Eyes that speak to the stars by Joanna Ho. Illus. by Dung Ho

Eyes that speak to the stars is the companion volume to the acclaimed Eyes that kiss in the corners written by the New York Times best selling team Joanna Ho and Dung Ho. Joanna Ho, the author, resides in San Francisco and has Chinese/Taiwanese heritage. She is firmly committed to working towards anti-bias, anti-racism and equity in her writing. Dung Ho, the illustrator, is Vietnamese and lives in Ho Chi Minh city. Eyes that kiss in the corners follows the story of a young Asian girl as she learns through her family's support that she is beautiful and loved. Eyes that speak to the stars, follows a similar formula. A young Asian boy notices that his eyes look different to his peers in a friend's drawing. He learns that his eyes are like his father's and grandfather's and are part of a long, long heritage and that they can see the stars and glimpse trails of light from those who came before.

Eyes that speak to the stars is a delightful book that teaches about acceptance of difference, love for oneself and the loveliness of a supportive family. In the hands of a savvy teacher or parent, the book could be a springboard for discussion about how it feels to be different to the mainstream culture of where you are no matter what culture you represent. In addition the importance of family and heritage across all cultures should be the message. 

Dung Ho's illustrations spead across double pages. They are detailed showing for example in the first interior Chinese porcelain lamps, dragons and charms. The faces are depicted full on and smiling with wide eyes and smiles. Dragons and kites swirl across the colourful pages. Joy and love spring from the simple words and colourful illustrations. Generations are shown through grandfather, father, son and baby brother and the vision goes all the way to the stars. Children will love this book especially when they can talk about their own fathers and grandfathers and be encouraged to think about that universal sense of self in relation to heritage and beyond.

Eyes that speak to the stars encourages children to celebrate their own culture and history even if it is not highlighted by the society in which they live.

Recommended as a library and classroom read aloud.

Themes: Love of self, Family support, Heritage.

Wendy Jeffrey