Eyes that Kiss in the Corners

on







Jocelyn Kha EDS 131/139


Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho tells a story of celebrating and coming to love one’s Asian-shaped eyes through a focused lens of a young Chinese girl and her family. This young girl notices that her eyes are unlike her peers, which are big with long lashes. However, she uses her features as a way to appreciate the family and culture that she is surrounded by. This book tells a powerful story of self-acceptance and respect for one’s culture/ethnicity. 


Anti-Bias Elements:

  • Positive and Representative Illustrations

The illustration focuses on bringing out the warmth and beauty of Asian-shaped eyes without exaggerating the features. Characters are mostly smiling or laughing, depicting scenes of care and gentle expression rather than fierce and overly exaggerated emotions. The illustrations are vibrant and rich in colors, each page showing the empowerment behind having Asian-shaped eyes and the beauty they hold. The vibrancy in the range of colors allows readers to be more intrigued and curious as to what the next page will show. 

  • Counteracts Messages that teach Children to feel Inferior 

In the beauty industry, society shapes a message that Asian eyes are oriental and not ideally beautiful compared to the big, luscious, and colored eyes other ethnic features have. This story counteracts this message of inferiority as it provides a space for children to see themselves in the story and learn to love their Asian-shaped eyes. The illustrations play a significant role in helping readers see the warmth, power, and beauty behind the eyes that they may not love right now but throughout the book, there is an experience teaching of acceptance and love towards oneself. 

  • Storyline shows Positive Relationships 

The young girl does not need to change or do anything in order to gain the acceptance or approval of her family members. Her mother, grandmother, and younger sister love her for who she is and exhibit expressions of love and joy with her. Her mother and grandmother are depicted as strong, beautiful, and powerful women; they are not illustrated nor described as needing help from a male figure. They are independent and well-able on their own without needing the leadership of a man.

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