Children's Books and Family History: Eyes That Kiss in the Corners (Memory Prompt Monday)

 What is something about yourself that reminds you of someone else in your family?

One of the things I love most about Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho is how it celebrates seeing ourselves through the people who came before us. The young girl notices that her eyes look like her mother's, her grandmother's, and her little sister's. Instead of wishing she looked like everyone else, she learns to treasure the family resemblance that connects generations.

Family history isn't just about the stories we tell—it's also about the pieces of ourselves we carry. A familiar smile, a laugh that sounds just like Grandpa's, curly hair from your mother, or the same kind eyes your grandmother had. These small connections remind us that we belong to something much bigger than ourselves.

When I look in the mirror, I don't just see myself. I see my Nan's nose, my Dad's ears, and glimpses of my mother and great-grandmother looking back at me. Their features live on in mine, quietly reminding me that I am part of a much bigger story. Every family resemblance is a gentle thread connecting one generation to the next, a visible reminder that those who came before us are still woven into who we are today. Looking at myself, I don't just see my own reflection—I see the legacy of the people who helped shape me.

What is something about yourself that reminds you of someone else in your family?

It could be a physical feature like your eyes, freckles, smile, or curly hair. Or perhaps it's the way you laugh, the way you tell stories, your love of reading, your musical talent, or your kind heart.

Who do you think you inherited it from?

What memories come to mind when you think of that person?

Take a few minutes to write about that connection or ask a family member to tell you a story about the person who shares that trait. You might discover that what makes you unique is also one of the many threads connecting you to your family's story.

One of my favorite FamilySearch Activities is Compare a Face. This simple tool uses photographs to compare your facial features with those of your ancestors and relatives, showing who you resemble most. While it's just for fun and isn't meant to be scientifically accurate, it can spark wonderful conversations about the people who came before us.

As you compare faces, don't stop at asking, "Who do I look like?" Ask, "Who was this person?" What was their personality like? What did they enjoy doing? What stories have been passed down about them? Sometimes a familiar smile or pair of eyes is all it takes to spark curiosity and begin discovering the life behind the photograph.

remember: The goal isn't simply to discover who you resemble—it's to discover the person behind the resemblance.

Activity: I See You in Me

Find three or four family photographs from different generations.

Look for similarities together:

• Eyes
• Smiles
• Hair
• Dimples
• Freckles
• Expressions

Then ask:

• What do you notice?
• Who looks alike?
• What do you think has been passed down through your family?

to download/print the activity page simply click here or on the image below