The Sound of Kwanzaa (by Dimitrea Tokunbo)

This is a terrific first book for kids whose families will be observing the holiday or for anyone who is just looking for a simple explanation of what Kwanzaa is and what the principles mean. Readers after a more in-depth take will have to look elsewhere -- and luckily for them there's a bibliography in the back of the book.

There's also an Author's Note, which tells who invented Kwanzaa and when and includes some of the author's thoughts about her own Kwanzaa celebrations when she was a kid. And don't forget to try the recipe included for raw (no-cooking) brownies. (Warning: for most families, a trip to the grocery will be in order since you may not have a dozen large pitted dates at the ready.)

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.