The Sound Of Kwanzaa by Dimitrea Tokunbo
Ages 4-8
Scholastic Press (October 1, 2009)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
The words and colors dance off of the pages in this book that celebrates Kwanzaa. Each page begins with the same refrain: “Come closer, gather ’round. Listen to the sound of Kwanzaa…” The rich illustrations by Lisa Cohen are the perfect accompaniment to the seven guiding principles of Kwanzaa.

The author’s note is particularly interesting. Dimitrea Tokunbo tells of the day his father took him to Harlem and he met Dr. Maulana Karenga who he credits with bringing this Africa American celebration in 1966.

This book is an excellent tool to teach young children about this joyous holiday, rich with culture and tradition.

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All New Crafts for Kwanzaa by Kathy Ross, Sharon Lane Holm (Illustrator)

Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group, 2006

Age Range: 4 to 8

Cautions: none

Description from publisher:

Provides instructions for how to create more than twenty-two crafts related to Kwanzaa including a woven mat no-fire Kwanzaa candles and beaded jewelry.

Kiwi Magazine Review

There are 22 fun and simple crafts which celebrate Kwanzaa.  The book relates each craft to the aspects of the holiday so kids can learn about the significance of the lighting of the Kwanzaa candles or the mkeka mat.

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Scholastic’s Night Before Christmas DVD w Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and other stories, too!

Recommended for everyone

Cautions: None

Product Description
Collect the entire library of Scholastic Storybook Treasures and read along on screen with your favorite classic children s stories, brought vividly to life on DVD.

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS (By Clement Clark Moore, Illustrated by Ruth Sanderson, Narrated by Anthony Edwards) The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, and soon St. Nicholas will be there.

IN THE MONTH OF KISLEY (By Nina Jaffe, Illustratred by Louise August, Narrated by Theodore Bikel) A wealthy, arrogant merchant learns the true meaning of Hanukkah when he takes the family of a poor peddler to court for savoring the smell of his family’s potato pancakes.

SEVEN CANDLES FOR KWANZAA (By Andrea Davis Pinkney, Illustrated by Brian Pinkney, Narrated by Alfre Woodard) This unique holiday commemorates the strength of family ties, respect for ancestors, commitment to the growth of community, and gratitude for life’s bounties.

TOO MANY TAMALES (By Gary Soto, Illustrated by Ed Martinez, Narrated by Blancha Camacho) Maria feels very grown-up helping make Christmas dinner, until she realizes that she may have lost her mother s ring in one of the tamales!

3 BONUS STORIES!
MAX S CHRISTMAS (Written and Illustrated by Rosemary Wells, Narrated by Jenny Agutter & Rex Robbins) Max is told that he can’t stay up to see Santa, but he sneaks down anyway. Will Santa still come if Max is awake?

MORRIS S DISAPPEARING BAG (Written and Illustrated by Rosemary Wells) Morris thinks his brother and sisters have better Christmas presents. But inside the last box under the tree he finds a magical gift that makes all his troubles disappear.

THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY (By Katherine Davis, Henry Oronati & Harry Simeone, Illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats, Narrated by John Jennings) Joyful drumming and glowing illustrations combine to celebrate the nativity.

DVD Features: Spanish Version of Too Many Tamales

Kiwi Magazine Review

Thank you, Scholastic, for making a DVD that is truly for everyone.  No matter what your belief, there is something for everyone on this DVD from Christmas with Santa, to Kwanzaa, to Hanukkah, to Drummer Boy (the story of the Nativity).  There are 7 stories in this DVD and each one is special and incredibly well done.  An instant favorite.

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Seven Days Of Kwanzaa (Paperback) by Melrose Cooper (Author)

Recommended:  Ages 4-8

Cartwheel Books, 2007

Cautions:  None

Product Description
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. 

Kiwi Magazine Review

Borrowing the tune doesn’t diminish the simple and important messages of Kwanzaa.

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