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The Sound of Kwanzaa

(2009, Fiction - Holiday, Written by Dimitrea Tokunbo, Illustrated by Lisa Cohen)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 4; suggested age 4.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Colorful look at the principles the holiday celebrates.

Themes in this book include:   family relationships, friendship

Why We Rated This on for Ages 4 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    A solid introduction to the Kwanzaa holiday. Offers a good jumping off point for kids who want to learn more.

  • Messages:

    The Kwanzaa holiday is about celebrating qualities that will help ourselves and our communities. These qualities -- unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith -- are important ones for every family.

  • Role models:

    While there are no characters in this book, the illustrations showcase kids and grown ups celebrating the important principles that are at the root of Kwanzaa.

  • Illustrations:

    Bright colors and broad strokes infuse these paintings, effectively conveying the warmth and joy of the family and the broader community celebrations that surround Kwanzaa.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Sound of Kwanzaa

Parents need to know that whether or not they celebrate Kwanzaa, this picture book has a positive message for readers.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the holiday. For families who are planning to celebrate Kwanzaa, they can talk about what they'll be doing on each of the seven days. What plans do they have on the last day or karamu, the feast day?
  • Kids and parents can also discuss the ways their everyday lives honor the seven principles.
  • Kids may use the short blurb in the back as an inspiration to head to the library to learn more about Kwanzaa's history. Why did Dr. Maulana Karenga (whom we meet in the Author's Note) want to start the holiday?
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