This volume in the "Holiday Celebrations" series is a short, simply-written, but attractive addition to the growing list of Kwanzaa books for the youngest readers or listeners. It focuses on the family aspect of the celebration and tells more than is usual about Dr. Maulana Karenga, who founded Kwanzaa in 1966, and his hopes for the future of the African-American holiday. Well-chosen color photographs show families in African costume, African dancers, and some of the Kwanzaa symbols like the fruits, corn, the straw mat, and a special holiday cup. The seven principles of Black culture are named, but not explored in depth. Similarly, the candleholder, or kinara, is mentioned, but the ritual of lighting the candles is not described (there is a photo of a woman in African costume lighting several of the black, red, and green candles). Still, kids can learn some of the basic facts about the holiday and may especially like the way the illustrations show children participating in the festivities. Included are a glossary, a short bibliography, and two Web sites to visit. 2003, Rourke, Ages 4 to 8.
— Barbara L. Talcroft
