Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho

The most powerful passage is written for herself, and I absolutely love these words. The story then brings in her little sister Mei-Mei, who “when she looks at me in that Mei-Mei way, I feel like I can fly”. The story continues to her Amah, her grandmother, whose “eyes are filled with so many stories”. Then the story addresses her eyes, that “they kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea”, just like her Mama’s. In the story, the “I” is a young Chinese girl who acknowledges her eyes are not like her friends in the first page – not blue, not long, curly lashes, and not big eyes. It’s possibly the first of its kind in children’s books, where the key storyline is celebrating the unique beauty of East Asian eyes. “Eyes that Kiss in the Corners” is a beautifully-told tale with equally beautiful illustrations. Plus don't miss the beautiful companion book from the same team: Eyes That Speak to the Stars. “A poignant testament to familial love and legacy.” - Publishers Weekly “A lyrical celebration of her eyes, their shape, spirit, and legacy.” - Booklist (starred review) “A young girl finds beauty in her uniqueness.” - School Library Journal (starred review) 'This tale of self-acceptance and respect for one’s roots is breathtaking.” - Kirkus (starred review) This powerful, poetic picture book will resonate with readers of all ages. They have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea, crinkle into crescent moons, and are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future.ĭrawing from the strength of these powerful women in her life, she recognizes her own beauty and discovers a path to self-love and empowerment. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother’s, her grandmother's, and her little sister's. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. Cherry, and is a celebration of diversity.Ī young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers'.

This lyrical, stunning picture book tells a story about learning to love and celebrate your Asian-shaped eyes, in the spirit of Hair Love by Matthew A.

Featured in Chicago Public Library’s Best Books of 2021.

Featured in Forbes, Oprah Daily, The Cut, and Book Riot.

Included in NPR’s 2021 Books We Love List.

A School Library Journal Best Book of 2021.

A Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year.

A New York Times Bestseller and #1 Indie Bestseller

Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho