K Is For Kwanzaa - Softcover

Ford, Juwanda G.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0439560713 ISBN 13: 9780439560719

Publisher: Cartwheel, 2003

Synopsis

A unique alphabet book for children and a wonderful introduction to Kwanzaa, the holiday that celebrates African American heritage.

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.

About this title

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.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cartwheel
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0439560713
• ISBN 13: 9780439560719
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Wilson-Max Ken