Product Description

K is for Kwanzaa explains different facets of the holiday, from A to Z. Each letter of the alphabet represents an English or Swahili word, accompanied by a simple definition explaining its importance or relation to Kwanzaa. For example:A is for Africa -- Africa is the second largest continent. It has many countries. African Americans' ancestors came from Africa. Kwanzaa is a holiday that celebrates the rich heritage of Africa. An introduction describes the origin of the holiday and the Seven Kwanzaa Principles, that guide the seven-day celebration and teach positive life lessons.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #705396 in Books
• Published on: 2003-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 32 pages

Amazon.com Review
A is for Africa, B is for bendera, and C is for candle in Juwanda Ford and illustrator Ken Wilson-Max's boldly colorful, artfully illustrated alphabetical amble through the principles and language of Kwanzaa. A brief introduction to the history of Kwanzaa--an African American holiday that began in the United States in 1966--is followed by short definitions of its seven principles. Pronunciations are provided for all the African words throughout the book. After "A for Africa," it's on through the alphabet learning about Kwanzaa foods, customs, costumes, and language, right up to Z for "zawadi"--the presents! The book's size and simple format makes it suitable for sharing with a group of children from ages 4 to 10, or for families preparing for Kwanzaa in their own homes. (Click to see a sample spread. Text copyright ©1997 by Juwanda G. Ford. Illustrations copyright ©1997 by Ken Wilson-Max. Permission by Cartwheel Books, Scholastic Inc.) (Age 4 and older) --Marcie Bovetz

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2. Bright colors and blocky, thickly outlined objects and characters join with a simple overview of the African-American harvest holiday. There is an explanation of the seven principles of Kwanzaa and a pronunciation guide for the African words in the text. This title includes a full-page outline map of Africa, but no countries are identified. The alphabetical format is an effective technique to introduce many words about the holiday to a relatively young audience, for children are likely to encounter words they might not find in other books. "E is for Embe," for example, refers to an African fruit; "G is for Gele," a long narrow strip of cloth wrapped around an African woman's head. Common words are used as well, such as feast, harvest, jewelry, and tales. The vibrant, uncluttered art set against equally colorful backgrounds make this an appealing choice.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews
Ford uses each letter of the alphabet to illustrate an aspect of Kwanzaa, in a mix of English and non-English words; phonetic pronunciations are provided for non-English words, but not the language or country of origin. To the familiar--``A is for Africa'' and ``C is for candle''--Ford adds ``L is for lapa'' (a broad piece of cloth that African women wear) and ``M is for Mkeka'' (a special mat for the holiday table). Wilson-Max works with flat, simple shapes boldly outlined in black; these are cheerful and informative, with festive scenes of participants gathering to celebrate the principles of Kwanzaa. Other books cover the holiday more thoroughly, but this is certainly a charming and accessible beginning. (Picture book. 5-7) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Customer Reviews

K is for Kwanzaa--Great Book
Ford managed to teach about the Kwanzaa in an interesting way to children, and was not stereotypical. This is a great book to teach cultural diversity in the classroom, because it does not belittle any race or culture. Read it, and you'll see!!

A perfect book to share
A wonderful primer for anyone new to the ways and wonder of Kwanzaa.

K is for Kwanzaa
The book provides some background on Kwanzaa, For example, Dr Karenga took the name of the holiday from the Swahili word "Kwanza, " which means "the first fruits of the harvest." The extra "a" was added so the name would have seven letters to match the seven principles of Kwanzaa. In addition, the book uses the alphabet to introduce
words that are associated with Kwanzaa. So, the book can teach children the Alphabet and Kwanaa at the same time.