Eyes that Kiss in the Corners

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners
Written by Joanna Ho & Illustrated by Dung Ho
Age Level: 3-7 Years
Published January 5, 2021

Drink up the poetry.

Written as a gorgeous, sensual, flowing poem, Eyes that Kiss in the Corners is a glorious book about a young Chinese-American girl who celebrates the shape of her eyes. She cherishes them because they link her to the beloved women in her life - her mother, Amah (grandmother), and younger sister - who all share identical pairs. Her eyes are a link to her lineage, heritage, and culture, and the pride she has for her history and traditions rise from the page like steam from a teacup.

“I have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea.”

I love how positive and uplifting this story reads. Our protagonist is utterly lacking self consciousness, and her classmates are openhearted and accepting. The richly detailed illustrations bolster the book’s buoyant message perfectly by portraying the characters as joyful and content. There is also an important and unmistakable current of strength that runs through the book which ignites at the end in an assertion that this Asian child is not shy about her pride; she will fight against prejudice and is prepared to fight for change.