Parents' Guide to

The Sound of Kwanzaa

By Dawn Friedman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Colorful look at the principles the holiday celebrates.

Book Dimitrea Tokunbo Holiday 2009
The Sound of Kwanzaa Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

See all

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

What's the Story?

This very short but sweet book introduces the seven important principles of the African-American holiday Kwanzaa. There's no plot here -- just a song-like recitation of each of the principles that begins each time with, "Come close, gather 'round./Listen to the sound of Kwanzaa." Then there's a quick introduction to the principle for that day. The colorful pictures bring each principle to life and invite the reader to think about ways they can also honor Kwanzaa values.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

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.

Talk to Your Kids 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?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended book lists

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate