Eyes That Weave the World's Wonders

November 1, 2023
A young Korean adoptee finds a sense of connection. The unnamed young narrator reflects on the annual family portrait. Everyone is in "matching clothes and matching shoes and matching laughter." Yet there's one distinct feature that doesn't match: "No one in my family has eyes like mine." As the protagonist and Mom, a white woman, explore an art museum, the child observes how Mom's blue eyes are "like ocean waves." Mom's gaze makes it clear that the little one is "a masterpiece." Next, the protagonist goes fishing with Dad, a white man with hazel eyes and brown hair and beard. Amid the idyllic river setting, the two get their lines tangled. Yet Dad's eyes "tell me it will be okay. Some knots bind us with bonds more visible than blood." Despite these close familial ties, the child wonders about meeting "someone who has eyes that kiss in the corner and glow like warm tea. Just like mine." The lyrical narrative follows the child through explorations of fragmented memories from before the protagonist was adopted. The authors briefly touch on the complex feelings and questions of "who," "what if," and "why." Ho's richly detailed illustrations match the narrative by using warm colors and imagery that blend into one another. Eventually the child weaves together dreams and stories, finding beauty in connections to a birth parent. A striking adoption tale that opens space for larger questions and feelings. (note from Kleinrock) (Picture book. 4-8)

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Starred review from December 1, 2023

PreS-Gr 3-Having soothed and liberated, separately, sons and daughters from "othering," Ho now creates a beautiful book about family: what makes individuals and what connects us to one another. The story begins with a narrator's family together taking pictures in their ]matching clothes and matching shoes [with] matching laughter. Everything matching in every way. Except me." At a very young age, she was adopted by this American family. Throughout the book, her American facets are juxtaposed with the parts of her that her family does not share but clearly supports and nurtures. The illustrations are vibrant and detailed. Young people will enjoy trying to find all of the hidden elements within the pictures. Similar to her previous books (Eyes that Kiss at the Corners, Eyes that Speak to the Stars), there is particular attention given to providing a glimpse of the young girl's Asian culture through objects she brought with her in infancy, her memories, and her dreams. The use of alliteration is particularly charming, creating a thread that gives the story flow. VERDICT This book is a perfect addition to any children's shelf, whether aimed at families, adoption, multicultural stories, or topics of love and acceptance.-Peggy Henderson Murphy

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2024
Grades K-3 This companion to Eyes That Kiss in the Corners (2021) and Eyes That Speak to the Stars (2022) explores transracial adoption. A young Asian girl notes that her eyes differ from those of the rest of her (white) family. Mama has eyes like ocean waves, while Dad's resemble a summer garden. Through them, she sees ""a world full of wonder, a world that made us a family."" Despite being clearly doted upon, the child still wonders about her birth mother, whose eyes ""kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea. Just like mine."" Lyrical language explores the emotional bonds that bind the girl to both her birth mother and her adoptive parents. She reflects upon keepsakes from her (unspecified) homeland and poses possible explanations for being put up for adoption: ""sometimes love must look like letting go."" Dung Ho's colorful, upbeat illustrations reflect the joy and closeness this child feels with her surroundings. In addition to vividly depicted eyes, Ho employs rainbows, red-crested birds, and traditional clothing suggestive of Korea. An uplifting family portrait.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: This series of picture books has reached best-seller status, so expect insta-love for this new addition.

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