Spot Holidays: Kwanzaa

Book Review: “This brief introduction to Kwanzaa, part of the Spot Holidays series (6 titles), is perfect for very young children. Short, straightforward sentences make the book appropriate for emerging or struggling readers as well as younger children. For example, “Kwanzaa is in December. It lasts seven days. It honors African life.” Additional information introduces traditional food (an ear of corn for each child), rituals such as lighting candles and drinking from the unity cup, and the sixth-night karamu feast. A “Spot It” feature encourages engagement by asking readers to find objects in the illustrations, though it’s likely to challenge only the youngest readers. The book’s pages are full of well-chosen, brightly colored stock photos that exude warmth and show the holiday in its best light. A simple and appealing holiday selection.”