Kwanzaa

Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story

In an African village live seven brothers who make family life miserable with their constant fighting. When their father dies, he leaves an unsual will: by sundown, the brothers must make gold out of seven spools of thread. If they fail, they will be turned out as beggars.

Celebrating Kwanzaa

How an African-American family observes this cultural holiday.

A Blue's Clues Holiday (Blue's Clues)

Celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, and Kwanzaa with Blue and Steve and all their friends in this special multicultural holiday book.

The Gifts of Kwanzaa

"Habari gani? What news?" Synthia Saint James presents the language and origins of Kwanzaa with enticing writing and bold pictures that honor the people and colors of Africa. In her concise introduction, she explains that "'Kwanzaa, which means 'first fruits' in the African language of Swahili, is celebrated for seven days, from December 26 to January 1 ... There are seven principles of Kwanzaa, one for each day. They were designed especially for our children, our future." On this note the author launches into a vibrant discussion of Kwanzaa that is sure to engage children well into the future. Beholding Kwanzaa from the eyes of a young child, Saint James explains the daily rituals with passages such as, "On the first day of Kwanzaa, I light the one black candle in the kinara (kee-NAH-rah), the candleholder. It shines for our pride in the black race. We light the red candle the next day to remember our struggle; the green on the next for our hopes and dreams." Saint James's proud interpretations of the Swahili words and symbolic objects of Kwanzaa are accompanied by illustrations that look as though they've been neatly carved out of tempura-painted paper. Children will love the uncluttered images and the obvious respect for the child's angle of vision. (Ages 4 to 7) --Gail Hudson

My First Kwanza Book

During the last week of December, Kwanzaa is a time to dress up in African clothes and gather together with relatives from all over the country. Grandma brings special things to eat, Grandpa lights the candles, and everyone in the family celebrates their heritage.

Kwanzaa Fun: Great Things to Make and Do (Holiday Fun)

Seven Candles for Kwanzaa

Although Kwanzaa commemorates an ancient African harvest ritual, it is a relatively new holiday in North America. Seven Candles for Kwanzaa comfortably explains the origins, language, and daily themes of this warm and festive seven-day holiday. Author Andrea Davis Pinkney's tone is that of a friendly, well-informed teacher, which is fine considering the purpose of the book. Ideas for daily Kwanzaa rituals abound. For example, on the fourth day, in honor of ujamaa (cooperative family economics), families can use the coins that they've saved over the year to buy a gift for the family "like a clock that chimes or a hallway mirror." Illustrator Brian Pinkney takes on the more colorful role of storyteller with his scratchboard drawings of a family in the midst of daily Kwanzaa activities and celebrations. Each domestic scene is framed in an earth-toned border of traditional African patterns--bridging the two continents page by page. The thoughtful details and human interactions in each drawing speak to the core meaning of the holiday, that of honoring one's family, community, and heritage. (Ages 7 and older) --Gail Hudson

In this spirited introduction to Kwanzaa, Andrea Davis Pinkney explains the meaning of the week-long African-American winter holiday and the special way each day is celebrated. The text is simple and straightforward, and pronunciation guides are provided for the Swahili words sprinkled throughout. Filled with facts about the festival, this is a perfect selection for anyone interested in learning more about this unique holiday. " A congenial combination of text and pictures that can be used by older children as well as picture book readers."-- Booklist, starred review

The Story of Kwanzaa (Trophy Picture Books)

It's Kwanzaa-time! Light the candles on the kinara! Fly the bendera, and tell stories from Africa! The festival of Kwanzaa was originated by Dr. Maulana Karenga to honor the customs and history of African Americans. The seven principles of Kwanzaa, called the Nguzo Saba, serve to remind African Americans of the struggles of the past, and also focus on present-day achievements and goals for the future. Activities at the end of the book include making your own cow-tail switch and baking benne cakes.

Seven Days Of Kwanzaa

On the fifth day of Kwanzaa, my people gave to me

Five festive friends!

Four spending dollars,

Red, green, and black,

Two drums-a-drumming,

And a promise for unity.

Sing in celebration of Kwanzaa with this cheerful holiday rhyme. This creative spin on a familiar Christmas song features rhyming text, and lively artwork from illustrator Jeremy Tugeau.

K Is for Kwanzaa: A Kwanzaa Alphabet Book

A is for Africa, B is for bendera, and C is for candle in Juwanda Ford and illustrator Ken Wilson-Max's boldly colorful, artfully illustrated alphabetical amble through the principles and language of Kwanzaa. A brief introduction to the history of Kwanzaa--an African American holiday that began in the United States in 1966--is followed by short definitions of its seven principles. Pronunciations are provided for all the African words throughout the book. After "A for Africa," it's on through the alphabet learning about Kwanzaa foods, customs, costumes, and language, right up to Z for "zawadi"--the presents! The book's size and simple format makes it suitable for sharing with a group of children from ages 4 to 10, or for families preparing for Kwanzaa in their own homes. (Click to see a sample spread. Text copyright ©1997 by Juwanda G. Ford. Illustrations copyright ©1997 by Ken Wilson-Max. Permission by Cartwheel Books, Scholastic Inc.) (Age 4 and older) --Marcie Bovetz