Eyes That Kiss in the Corners
What’s inside...
A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers' big, round eyes and long lashes. She finds beauty in her own eyes, which resemble those of her mother, grandmother, and little sister. With their eyes that 'kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea,' these powerful women help her to recognize her own beauty, and empower her on her journey to self-love.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
34 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the girl in the story feels about her eyes and her heritage?
What are some ways the girl notices her eyes are different from her friends'?
Can you think of something unique about you that you really love?
Why do you think it's important to appreciate our differences?
How do the illustrations help tell the story of the girl's connection with her family?
Tip: Role play these questions
Point out the lyrical language and the imagery in the book and discuss how it makes your child feel.
Compare and contrast your family's features and origins with those in the book to personalize the story.
Ask your child to draw or describe their own favorite family traits, linking them to family members they admire.
Encourage your child to share stories about times when they noticed or celebrated differences in others.
Reinforce the message that everyone's unique traits make them special and this diversity should be celebrated.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Cultural Identity
Explanation: In 'Eyes That Kiss in the Corners,' the protagonist celebrates her unique physical features that connect her to her Asian heritage, differentiating her from her peers. She appreciates her eyes that resemble those of her mother, grandmother, and little sister, embracing her family's lineage and the stories they share.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and take pride in their own heritage and unique features. They are encouraged to seek and find beauty in what makes them different, fostering a strong sense of self-esteem and identity.
Example Lesson: Understanding Generational Bonds
Explanation: The story highlights the connections between different generations within a family, depicted through the shared physical trait of eye shape. The protagonist's recognition of her eyes in her female relatives strengthens her sense of belonging and continuity.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore their own family histories and learn from the experiences and stories of older family members, understanding how past generations shape their own lives.
Example Lesson: Celebration of Individuality
Explanation: The protagonist of the story cherishes her unique eyes that set her apart from her peers, eventually finding power and beauty in her differences rather than feeling alienated by them.
Real-World Application: This lesson can serve to boost confidence among children when confronted with differences, teaching them to celebrate what makes them unique and resist pressures to conform to perceived norms.
Example Lesson: Empowerment Through Self-Acceptance
Explanation: The book follows the young girl's journey to self-acceptance, as she learns to love her distinctive features instead of comparing herself unfavorably to others. This journey is full of affirmations and positivity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of self-love and being kind to themselves, which is essential for emotional resilience and mental health. Recognizing their intrinsic value can empower them to face life's challenges with confidence.