The Children's Book of Kwanzaa: A Guide to Celebrating the Holiday [Hardcover]

Dolores Johnson (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Popular author and illustrator Dolores Johnson has fashioned an attractive and easy-to-follow guide to celebrating Kwanzaa, a holiday created in 1966 which celebrates the African American people, their heritage, and culture.

Johnson explains what Kwanzaa is, how it came to be, and details its principles and symbols. She includes an extensive craft and recipe section with instructions and diagrams for making everything from the seven symbols, to gifts for family and friends, to a scrumptious meal for the Kwanzaa Karamu. She invites young readers to actively participate in the festivities, and offers guidance and suggestions on how they and their families might create their own special Kwanzaa celebration.

A book that children and parents will reach for year after year.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Teachers, in particular, should snap up this comprehensive Kwanzaa resource, not only because of Johnson's diligently done homework, but also for the book's appeal to children. Augmented by fetching block prints, the text provides the usual holiday info, plus a thoughtful history of African Americans, heroes who put into practice the seven principles of Kwanzaa, recipes, plentiful craft and gift ideas, recipes and more. Ages 7-up.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 4^-7. Beginning with a direct, eloquent overview of African American history over 400 years and some succinct biographies of leading figures, Johnson talks about the origins of the Kwanzaa festival and discusses its principles and symbols, what they are and what they mean. Then most of the book is made up of hands-on, detailed directions for crafts and gift making and recipes. The illustrations are small block prints, both portraits of leaders and designs for the crafts. Johnson stresses flexibility--this festival is still in the making; be creative about how you and your family plan your celebration--and her voice is committed, but never preachy, in promoting the holiday as an opportunity for all Americans to study and to celebrate the African American culture. A fine guide for teachers, librarians, and parents, as well as for children. Hazel Rochman

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum; 1st edition (November 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 068980864X
• ISBN-13: 978-0689808647
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,933,751 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #44 in Books > Children's Books > Holidays & Celebrations > Kwanzaa

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Children's Book of Kwanzaa, January 7, 2009

By 

Steven C. Thedford "Author: The Kwanzaa Colo... (Atlanta) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Children's Book of Kwanzaa: A Guide to Celebrating the Holiday (Paperback)

During Kwanzaa families often make homemade gifts for each other. For example, during Kwanzaa my daughters and wife painted portraits for me and I made bracelets for them. Kwanzaa encourages the making of gifts so that the family can use their natural kuumba, creativity. More than that, the gifts that I received during Kwanzaa from my offspring and spouse meant so much because they came from the heart. If you want your family to have this kind of experience, I high recommend The Children's Book of Kwanzaa. The book gives some background information on Kwanzaa and its history. Yet, the book provides so many good examples of how to make Zawadi (gifts ) that your children will be busy the entire holiday season. The Kwanzaa Coloring Book