Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, written by Joanna Ho and illustrated by Dung Ho. Harper, 2021. $21.99 ages

"Mama's eyes that kiss in the corners
and glow like warm tea crinkle into 
crescent moons
           when she comes home from work.
           She scoops me in her arms,
                 eyes sparkling like starlight, 
                         and tickles me
                         until we laugh ourselves onto the floor." 

I have two quotes from the amazing Walter Dean Myers on the message board that I see from my desk chair every day while I am writing. 

The first one says: Books transmit values. They explore our common humanity. 

What is the message when some children are not represented in those books?

The second one is equally meaningful: We need diversity because kids who never

see themselves in a book will eventually become kids we never see with a book. 

Very wise words, Mr. Myers. 

Today, we are blessed to have authors writing from diverse cultures, and a growing number of publishers choosing books that reflect that diversity in the books they choose to bring to an audience.  By buying these books, we encourage growth where this has not long been the case. All children need perspective in stories; their reading lives are made better by growing diversity in the books they read. 

Joanne Ho has written this beautiful debut that introduces a young girl who has 'eyes that kiss in the corners'.  She recognizes the differences between her eyes and those of her friends. She is very proud of the eyes that make her look like her Mama, her Amah and her little sister, Mei-Mei. Each one of them have eyes that 'kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea.'

What an exquisite and positive description that is. Ms. Ho's expressive text pays homage to each of the girls and women depicted here. Dung Ho matches its tone with luminescent light and warmth in her digital images. Careful observation allows the reader to note the many ovals meant to match the shape of the family's eyesand to focus on Chinese culture. There is much to see in this stunning artwork that reflects the joy and pride felt by our young narrator. 

This first book for Ms. Ho projects a legacy of family love and celebration; it is emotional and captivating because of the pride felt in heritage and identity.