5 stars
A beautiful celebration of the similarities and differences that make us who we are. I loved the positive message of the story. At no point is the narrator upset that she has the eyes she has. She does not wish them to be a different shape or color. She loves them and their connection to her family. It’s so refreshing to read a character that is happy and joyful in the way they are.
I also enjoyed how balanced the story is. It starts by describing “eyes like sapphire lagoons” and “lashes like lace trim on ballgowns”. The text recognizes the beauty of these eyes without diminishing the beauty is the main character’s eyes that “kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea”. They are both presented as beautiful without competing with one another. There’s also the recognition not just of the physical beauty but the emotion and messages those eyes share and the connection of having similar eyes to one’s family. Ho takes something that is often admired for physical beauty and gives it its own power and agency.
The artwork is warm and enchanting. The joy and belonging that radiates from each page is sure to bring a smile to the reader’s face. Absolutely breathtaking.
Poetic text, gorgeous artwork. What a fantastic book about loving who you are and the diversity of beauty!