Eyes That Kiss in The Corners
Eyes That Kiss In The Corners Summary
This picture book’s words reach into the soul, and the illustrations stir emotions like that which can only be found in a dream. The story is told from the perspective of a young Asian girl (Chinese?) who observes her friends’ different shapes and eye colors to those of herself and her family members, whose eyes kiss in the corners.
The young girl does not bemoan the fact that her eyes have a different shape; instead, she celebrates and acknowledges the differences that everyone should appreciate and celebrates the fact that she has those eyes.
The book is intended for anyone and everyone, regardless of their heritage; however, parents of Asian children or foster parents of Asian children will especially appreciate how this book celebrates and portrays Chinese culture.
This breathtaking children’s book honors diversity and tells a story about coming to terms with one’s Asian-shaped eyes and learning to love and appreciate them.
Eyes that Kiss in the Corners Book Reading Level
The book is for grade levels from preschool to grade 3. Most book customers find it suitable book for kids ages 2 to 7.
The book is 40 pages long and published by Harper Collins Books for Young Readers on January 5, 2021.
Eyes that Kiss in the Corners Book Characters
This narrative is told from the point of view of a young Asian girl who observes that both her own eyes and the eyes of her family are distinct from those of her peers. The young girl and her family are the primary characters in the story; there is a passing reference to other people (friends) who also have eyes that are quite different.
The main characters in the book include:
- Little Asian girl
- Mother (mama)
- Amah (grandmother)
- Mei-Mei (younger sister)
About Children’s Book Author Joanna Ho
Joanna Ho is the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of numerous children’s books. She has been honored with the Golden Kite Award, the Ezra Jack Keats Award, and the Golden Poppy Award.
Joanna received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and her master’s degree from the Principal Leadership Institute at Berkeley. She now lives and works in the San Francisco Bay Area as a local high school’s vice principal after serving as an English teacher and dean.
Joanna believes that there is a lack of diverse voices in children’s literature and, as such, sees writing as a form of activism and a means of bringing about positive change in the world.
Joanna Ho Books
Joanna Ho’s book titles are listed below.
- Eyes that Kiss in the Corners (Published January 5, 2021)
- Playing at the Border (Published September 28, 2021)
- Eyes that Speak to the Stars (Published February 15, 2022)
- The Silence That Binds Us (Published June 14, 2022)
- One Day (Expected Publishing Date March 14, 2023)
For more information about Joanna Ho and her book offerings, please visit her website at https://www.joannahowrites.com/.
You can also follow Joanna on
– Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/joannahowrites/
– Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/joannahowrites
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/joannahowrites – @JoannaHoWrites
Dung Ho Children’s Book Illustrator
Dung Ho is a Vietnamese illustrator and artist based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Her passion is to create exciting characters with distinct personalities for children’s books.
Dung Ho’s illustrations can be found on her website, https://www.dungho.me/. She is also present on the third-party websites listed below.
– Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/dunghanhho/?hl=en
– Behance page https://www.behance.net/hanhdung
Dung Ho has illustrated and collaborated on numerous books, including the following.
- Eyes That Kiss in the Corners
- Eyes That Speak to the Stars
- Me and Ms. Too
- A Sweet New Year for Ren
- Just Harriet
- Mindy Kim
- The Comeback
- L’enfant et les oies
- Real Princesses Change the
Where to Buy the Eyes That Kiss in The Corners Book
The book is available on Amazon in multiple formats, including Kindle, Audiobook, paperback, and hardcover. This link below leads to the hardcover edition.
| Amaon.com (Hardcover) | Eyes That Kiss in the Corners Hardcover – Picture Book, January 5, 2021 |
| Authors Amazon BIO Page | Purchase More books by Joanna Ho on Amazon |
Book Details
The New York Times Bestseller, the number one bestseller in the independent book market, and the winner of the Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year award are all accolades bestowed upon Eyes That Kiss in the Corners.
In the vein of Matthew A. Cherry’s Hair Love, this stunning picture book is a celebration of diversity and tells a story about coming to terms with one’s Asian-shaped eyes and learning to love and appreciate them. The book is also expressive and stunning.
Publisher: Harper Collins; Later Printing edition (January 5, 2021)
Language: English
Hardcover: 40 pages
ISBN-10: 0062915622
ISBN-13: 978-0062915627
Reading age: 2 – 7 years, from customers
Grade level: Preschool – 3
Item Weight: 14.9 ounces
Dimensions: 9.25 x 0.5 x 11.25 inches
Eyes That Kiss in The Corners Reviews
At the time of this writing, there were 3,387 consumer reviews on Amazon with a star rating of 4.9 out of 5. 90% of reviewers gave the book a 5-star rating. Below are a few of the top reviews of the book.
Beautiful art, lovely story
– By Matthew M.
Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2022
“This story might have an intended audience, but I think any children of immigrant families will be able to connect with the story here. Really any kid should be able to take something from the story, but for those of us who have connections to lands and people far away from where we are now, this is a nice story.
The art is also particularly well done. There are lots of fine details and additions to pick up each time you read through it!”
Self-esteem starts early
– By J Renee
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2022
“This lovely children’s book has beautiful illustrations. The story is very easy for children to relate to. “I look like my beautiful relatives, and that is good” is the lesson. I wish the script were a bit larger because I think that would make it easier for very young readers to enjoy. I recommend this book as a valuable tool for Asian heritage children but also any child you want to know that we are all beautiful with all of our distinctly different features. Enjoy!”
Wish I’d had this book 20 years ago for my kids…
– By Christina
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2021
“What a sweet book! This book was a recommendation for me based on previous books purchased, and it’s one of the best recommendations ever. I so wish I had books like this 20 years ago when my now adult adopted kids were little and felt the weight of looking different in our family. I didn’t have many sweet, lovely diverse children’s picture book options like this, but I am thrilled to get to read it to my grandkids. My favorite page is one with the grandma or Amah.
Regarding the issue others touched on of whether this book would be appropriate for adoptive families … I think it’s going to depend largely on one’s perspective and personal journey as an adoptive parent. My adopted kids always knew they were adopted, and we spoke freely and openly about their adoptions. They always had photos of their birth parents. It’s not a secret that they have acquired wonderful traits from their birth families. We are okay with open discussions.
I showed it to my adult adopted daughter, the one with the eyes that kiss in the corners, and she said it was adorable. I know she longed for books featuring strong, beautiful characters like this one when she was a little girl, so often being asked why she looked different from the rest of her family.
I love that this book celebrates the differences that our kids see between themselves and their friends and peers.
This will definitely be one I would gift to other families, and am recommending it to my parent and teacher friends.”
Eyes That Kiss in The Corners Read Aloud
This 8:38 video is of the author Joanna Ho reading her book to a class of young children asking questions that may interest your own children. The video also includes some additional animations.
This is a traditional video reading with excellent full-screen visuals of the book’s illustrations by a male narrator.
This is a fantastic full-screen read-aloud narration by a female narrator (Wendy Morales) with soothing background music in the background (3:19).
