A book list celebrating Kwanzaa’s rich traditions, principles, and cultural heritage, perfect for families and educators looking to honor this meaningful holiday. Curated by The Children’s Book Review.
Kwanzaa, celebrated from December 26th to January 1st, is a time to reflect on African heritage, community values, and the seven principles known as the Nguzo Saba. These books help children understand the significance of Kwanzaa while celebrating family, culture, and unity through engaging stories and beautiful illustrations.
This selection of picture books offers plenty of opportunities and ways to explore and celebrate Kwanzaa’s meaningful traditions.
Children’s Books That Celebrate Kwanzaa Traditions and Values:
Once Upon a Kwanzaa
Written by Nyasha Williams and Sidney Rose McCall
Illustrated by Sawyer Cloud
Ages 4+ | 32 Pages
Publisher: Running Press Kids (2025) | ISBN-13: 9780762487356
A celebration of the beauty, power, and faith of the African-American community as reflected in the principles of Kwanzaa. This book introduces communities of all colors to the interwoven history and lived experiences connected to this time of year when families and loved ones gather to celebrate, share, and reimagine the past, present, and future. The stunning artwork showcases seven BIPOC families and highlights how people of the Diaspora can celebrate in their communities, from setting the table and lighting the kinara to sharing meals and gathering at events. The book includes a glossary and pronunciation guide.
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Soulful Holidays
Written by Ciara L. Hill
Illustrated by Christian Krabbe
Ages 4+ | 34 Pages
Publisher: Lawton Classic Books (2025) | ISBN-13: 9781734156553
This rhyming picture book celebrates both Christmas and Kwanzaa, honoring the Black and African American experience and allowing families to explore the magic of Christmas and the true essence of Kwanzaa through catchy couplets. Readers learn about the food, songs, cultural decorations, the kinara, the seven principles of Kwanzaa, and the traditions of families who celebrate one or both holidays. Christian Krabbe’s engaging illustrations perfectly complement the rhyming text, while interactive elements include coloring pages for children to personalize. The book includes free downloadable lesson plans and resources available at ciaralhillbooks.com, making it an educational and heartwarming addition to any holiday collection.
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Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story
Written by Angela Shelf Medearis
Illustrated by Daniel Minter
Ages 5+ | 40 Pages
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (2000) | ISBN-13: 9780807573167
Seven quarrelsome brothers must learn to work together after their father dies, leaving them a challenge in his will. To inherit his gold, they must turn thread into gold without breaking, cutting, or burning it. Through their journey, the brothers discover the power of unity and cooperation—the very principles at the heart of Kwanzaa. This folktale-inspired story beautifully illustrates the principle of Umoja (unity) while teaching valuable lessons about family and collaboration. Minter’s striking linoleum block-print illustrations complement the story perfectly with jewel-bright backgrounds full of intriguing details of African village life.
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Together for Kwanzaa
Written by Juwanda G. Ford
Illustrated by Shelly Hehenberger
Ages: 3+ | 24 Pages
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (2000) | ISBN: 9780375803291
Kayla loves Kwanzaa, but this year, a heavy snowstorm threatens to keep her big brother Khari from making it home from college for the festivities. As her family celebrates each day of Kwanzaa—lighting the kinara candles and preparing for the karamu feast—readers learn about the holiday’s traditions, the seven principles, and how to practice them year-round. The book includes pronunciation guides for Swahili words, while Hehenberger’s lush illustrations capture the warmth and patterns of the celebration. This heartwarming story emphasizes family bonds and the principle of Umoja (unity), making it a perfect introduction to Kwanzaa for young children.
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The Kwanzaa Story: Celebrating Culture Through Community
Written by Alliah L. Agostini
Illustrated by Olivia Smith H.
Ages: 5+ | 32 Pages
Publisher: becker&mayer! kids (2025) | ISBN: 9780760399323
In this illustrated storybook, a mom teaches her children, Daphne and Alistair, about Kwanzaa, sharing the holiday’s origins—rooted in Africa, born in Los Angeles—and providing historical context on how the celebration emerged after the Watts Rebellion during the Civil Rights Movement. The comprehensive guide includes a timeline, key Civil Rights figures involved in creating Kwanzaa, the seven guiding principles (Nguzo Saba), the seven core symbols, including the kinara and mishumaa saba, and how Kwanzaa is celebrated today. This visually captivating book offers Black, African, and African American children the opportunity to see themselves and their traditions represented accurately and joyfully, while also exposing children of all backgrounds to the cultural significance of this meaningful holiday.
3 Comments
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.
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.
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