Eyes that Kiss in the Corners

A young girl notices that her eyes look different to those of her friends. Whilst theirs are big with long lashes, hers ‘kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea’. Her eyes are like those of her Mama, Amah and little sister, Mei-Mei, women who share the deepest bonds of love and admiration. They are her eyes and, like her and her family, they are beautiful.

Breathtakingly gorgeous, this is a very special book about loving who you are and valuing your heritage. The lyrical text flows like poetry, full of powerful images and beautiful moments. The little girl notes that her friends’ eyes are ‘like sapphire lagoons with lashes like lace trim on ballgowns’ before describing her own and observing that they are just like her mother’s which ‘crinkle into crescent moons’ when she is happy. Her Amah’s eyes ‘don’t work like they used to’, but they are also beautiful and filled with many stories. Surrounded by her close family, the little girl is completely secure about who she is, basking in their love. Mei-Mei also has eyes that ‘kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea’, forging the connection between them as she gazes at her older sister like she is ‘her best present’.

Full of imagery, the text is a joy to read aloud and is matched by the fabulous illustrations. The warmth and love shared by this family is tenderly depicted throughout the book. Evocative spreads explore images of the stories and traditions which are passed from one generation to the next, offering much to discuss and explore and many stories to tell. The images and text build, showing the little girl’s determination and pride as ‘her lashes curve like the swords of warriors’ and she states that her eyes are ‘a revolution’.

Poignant and powerful, ‘Eyes that Kiss in the Corners’ is a true love song to family, tradition and being proud of who you are.

Eyes that Kiss in the Corners

Joanna Ho, illustrated by Dung Ho

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0062915627