Every once in a while, a picture book comes along that makes you pause, breathe deeply, and feel seen. Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho is one of those books.
Illustrated by Dung Ho, this beautifully crafted story is more than a celebration of Asian features—it’s a lyrical affirmation of cultural identity, self-acceptance, and intergenerational love. It’s a must-have addition to any elementary classroom, school library, or family bookshelf.
If you’re curating a library that reflects student diversity, check out my Equity-Inclusive Picture Book Guide for more recommended titles like this one.
🌸 What Is Eyes That Kiss in the Corners About?
The story is told through the voice of a young Asian girl who notices that her eyes are different from those of her classmates. But rather than feeling shame, she sees beauty in her uniqueness—her eyes “kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea.”
She connects her own features to those of her mother, grandmother, and little sister, recognizing her place in a rich cultural lineage. Through poetic language and vibrant illustrations, the book draws on traditional imagery, natural elements, and emotional storytelling to explore pride in identity.
🏫 Why Teachers Love This Book
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners is ideal for Grades K–4. It’s especially powerful as a read-aloud that opens space for discussions around self-esteem, race, heritage, and how we describe ourselves and others.
This book connects beautifully to:
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Ontario Language Curriculum Strand C (Comprehension): making connections between text and self
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Strand B (Expression and Voice): describing personal identity and lived experiences
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Culturally Responsive Pedagogy: validating the lived experiences of Asian students in your classroom
Want more tips on incorporating inclusive texts? Take a look at TeachingBooks.net’s resource set for classroom applications.
💬 Discussion Questions
Here are a few questions you can use to deepen student engagement:
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How does the main character feel about her eyes at the beginning and end of the book?
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Why is it important to see people who look like you in books?
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What do your eyes (or another feature) remind you of?
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How do the illustrations support the meaning of the text?
Pair these with my free Picture Book Response Page to allow students to draw and reflect in writing.
📚 Book Pairings
If you loved Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, you’ll also enjoy:
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The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali
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Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o
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I Am Golden by Eva Chen
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Big Moon Tortilla by Joy Cowley
You can find many of these titles in my recommended inclusive book list.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners is a celebration of being seen—truly seen—and loved just as you are. It’s a gentle but powerful book that belongs in every inclusive classroom and library.
You can purchase it at Indigo, Amazon, or borrow it from your local library.