Eyes That Kiss in the Corners: A Story About Identity, Family, and Celebrating Differences

Sure, here's a rewritten review: This beautiful and touching picture book is a must-read for any parent who wants to teach their children about the importance of accepting and celebrating diversity. The story follows a young girl who realizes that her Asian-shaped eyes are different from her peers', but with the help of the strong women in her life, she learns to love and embrace her unique features. As a parent, I appreciate the powerful message of self-love and empowerment that this book teaches. The illustrations are stunning and my kids love looking at the pictures and imagining new stories. Even though we're not Asian American, the book's message of accepting and celebrating differences is universal and important for all children to learn. Sadly, stereotypes and negative attitudes towards different cultures still exist in our world, but this book is a powerful tool for teaching empathy, tolerance, and inclusion. It's a great way to start important conversations with our kids about accepting and celebrating diversity. I highly recommend this book to any parent looking to raise inclusive and tolerant children.

This is a beautiful book both written and illustrated, and like many other Asians, I wish I had this then when I was growing up and thrilled to read this to my (biracial) daughter. Something that readers should know - this book is not, and cannot, be everything to everyone. The reviewers that warn about this not applying to transracial adoption seem to center their own whiteness and not understand this book isn’t meant to be a completely universal story in all aspects — like pretty much all books out there. I also believe the family featured in this book is Chinese and the book contains Chinese elements, and as a non-Chinese Asian person I find this story beautiful, affirming, and touching, and a way to have my daughter both see herself and learn about other names and cultures. The sad thing about the lack of representation in children’s literature is that it puts a lot of pressure on the few books out there to meet everyone’s needs. I understand the disappointment when it doesn’t meet your own expectations and hopes (and I do think it’s helpful to share this with others), but it seems the review ratings should be based on the writing and quality of the story, not on how much your own life doesn’t match up.

First of all, it’s a BIG and beautifully illustrated book. It’s as tall as an 8x11in sheet of paper (see photo). This is a story not of insecurity or overcoming it, but of seeing what makes one different and knowing in your bones that that is beautiful. It’s a reflection of Chinese cultural identity, of maternal connections, and of the preciousness of close familial ties. Technically, there isn’t much of a plot here, and that works. It’s more like a poem about embracing one’s Chinese heritage. Things to note: 1. Grandma here is referred to as Amah, which is a Hokkien term (and maybe other dialects, too). Mom is Mama and the younger sister is Mei-mei, both of which are Mandarin-ish. 2. There are lovely illustrations of Chinese mythical characters such as the Monkey King, Chang’e, etc., so be prepared to research stories in case kids ask who they are. 3. Some words like oolong, sapphires, baubles, etc. pop up, which might need further explanation for younger readers. Nevertheless, I love it and will be gifting this to my nieces who also have beautiful eyes that kiss in the corners!

I got this for my twin nieces and we were able to enjoy it together. The illustrations are excellent; taking up the whole page with less text, which is more enjoyable for little children. It was also a great way to show them aspects of their culture from their father's side even though they're growing up in a different country.

This is such a beautifully written and illustrated story. It is a powerful first-person narrative of a girl who knows the worth of herself and the other women in her family.

The very positive message that Asian eyes are just as beautiful and special as any others, with the love and traditions handed down from grandmother to mother and two very young sisters is so on point in today’s world. And as the grandmother of a young granddaughter it is frustrating to me to see just how many otherwise delightful children’s books have male protagonists, and not necessary for the story or the plot. Girls in my and my daughter’s generations are all too used to being not the center of stories, movies, and television. I’d very much like to see that changed nowadays, as her parents and grandparents try to emphasize the positive examples of women and girls, real and fictional. This book will be a wonderful birthday addition to her library. I hope the author and illustrator will write many more.

I absolutely adore this message, the illustrations, and the beautiful descriptions, but I felt the book was a little mature for my 6 year old, she couldn't quite understand it, compared to some books that point out cultural or ethnic insecurities and explain why the protagonist should be proud, this was more diving deeper into cultural historical context of generations of greatness, and it kinda went over her head. I think this children's book was more for me than my kids. I also loved the thought that went into each beautiful illustration, but I did intentionally buy this book to help my children feel represented in literature.

I barely leave reviews, but this book is one of those rare books that just stays with you. I ordered this book for my then 16 months toddler, I thought she was too young to appreciate this book but I got it for me to enjoy nonetheless. She has been obsessed with this book! We have read this book over and over again now I memorized this book by heart. She has so many books but she always looks through this book and brings it to me to have me read it to her, daily, several times a day. I think it is because she feels the protagonist looks like her! As an Asian parent with Chinese heritage, I appreciate how this book represents our culture and celebrates our heritage. I get teary eyed every time I read this to my baby girl. We need more books like this in children literature. Thank you for this work of art. *for those who complained this book is not for them because their Asian daughters’ eyes don’t look like theirs, I honestly feel they have missed the point here. There are many other books that focus on how family members can look differently, but the essence of this book highlights the beauty of generations of Asian women (grandma, mother, sisters) passing down their tradition, culture, and most importantly, the lesson of self love. They are proud of who they are, and their happiness shines in their beautiful eyes that kiss in the corners.