Eyes That Kiss in the Corners

“When the narrator comes to describe her own eyes and acknowledges the power they hold, she is posed against swirling patterns, figures, and swaths of breathtaking landscapes from Chinese culture. This tale of self-acceptance and respect for one’s roots is breathtaking.” — Kirkus Reviews(starred review)

“Sweeping, expressive illustrations deeply connect readers to the many dimensions of this story…each word is carefully chosen to beautifully enhance the message. Expertly paired, the text and illustrations amplify each other superbly, in an important addition to every library serving young children and their families.” — School Library Journal (starred review)

“At the emotional height of the story, the poetic descriptions of her Asian eyes are mythic and affirming, and she appears amid grandiose illustrations of fantastical beasts and landscapes from Chinese culture. In the end, the tale winds down from the mythical back to the personal with a simple family portrait. All that beauty is there in the eyes of her family.” — Booklist (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.