Eyes That Kiss in the Corners – Multicultural Picture Book
Note: Thank you to Harper Collins Publishers for providing a copy to review. All opinions are my own.
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners is the picture book I wish I had while growing up. Written by Joanna Ho and illustrated by Dung Ho, Eyes That Kiss in the Corners celebrates the uniqueness of Asian eyes and embraces the legacies of the past while embracing the future.
In elementary school, I was bullied because of my Chinese heritage. Two boys would stalk me on the playground every day. They’d pull up their eyes into tight slits and sing in a mocking voice, “Ching Chong! Me Chinese, me go pee pee in my pants!”
The bullying – in addition to social cues and media that rendered Asian Americans practically invisible – made me ashamed of my background. I wanted to look like the rest of my classmates with their big “Western eyes” and curly hair. It wasn’t until college that I learned to embrace my Chinese heritage and feel proud of it.
As such, I could relate to Eyes That Kiss in the Corners. The book follows a young Asian girl who notices that her eyes are not as big and round as her peers’. Instead, she has crescent moon-shaped eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea. Her eyes are like those of her mother, grandmother, and little sister.
What I love so much about Eyes That Kiss in the Corners is that it celebrates the unique characteristics of Asian eyes. In the process, it empowers young readers to honor their unique differences. The story is a homage to self-love, diversity, and family roots.
Gorgeous, colorful illustrations by Dung Ho and beautiful, lyrical descriptions written by Joanna Ho capture the beauty of Asian culture and traditions. They also portray the love between the generations within the young girl’s family.
Even though this book wasn’t available when I was young, I’m glad I can read it now and empower my own daughter…who has eyes that kiss in the corners.
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners is a top ten pick for The Winter 2020-2021 Kids’ Indie Next Great Reads. On sale starting January 5, 2021, this book is ideal for children ages 4-8 years old. Purchase Eyes That Kiss in the Corners on Amazon, HarperCollins.com, and all major book retailers.
Enter the Eyes That Kiss in the Corners Book Giveaway [CLOSED]
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About the Author
Joanna Ho is passionate about equity in books and education. The daughter of immigrants from Taiwan and China, she has been an English teacher, a dean, and a teacher professional development mastermind. She is currently the vice-principal of a high school in the San Francisco Bay Area. And mom to two energetic kids. Homemade chocolate chip cookies, outdoor adventures, and dance parties with her kids make Joanna’s eyes crinkle into crescent moons. Learn more at www.joannahowrites.com and follow her on social media @JoannaHoWrites.
About the Illustrator
Dung Ho was born and raised in Hue Imperial City, Vietnam, where she studied graphic design at the Hue Arts University. She finds inspiration in nature—the beauty of plants, flowers, and leaves. She also loves to draw interesting characters with unique personalities. Now she lives in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where she continues to learn and develop her art, something she loves doing. When she’s not drawing, she loves spending time cooking (eating), watching movies, and tending her plants.