Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
Random House Books for Young Readers (2000), Edition: Illustrated, 24 pages
Description
While celebrating Kwanzaa and its many traditions with her parents, Kayla hopes that her big brother Khari will get home from college before the holiday is over.
User reviews
LibraryThing member jrjohnson1
A good book to read aroud the holidays. About a family waiting for their brother/son to get home from college in time for Kwanzaa.
Good illustrations.
Good illustrations.
LibraryThing member setonhansen
This book follows one little gril as she is having to experience kwanzaa for the first time without her brother. The book explains what kwanzaa is and what the seven principles are. The brother shows up on the last night of kwanzaa while everyone is gathered for the feast. This makes the little
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gril very happy and they exchange gifts and enjoy each other. Show Less
LibraryThing member sweetiegherkin
Kayla loves celebrating Kwanzaa but is sad that her brother Khari is away at school this year. Will he make it home in time for Kwanzaa with the family?
I appreciate that this book tries to present factual information about this holiday by cloaking it in a family story. But most of the pages were
I appreciate that this book tries to present factual information about this holiday by cloaking it in a family story. But most of the pages were
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chock full of didactic and almost textbook-like narrative with only a line or two thrown in about what Kayla was up to or thinking. It's a very wordy book so it's definitely meant for a slighter older audience but not one so old that the preachy tone would be a turn off - probably best for children in first or second grade. Still, I don't think it's the best Kwanzaa book out there; I would personally prefer something that was strictly factual or a book that had fewer facts but more story. Show Less
LibraryThing member stomas5
Summary: This children's book was about a little girl named Kayla whose family celebrates Kwanzaa every year. This year her brother Khari is not able to make it home from college due to a snowstorm and it makes Kayla sad. Her family continues on with the seven days of lighting candles and saying
Argument: This is book is a great read for young children. It teaches them about the holiday of Kwanzaa and all that it encompasses. I liked that this book had actual sayings and words in the Swahili language with English definitions. This is great for children who do not know or have not heard of Swahili and want to know more about the culture. For example, on page 3, words like "kinara, mkeka, and habari gani" are used. I also liked the detail and description this book used to talk about the rituals and traditions done on this holiday. For children who do not know anything about Kwanzaa this is key to comprehending meaning. For example, on page 3 it says, "First she put down the mkeka, a traditional straw mat. On top of the mkeka, she placed the kinara, a Kwanzaa candle holder".
The theme of this book is to explain the rituals and traditions of Kwanzaa through a young girl's eyes. It also shows the importance of family, and having them close to us during the special holidays.
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greetings in the Swahili language. Eventually by the last day of Kwanzaa when there is a celebration with family and friends, Khari is able to make it home and surprise Kayla. The family is back together at last to enjoy the holiday together. Argument: This is book is a great read for young children. It teaches them about the holiday of Kwanzaa and all that it encompasses. I liked that this book had actual sayings and words in the Swahili language with English definitions. This is great for children who do not know or have not heard of Swahili and want to know more about the culture. For example, on page 3, words like "kinara, mkeka, and habari gani" are used. I also liked the detail and description this book used to talk about the rituals and traditions done on this holiday. For children who do not know anything about Kwanzaa this is key to comprehending meaning. For example, on page 3 it says, "First she put down the mkeka, a traditional straw mat. On top of the mkeka, she placed the kinara, a Kwanzaa candle holder".
The theme of this book is to explain the rituals and traditions of Kwanzaa through a young girl's eyes. It also shows the importance of family, and having them close to us during the special holidays.
Show Less
LibraryThing member LilyRoseShadowlyn
A very cute, educational story. I appreciate that not only are the different parts explained, with examples, but that pronunciation guides are included in-text. The illustrations are nice, and this is a great introductory book for kids and adults alike.
LibraryThing member lycomayflower
This picture book uses the frame of a little girl waiting on her college-age brother to come home (he's stuck in a snowstorm) to illustrate the principles of Kwanzaa. It does a good job of introducing those principles and what they mean (and includes a pronunciation guide for the Swahili words,
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which is great). It is very focused on the information rather than the story, but as such is probably a good way of introducing and/or discussing Kwanzaa with slightly older kids. Show Less
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
24 p.; 8 inches
ISBN
0375803297 / 9780375803291