September 1, 2024
Toddler-PreS-A brightly illustrated book that celebrates the traditions of Kwanzaa for the littlest readers. Each day of Kwanzaa is beautifully illustrated with children and their families celebrating the seven principles of this African American and Pan-African holiday. But first, colorful objects significant to the celebration are introduced, along with an explanation of their meaning to the festivity; for example, the kinara holds the seven candles that signify the seven days of Kwanzaa, and the kikombe cha umoja, the unity cup, honors the African ancestors. Each day of the holiday is then explained in simple terms, and readers learn how each of the seven principles are applied to daily life. While Kwanzaa is a community-spirited celebration, this text also encourages readers to reflect on their own ways to honor the traditions and carry them throughout the year. Cheerful, upbeat illustrations feature multigenerational characters with traditional dress and food that complement the African heritage of the holiday. These bold graphics are a perfect match for the simplicity of the text, making for an excellent introduction to Kwanzaa for children. VERDICT An overdue, modernized approach to Kwanzaa that informs young people about this holiday in easily understood text with relatable, engaging illustrations.-C.J Connor
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