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About The Story Of Kwanzaa
Product Description It’s time for Kwanzaa! Light the candles on the kinara! Fly the bendera, and tell stories from Africa!The festival of Kwanzaa was originated by Dr. Maulana Karenga to honor the customs and history of African Americans. The seven principles of Kwanzaa, called the Nguzo Saba, serve to remind African Americans of the struggles of the past, and also focus on present-day achievements and goals for the future. The holiday fun continues with activities at the end of the book, including making your own cow-tail switch and baking benne cakes. From Publishers Weekly The title is self-revealing. As others have done before her, Washington simply tells the story of the holiday. Two things, though, may make this a worthy addition to existing fare. One is Taylor's inspired blend of photographs of contemporary African fabrics with joyful acrylic, pastel, and gouache illustrations. The other noteworthy aspect is the book's attention to African American history, also shared by the title reviewed below. Ages 6-10. Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Booklist Gr. 2^-4. Beginning with ancestors in Africa, Washington explains the history leading up to the creation of Kwanzaa, following it through slavery and on to the civil rights movement, when activist Dr. Maulana Karenga came up with the idea of an African American festival. The author explains the principle behind each of the seven days of the celebration and notes some of the objects and activities used during the holiday. The material is outlined clearly, but the tone is flat, and the phrasing isn't always well handled: "Their purpose must be to claim their rightful place in the world." Taylor's illustrations, a rich combination of acrylic, gouache, and pastels, are livelier than the text, but there's enough good information supplied to make the book a good choice for many libraries. Susan Dove Lempke From Kirkus Reviews Washington's first book tells about the seven-day festival that begins on December 26 and celebrates the bounty of the earth (Kwanzaa means ``first fruits'' in Swahili) and teaches seven principles or beliefs--one for each day. Background comes in a brief history of Africans before slavery, slavery in America, the secession of the South and the Civil War, the civil rights movement, and the 1966 birth of the holiday. The seven principles teach African and African-American heritage, but they also reflect universal principles that everyone can live by. Bold, realistic illustrations are set off by elegant borders of African fabrics and designs. At the end are instructions on making a cow tail switch and a recipe for benne cakes. A fine primer on a holiday that is fast gaining recognition. (glossary) (Picture book/nonfiction. 6-10) -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. From the Back Cover It’s Kwanzaa-time! Light the candles on the kinara! Fly the bendera, and tell stories from Africa! The festival of Kwanzaa was originated by Dr. Maulana Karenga to honor the customs and history of African Americans. The seven principles of Kwanzaa, called the Nguzo Saba, serve to remind African Americans of the struggles of the past, and also focus on present-day achievements and goals for the future. Activities at the end of the book include making your own cow-tail switch and baking benne cakes. About the Author Donna L. Washington is a professional storyteller, multiple-award-winning recording artist, and author. She performs all over the country at festivals, schools, and libraries and gives workshops for parents and educators as well. Her many storytelling recordings have received Gold and Silver Parents' Choice Awards, Storytelling World Awards, iParenting Awards, Children's Music Web Awards, National Parenting Publications Awards Honors, and many more. Ms. Washington lives with her husband, two children, and two cats in Durham, North Carolina. Donna L. Washington is a talented actress, writer and storyteller. She ha
