A Family Just Like Mine

Barbara-Anne Puren

Children will love jumping, high-fiving and stomping along with Gemma on her amazing adventure

The era of the nuclear family, with a working dad and stay-at-home mom is fast disappearing. There is no longer any such thing as a Typical Family, but rather, a whole grab bag of family arrangements. Families are now more ethnically, racially, religiously and stylistically diverse than a decade ago.

Postmodernists argue that the increase in diversity of family household structures reflects that we now live in a tolerant society. The family unit is thriving and continues to play a central role in shaping the health and wellbeing of family members.

In A Family Just Like Mine, Gemma, an inquisitive, adopted child, travels the world looking for a family like her own. Her journey begins in London, from there she meets giants in Bolivia, rides an elephant in India, slides down dunes in Egypt and skis in Switzerland.

A wonderful tale to find that most precious treasure; a heart family. A reminder of the true meaning of family, and the power of love.

Susan Hayter, Senior Technical Advisor on the Future of Work Office of the Deputy Director-General of Policy ILO, Industrial Relations in Emerging Economies

A relevant story, reminding us of the value of family, and that for all our differences, we are all the same. Notably for families with adopted children, it sets a wonderful tone for opening a lifelong dialogue.

Grant Knottenbelt, Artist, Owner Contact Marketing

A heartfelt, way to explore what "family" means in a globalised world. A great conversation starter for any parent whose child has lamented that s/he wished for a ‘normal’ family.

Tuesday Reitano, mother, Deputy Director, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, Co-author Migrant, Refugee, Smuggler, Saviour, tuesdayreitano.org