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Children’s book illustrated by Hong Kong foreign domestic helpers highlights bond between families and their ‘aunties’

My Extra-Special Aunty, illustrated by artists who are also domestic helpers, captures the ‘meaningful connections’ between them and the families they work for

The author, whose 2017 documentary shone a light on the lives of foreign helpers, aims to ‘inspire children’. Proceeds from the book will go to local charities

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My Extra-Special Aunty is a children’s book illustrated by foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong that shows the bond between “aunties” and the families they work for. Photo: PathFinders

Published: 11:15am, 12 May 2024

Hong Kong is home to more than 350,000 domestic helpers, most hailing from the Philippines and Indonesia. Affectionately called “aunties”, many left their own children and elderly family members to care for others in the city.

Now a new book, My Extra-Special Aunty, narrated through the eyes of a child, celebrates the cultural diversity and creative talent within the migrant domestic worker community.

But what makes My Extra-Special Aunty extra special is that it is the first children’s book illustrated by migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong, with scenes of the city, the Philippines, Indonesia and beyond depicted by artists Cristina Cayat and Noemi Caballero Manguerra.

The book’s author, award-winning British filmmaker Joanna Bowers, wanted to capture the special bond between Hong Kong families and their “aunties”.

“By sharing this enchanting story,” she says, “we hope to inspire children and families to foster meaningful connections that transcend boundaries.”

(From left) Cristina Cayat, Joanna Bowers and Noemi Caballero Manguerra, the creators behind My Extra-Special Aunty. Photo: PathFinders

It is not the first time Bowers has shone a light on the lives of foreign domestic helpers in the city.