This introduction to Kwanzaa emphasizes the core of the holiday—family, community, and cultural celebration—and the illustrations reinforce this. The first few pages show how to prepare for Kwanzaa, with a woven mat, candles, maize and fruit, drumming, a libation statement, and handmade gifts. Then the remainder of the book shows seven different BIPOC families, with delightful differences in skin tone, hair style, abilities, and clothing choices, each celebrating a specific principle of Kwanzaa. Each principle is explained in the text with an example of celebration. Families are shown in a variety of colorful settings, each member joyfully dancing, swimming, cooking, and connecting with the others. The book ends with encouragement to use the holiday’s seven principles as a guide in action and while growing community. Though focused on the holiday of Kwanzaa, the work invites deeper conversations about slavery, the Middle Passage, rebellion, and civil rights. A Swahili glossary and pronunciation guide are included. VERDICT Though the rhyming is sometimes clunky, this book is recommended for all collections, and encourages families to teach small children about Kwanzaa. 

-School Library Journal

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This celebration of Kwanzaa explores the seven defining principles of the annual

observation—unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics,

purpose, creativity, and faith—taking readers on a ride through international festivities associated

with the holiday. The text includes brief historical references, including traditional cultural beliefs

from Africa, the Middle Passage and slavery, rebellions, civil rights, and the holiday’s beginning

in Los Angeles. The majority of the text offers a survey of the seven nights of celebration,

explaining the practices associated with each night as a new candle is lit and people engage in

special activities. Vibrant, detailed, and busy illustrations show a multiethnic and variously abled

cast of characters enjoying each evening, whether coming together as a community to celebrate

the first night of unity at a local farmers’ market or kids and adults sitting around a table happily

making crafts in observance of the sixth night, creativity. One caveat: the text consists of fairly

long, not always successful rhyming sentences. Adults might want to practice before using this

as a read-aloud.

 

— Kathleen McBroom (Booklist)

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A colorful exploration of the “many roots and routes to Kwanzaa.”

An opening spread of 10 cozy vignettes conveys the diversity of the people who observe Kwanzaa. As a bevy of brown-skinned families with varying complexions and hairstyles prepare for the holiday, Williams and McCall introduce readers to the Nguzo Saba, the seven principles of Kwanzaa (unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith), each of which is honored on one of the seven days of the celebration. Information-rich verse, marked by inspired turns of phrase, covers the history of the holiday, which was created in Los Angeles but has since been “sung out across the Black Earth.” Cloud’s carefully composed full-color illustrations feature accents of traditional African fabrics, as well as depictions of “handmade and homespun” gifting, joyous singing, and feasting. This age-appropriate primer offers a vibrant perspective on values many all over the world have long held while offering newcomers a refreshingly inviting seat at that kinara-lit table. It all wraps up with a glossary that defines key terms.

Sheds light on a celebration that holds great meaning to a diverse diaspora. (Picture book. 4-8)

-Kirkus

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Williams and McCall pen an accessible introduction to Kwanzaa’s tenets in this vibrant celebration of African American community, culture, and heritage. Framed around the Nguzo Saba—the seven guiding principles—contextualizing lines invite young readers to explore the concepts (“The first night of Kwanzaa is Umoja, which celebrates building bridges between family, friends, and community. Our family honors and shares the labors of love from our garden with our neighbors, embracing the principle of unity”). Traditions including lighting the kinara, making space for the mkeka, and pouring a libation for the diasporas are seamlessly woven into the narrative, grounding abstract values in everyday ritual. Cloud’s heavily populated illustrations portray joyful intergenerational gatherings, including a striking spread of ancestors looking on from the clouds, across this celebratory and informational resource. Characters are shown with various abilities, body types, and skin tones. A glossary concludes. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)​

-Publishers Weekly