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Kwanzaa

Celebrating traditions and family

Together for Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is Kayla’s favorite time of year. But this year, it looks as if a heavy snowstorm will keep her big brother, Khari, from getting home in time for the festivities! Will Khari miss the celebration completely? Or will Kayla and her brother somehow find a way to be together for Kwanzaa? A perfect introduction to Kwanzaa, this book will teach children all about the traditions and practices that make it a special winter holiday.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 981 votes, reviews

Juwanda G. Ford

My First Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa

During the seven days of Kwanzaa, we celebrate the importance of family, friends, and community. This warm and lively introduction to a very special holiday will help even the youngest children join in! Author and illustrator Karen Katz's wonderful series of picture books for the very young offer a simple and fun way to get familiar with the traditions of holiday celebrations from different cultures.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 457 votes, reviews

Karen Katz

Seven Spools of Thread

Kwanzaa

In an African village live seven brothers who make family life miserable with their constant fighting. When their father dies, he leaves an unusual will: by sundown, the brothers must make gold out of seven spools of thread. If they fail, they will be turned out as beggars. Using the Nguzo Saba, or "seven principles" of Kwanzaa, the author has created an unforgettable story that shows how family members can pull together, for their own good and the good of the entire community. Magnificent and inspiring linoleum block prints by Daniel Minter bring joy to this Kwanzaa celebration.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 401 votes, reviews

Angela Shelf Medearis

Home for the Holidays

World Holidays

There's no place like home for the holidays! Join in a special Sesame Street celebration in this all-new multicultural book for kids, the perfect Thanksgiving gift! No matter what holidays you celebrate during the most wonderful time of the year, love, family, togetherness, and giving are universal. In this diversity book for kids, share in the joy with Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, and more friends with festivities on Sesame Street! From Thanksgiving and Eid al-Fitr, to Chinese New Year, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Christmas, and New Year's, this special picture book is a heartfelt celebration of different cultures and holidays from around the world. Featuring new and international Sesame Street characters, this sweet story proves that the things everyone cherishes are the same…because there's no place like home for the holidays. Why readers love Home for the Holidays: Parents, grandparents, and teachers will enjoy reading this festive, multicultural book with children Ideal holiday gift and novelty stocking stuffer for kids ages 3-7―perfect for anyone looking for Ramadan books or Christmas or Hanukkah gifts for kids Features new and international Sesame Street characters including Tamir, Chamki, Lily the Tiger, Gabrielle, Pino, Boombah, and more! Learn about the special traditions of each holiday with bonus educational content in the back, perfect for classrooms and at-home learning! Screen-free fun for children
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 306 votes, reviews

Craig Manning

Celebrate Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa

Celebrate Kwanzaa continues the spectacular Holidays Around the World series by focusing on this African-American holiday, which falls during the festive, gift-giving season and is celebrated by families, communities, and schools throughout America. With succinct, lively text and beautiful photographs, the book celebrates African-American culture and helps us to understand and appreciate this special holiday. Over the course of seven days, African Americans, families and friends, come together to light the candles that symbolize their past and future—and their unity. They gather as a community to make music and to dance; to feast on harvest foods and the good things of the earth; and to exchange simple, often homemade, gifts. Readers are introduced to the symbols of the holiday, such as the mkeka (a special placemat), kinara (candleholder), and kikombe cha umoja (unity cup). Important concepts, like the seven principles, are explained. In addition, a note from the book's consultant, aimed at parents and teachers, puts the holiday in its full cultural and historical perspective.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 217 votes, reviews

Carolyn Otto

Li'l Rabbit's Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa

Share this Kwanzaa story with your family or in the classroom. "Very bright, playful, textured pictures capture the spirit of community that is the essence of the holiday. The two final pages about 'The Nguzo Saba––The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa' will take kids back to the story to find the holiday message in action."* The story of Li'l Rabbit captures the true meaning of Kwanzaa—coming together to help others. Donna L. Washington's story, with art from Shane W. Evans (Chocolate Me!), provides a fun introduction to the holiday. Li'l Rabbit is not having a very good Kwanzaa. Granna Rabbit is sick, and so his family won't celebrate his favorite part of Kwanzaa this year: a big feast called Karamu. Li'l Rabbit knows what to do! He'll find Granna Rabbit a special treat for Karamu so she can celebrate anyway. He looks under a pile of logs, in the field, and in the pond and along the way meets Groundhog, Momma Field Mouse, and the frogs—but he doesn't find anything for Granna Rabbit. Maybe I'm just too little to help Granna Rabbit celebrate Kwanzaa, Li'l Rabbit thinks. Or maybe he just needs a little help from his family and friends.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 206 votes, reviews

Donna L. Washington

My Family Celebrates Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa traces its origins to the American Civil Rights era. Critical thinking questions and fast facts prompt young readers to engage with this fun narrative and learn all about Kwanzaa.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 123 votes, reviews

Lisa Bullard

Kwanzaa

meaningful additions

Children learn and hear more than we think.  Books provide context for new and potentially confusing topics, and give caregivers a way to approach complex topics.

Balanced Rocks
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