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    The Children's Book Review

    Picture Books for Kwanzaa

    Bianca SchulzeBy Bianca Schulze3 Mins Read Ages 4-8 Book Lists Cultural Wisdom Picture Books Seasonal: Holiday Books
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    By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
    Published: December 17, 2010

    There appears to be quite slim pickings when it comes to children’s books that relate to Kwanzaa—did you hear that children’s book authors? However, there are definitely enough to satisfy the needs of anyone looking to teach the history, meaning, and/or spirit of Kwanzaa.


    Kwanzaa BookMy First Kwanza Book

    by Deborah Chocolate (Author), Cal Massey (Illustrator)

    Reading level: Ages 4-8

    Paperback: 32 pages

    Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks; Reprint edition (October 1, 1999)

    Source: Library

    Publisher’s synopsis: 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.

    Note: Told through the story of a boy, this book offers a great introduction to Kwanzaa and its festivities. Brief explanations of the seven principles of Kwanzaa can be found at the back of the book, along with a glossary of words used during this season.

    Add this book to your collection: My First Kwanza Book


    Kwanzaa BookSeven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story

    by Angela Shelf Medearis (Author), Daniel Minter (Illustrator)

    Reading level: Ages 9-12

    Paperback: 40 pages

    Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (September 1, 2000)

    Source: Library

    Publisher’s synopsis: In an African village live seven brothers who make 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 or they will be turned out as beggars.

    Note: This book captures the spirit of Kwanzaa by using the seven principles of Kwanzaa to tell the story of a family who work together to better their whole community. The woodcut illustrations are sensational.

    Add this book to your collection: Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story


    Kwanzaa BookThe Gifts of Kwanzaa

    by Synthia Saint James

    Reading level: Ages 4-8

    Paperback: 32 pages

    Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (January 1, 1994)

    Source: Library

    Publisher’s synopsis: With bold and colorful paintings and simple, straightforward text, the author explains the Kwanzaa holiday.

    Note: The initial introduction on the first page gives a round-up of Kwanzaa, from its beginnings to where it is now celebrated—it’s a good but brief intro before the child narrator steps in to share the informative details of the celebration.

    Add this book to your collection: The Gifts of Kwanzaa


    Kwanzaa BookAll New Crafts for Kwanzaa

    by Kathy Ross (Author), Sharon Lane Holm (Illustrator)

    Reading level: Ages 4-8

    Paperback: 48 pages

    Publisher: First Avenue Editions (August 15, 2006)

    Source: Library

    Note: A collection of projects for Kwanzaa celebrations.

    Add this book to your collection: All New Crafts for Kwanzaa


    You may also like: My First Kwanzaa by Karen Katz, The Story of Kwanzaa by Donna L. Washington, and The Children’s Book of Kwanzaa: A Guide to Celebrating the Holiday by Dolores Johnson


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    Angela Shelf Medearis Cal Massey Daniel Minter Deborah Chocolate Kathy Ross Kwanzaa Sharon Lane Holm Synthia Saint James
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    Bianca Schulze
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    Bianca Schulze is the founder of The Children’s Book Review. She is a reader, reviewer, mother and children’s book lover. She also has a decade’s worth of experience working with children in the great outdoors. Combined with her love of books and experience as a children’s specialist bookseller, the goal is to share her passion for children’s literature to grow readers. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado.

    3 Comments

    1. hurricanekerrie on January 13, 2011 8:05 pm

      My First Kwanzaa by Karen Katz is also good for preschoolers. It’s easy enough for preschoolers to follow and not get bored with. I wish writers would make more “fun” Kwanzaa books. A lot of these books are too straightforward and serious in tone.

      Reply
      • Bianca Schulze on January 14, 2011 10:31 am

        You’re right. There isn’t a huge selection to choose from—and there really should be more fun and vibrant titles added to this holiday genre. I’m sure we’ll see some in the future.

        Reply
    2. Pingback: 21 Great Picture Books to Get You Through the Holidays – With Bulletin Board Ideas! | Meghan E. B. Lin

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