Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho (A Book Review)

Title: Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Dung Ho
Published by Harper Kids
Pages: 40
Age Range: 4 – 8 years
Grade Level: Pre-K – 3

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harper Kids in exchange for an honest review.  As always, all opinions expressed are my own.

Synopsis
A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers’. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother’s, her grandmother’s, and her little sister’s. 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.

Drawing from the strength of these powerful women in her life, she recognizes her own beauty and discovers a path to self love and empowerment.

Reflection
“My eyes that kiss I the corners and glow like warm tea are a revolution.”

People often call eyes the windows to the soul. The eyes are usually one of the first things we look at on another person. They can tell us when someone is lying or telling the truth, and they can even tell us when someone is in love or ill. Apparently, our eyes tell us a lot more about ourselves and others than we once thought.

In America, and in other parts of the world, there are negative stereotypes that still persist today related to having “Asian eyes.” When people say “Asian eyes”, they are talking about slantedness, roundness, smooth monolids and deep eyelid folds. But they’re also talking Westernization, beauty standards and self-acceptance.

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners is a beautifully written and illustrated love letter that celebrates Asian eyes. It’s a lyrical ode to loving oneself, self acceptance, and having confidence. Four generations of women are featured in this story and they all have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea.

This book is an absolute must-have for Asian and Asian-American children (and adults) who may have grown up feeling ashamed about their eyes. If you grew up wearing eyelid tape or Scotch tape to make your eyes appear bigger, read this. If you ever had eyelid surgery to change your Asian eyes, read this. If you were made fun of or called names because of your eyes, read this. It is sure to heal your soul and fill you with so much pride and joy about your eyes.

Everyone should read this book, not just Asians or Asian-Americans. Reading it can help build empathy, compassion and a better understanding for some readers. Books like Eyes That Kiss in the Corners are so needed to help reflect our multicultural world.

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners publishes on January 5, 2021, but is available now for pre-orders. Ages 4-8 and up.

“Find me on Twinkl’s list of best children’s books of 2021!”