Eyes That Kiss in the Corners

December 7, 2020
This poetic tale of self-acceptance by author Ho follows a Chinese American girl who recognizes how her eyes—different from peers with “eyes like sapphire lagoons”—evoke those of her mother, grandmother, and younger sister: “eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea.” Mama’s eyes inform the first-person narrator that “I’m a miracle,” while Amah’s eyes “are filled with so many stories,” and Mei-Mei’s eyes gaze “up at me/ like I am her best present.” Warm, dimensional digital spreads by illustrator Ho (the Mindy Kim series) bolster this celebration of heritage with images of peonies, chrysanthemums, dragons, phoenixes, and figures from Chinese mythology, including Chang’e and the Jade Rabbit, Guanyin, and the Monkey King. Readers familiar with Chinese culture will recognize additional touches: Amah wears a jade bracelet, and an upside-down Fú character heralding good fortune is pasted by the family’s front door. A poignant testament to familial love and legacy. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Caryn Wiseman, Andrea Brown Literary.

Natalie Naudus narrates with a welcoming warmth that suits this sweet and affirming audiobook, which is enhanced with gentle music. A Taiwanese girl worries that her eyes are different from the big, round eyes of her classmates. But then she sees that her eyes mirror her mother's, her Amah's, and Mei Mei's and that they all have eyes that "kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea," with lashes that mirror the swords of warriors just like her ancestors. Her joy at recognizing and celebrating those similarities is palpable in Naudus's narration. When the girl realizes her toddling little sister looks up to her with the same bright eyes, listeners feel her pride and tender hope. E.E.C. � AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine