Kwanzaa, celebrated each year from December 26 to January 1, is a holiday honoring the African community, culture, and heritage. It is filled with festivities, including lighting one candle each of the seven days in remembrance of “The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa”: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa)
Kwanzaa is a wonderful holiday for children to be involved with, as well. A great way to get your kids involved with Kwanzaa is to get them children’s Kwanzaa books. Here are the top 5 Kwanzaa books for kids!
1. My First Kwanzaa Book by Deborah Chocolate and Illustrated by Cal Massey
My First Kwanzaa Book is a wonderful children’s Kwanzaa book that introduces kids to Kwanzaa and the principles that go along with the holiday. This book provides an understanding of Kwanzaa to kids, through it’s story of a family coming together to celebrate the holiday. At the end of the story, there is a summary which tells more information about the symbols and values celebrated during Kwanzaa, as well as information about the founder, Dr. Maulana Karenga, who established Kwanzaa in 1966. This is a wonderful choice for you to learn with your children about this special holiday.
2. The Children’s Book of Kwanzaa: A Guide to Celebrating the Holiday by Dolores Johnson
The Children’s Book of Kwanzaa: A Guide to Celebrating the Holiday is another wonderful book choice for kids. It has lovely illustrations to appeal to children and it is a very great educational resource for children, as well. It actually even details the history of African Americans over centuries! However, the majority of this Kwanzaa book for children is made up of crafts, recipes, and gift ideas. These are great ways for kids to learn about Kwanzaa, while having fun and keeping busy. This children’s Kwanzaa book would allow your children to make awesome homemade gifts to give during the holiday, while learning about the history of Kwanzaa.
3. My First Kwanzaa by Karen Katz
My First Kwanzaa tells the story of a young girl’s Kwanzaa celebration with her family and friends. It is a lovely children’s Kwanzaa book that This story teaches of the seven principles and also introduces children to Swahili words. This is a great choice for teaching young children about the Kwanzaa celebration and traditions.
4. K Is For Kwanzaa by Juwanda Ford and Illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max
K Is For Kwanzaa teaches children about the holiday through colorful illustrations and easy-to-understand explanations of the seven principles and common words used during Kwanzaa. This is a wonderful Kwanzaa book for kids that is both fun and informative.
5. Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story by Angela Shelf Medearis and Illustrated by Daniel Minter
Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story tells the story of seven arguing brothers from Ghana in West Africa. This kids’ Kwanzaa story teaches children about Kente cloth and the seven principles of Kwanzaa. From this book, children will learn the lesson of cooperation and the importance of community.
Enjoy the Kwanzaa holiday!
If you are looking for free Kwanzaa e-cards to send to children, family, and friends this holiday, read this list: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2377164/free_kwanzaa_ecards.html?cat=15
