Rex Perry

In this picture book, the story of Kwanzaa is told through one family's celebration of the holiday, which encompasses many of the traditions including the passing of the unity cup, the lighting of the kinara, the exchanging of zawadi (gifts), etc. The colorful illustrations are fun and inviting, adding to the sense of joy in celebrating a holiday. Best of all the book's text fits perfectly to the familiar tune of "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" so you can actually sing this show more book rather than/in addition to reading it. It really caught the attention of the toddlers in my class to hear a book sung to them! show less

GR PreK – Up—Based on the Lydia Maria Child’s poem, this version is about an African-American family. They are still going to Grandmother’s house by horse and sleigh, but they stop along the way to pick up Aunt May, Uncle Ray, and Grandpa Lee. By the time they arrive, the horse is exhausted. The book is an easy reader, and the illustrations are bold and inviting.

This book will benefit children of color. Some children need help identifying with someone we talk about all the time(even Santa Claus).