A young girl knows that others have different shaped eyes to hers. Her friends at school have wide round eyes with long lashes, where hers are almond shaped with “…kisses at the corners.”

At home, she sees eyes like hers in her Mama, Amah (grandmother), and little sister. That is not all she sees. There are wonderful stories in Ahmah’s eyes of dragons, brave princesses and girl soldiers. There is the history, spirits and legends of their past that have made them who they are within their Chinese-American Culture.

In her mother’s eyes she see love and strength and dependability, and in her little sister’s eyes there is adoration and excitement.

Having eyes that kiss in the corners is special, especially when surrounded by family. This young girl’s strong female role models help her celebrate her individuality and sense of self.

The illustrator takes the reader into Chinese history and culture with swirling colours, swooping dragons and a colourful phoenix in the spirit of becoming and possible futures.

Beautiful.

Author – Joanna Ho

Illustrator – Dung Ho

Picture Book 4+

(2021, Harper Collins, Chinese, Culture, Asian, Family, Diversity, Differences, Strength, Role models, Love, Self-acceptance, Self esteem, Confidence)