Eyes that Kiss in the Corners (Hardcover, Picture Book)

From School Library Journal

K-Gr 3-When she does not share physical traits with those around her, a young girl finds beauty in her uniqueness. One day at school, a young girl of Asian heritage remarks on the shape and color of the eyes of the light- and dark-skinned girls in her class. Instead of having big eyes with long lashes, hers "kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea." At home, the girl celebrates all she shares with her Mama, Amah, and little sister Mei-Mei. Together, these four women view the world through their matching, expressive eyes. Even when she feels apart from her peers at school, the young protagonist finds solace in the shared appearance of her family's eyes. Sweeping, expressive illustrations deeply connect readers to the many dimensions of this story. The featured characters comprise three generations of Asian women; the only male in the book is found in the background of a scene in the schoolyard. Lyrical text propels the story; while relatively limited, each word is carefully chosen to beautifully enhance the message. VERDICT Expertly paired, the text and illustrations amplify each other superbly, in an important addition to every library serving young children and their families.-Mary Lanni, formerly at Denver P.L.α(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

“When the narrator comes to describe her own eyes and acknowledges the power they hold, she is posed against swirling patterns, figures, and swaths of breathtaking landscapes from Chinese culture. This tale of self-acceptance and respect for one’s roots is breathtaking.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Sweeping, expressive illustrations deeply connect readers to the many dimensions of this story…each word is carefully chosen to beautifully enhance the message. Expertly paired, the text and illustrations amplify each other superbly, in an important addition to every library serving young children and their families.” — School Library Journal (starred review)

“At the emotional height of the story, the poetic descriptions of her Asian eyes are mythic and affirming, and she appears amid grandiose illustrations of fantastical beasts and landscapes from Chinese culture. In the end, the tale winds down from the mythical back to the personal with a simple family portrait. All that beauty is there in the eyes of her family.” — Booklist (starred review)

“A poignant testament to familial love and legacy.” — Publishers Weekly

Joanna Ho is passionate about anti-bias/anti-racism, equity and inclusion in books and education. She has a Master's in Educational Leadership from UC Berkeley and has worn many hats in education including: English teacher, dean, and a teacher professional development mastermind. She is currently the vice principal of a high school in the San Francisco Bay Area. Homemade chocolate chip cookies, outdoor adventures, and dance parties with her kids make Joanna’s eyes crinkle into crescent moons. Keep your eyes open for her upcoming books, YO-YO MA: PLAYING AT THE BORDER (Fall '21) and ONE DAY (Winter '23)