? I love you, Little Dumpling is a board book for children aged up to four years old. It is a lullaby, intended to be read together as a bedtime story. The takeaway message for children is that they are loved wholly and unconditionally. The story developed from a poem that I wrote for my children when they were babies and has been an integral part of our bedtime routine. Why dumplings? I affectionately call my own children ‘little dumplings’. This book pays homage to them and to Hong Kong - a city that we love so much
I Love You, Little Dumpling is available online at $100, or the set is $220 and includes a cute matching baby dumpling soft toy. Also available in Bookazine stores, Eslite Bookstores, and Great Food Hall. minilovetales.com
book club
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