School Library Journal
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

PreS-Gr 2-Brightly hued collage and mixed-media illustrations pop with joy in this buoyant introduction to the African-American harvest holiday. Narrated by a smiling little girl surrounded by loving extended family and friends, she explains how seven candles lit over seven days each celebrate a particular principle of Kwanzaa. (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

With colorful collage and mixed-media illustrations alongside brief, yet informative text, Katz's latest offers youngsters an engaging introduction to the African-American holiday. She tells the story through the eyes of a young girl celebrating with her family. In the opening pages, the child, cherubic and round-faced, explains traditional elements, such as the kinara, or candleholder, in which seven candles, one for each day of Kwanzaa, are placed. Next, the girl explains the significance of each day and the "special idea" it represents. Umoja, or unity, for example, is honored on day one. (The Swahili name for each day, its pronunciation and translation, prefaces each section; various other Swahili words are interspersed throughout.) A solid, sweet, and meaty choice for holiday reading. (Picture book. 2-5) Copyright ŠKirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Horn Book
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

""On the second day of Kwanzaa, I ask Mommy to braid my hair in a fancy African way. It makes me feel proud."" This introduction to the holiday will please and inform preschoolers and their parents. Bold collage and mixed-media illustrations add a celebratory air to the simple text, which includes pronunciation guides. Appended is an author's note that gives a brief history of Kwanzaa. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.

Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

PreS. With bright, clear collage illustrations that focus on one young preschooler and her extended family and friends, this small picture book introduces thewanzaa holiday. A double-page spread for each of the seven days of the holiday shows and tells the Seven Principles, from Working Together and Creativity to Faith and Purpose. Africa is mentioned a lot (though not specific countries or nations), and a final note explains that the name wanzaa comes from a Swahili word for first fruits. A useful pronunciation guide is included, as are clear explanations of the candles, gifts, crafts, fruits, and vegetables that are part of the celebration. The specifics, the simple words, and the active pictures combine to convey the wider sense of community that is the essence of the holiday. --Hazel Rochman Copyright 2003 Booklist

School Library Journal
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

PreS-Gr 2-A round-faced, happy little girl tells about her family's Kwanzaa celebration. The simple text and colorful folkloric illustrations with vivid patterns make this a good book to share with young children. Adults will appreciate the brief note about the holiday and the phonetic spelling of the Swahili words. Juwanda G. Ford's K Is for Kwanzaa: A Kwanzaa Alphabet Book (Scholastic, 1997) has a similar appeal, but the narrative format of Katz's title makes it more appropriate for storytimes.-V. W. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.