Most people can relate to the journey the narrator takes us on when she shows us how she looks like her family and how they look like her. She shows the interactions she has with them (the scene with her little sister dancing is one many a sibling has probably been part of). The art makes the words come to life. Descriptions like “glow like warm tea” and “crinkle into crescent moons” are more alive when seen in the bold, bright, beyond detailed story. Diversity is celebrated poetically. All ages can enjoy this amazing new picture book. — Jeanette
“Eyes That Kiss in the Corners is a stunning #OwnVoices picture book that highlights a young Asian girl’s self-love and appreciation of her eye shape. It is a characteristic that binds her to women across generations in her family. The beautiful prose of Joanna Ho is richly complemented by Dung Ho’s vibrant illustrations. This book is a moving tribute to the beauty of diversity both in physical appearance and heritage.”
— Audrey Beatty, River Bend Bookshop, Glastonbury, CT
A New York Times Bestseller and #1 Indie Bestseller
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. Cherry, and is a celebration of diversity.
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. This powerful, poetic picture book will resonate with readers of all ages.
"This tale of self-acceptance and respect for one’s roots is breathtaking.” —Kirkus (starred review)
“A young girl finds beauty in her uniqueness.” —School Library Journal (starred review)
“A poignant testament to familial love and legacy.” — Publishers Weekly
Joanna Ho is passionate about equity in books and education. 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. Homemade chocolate chip cookies, outdoor adventures, and dance parties with her kids make Joanna’s eyes crinkle into crescent moons. Her books for young readers include Eyes That Kiss in the Corners. Visit her at www.joannahowrites.com and @JoannaHoWrites.
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. Visit her at www.behance.net/hanhdung.
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