🕯️ African American and pan-African culture

Kwanzaa books for kids: what it is and how to celebrate

When is Kwanzaa? Saturday 26 December 2026 to Friday 1 January 2027; then Sunday 26 December 2027 to Saturday 1 January 2028.

What is Kwanzaa?

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African American and pan-African culture and family, from 26 December to 1 January. It was created in 1966 by Dr Maulana Karenga. Each day honours one of seven principles, such as unity (umoja) and creativity (kuumba).

Who celebrates Kwanzaa, and books for each

African American and pan-African culture

Families light one candle each night on a kinara (three red, three green and one black), talk about that day's principle, share music, food and stories, and end with a feast (karamu) on 31 December. It is cultural, not religious, so families of any faith can celebrate it.

📖 Free guide
Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story
Angela Shelf Medearis
seven quarrelling brothers learn to work together
Questions to ask → View on Amazon ↗
📖 Free guide
Li'l Rabbit's Kwanzaa
Donna L. Washington
a little rabbit learns what Kwanzaa is about
Questions to ask → View on Amazon ↗
📖 Free guide
My First Kwanzaa
Karen Katz
a bright introduction for the youngest
Questions to ask → View on Amazon ↗
📖 Free guide
Together for Kwanzaa
Juwanda G. Ford
a family celebrates the seven days of Kwanzaa together
Questions to ask → View on Amazon ↗
📖 Free guide
The Night Before Kwanzaa
Natasha Wing
a rhyming introduction to the seven days of Kwanzaa
Questions to ask → View on Amazon ↗

Questions to ask while you read

Use these with any of the Kwanzaa books on this page. Pick two or three, and there are no wrong answers.

What is the family in the story getting ready for?
Which part of Kwanzaa would you most like to try, and why?
How do the people in the story show they care about each other?
Is anything in the story like something your family does?
What would you like to ask a friend who celebrates Kwanzaa?

Ways to celebrate Kwanzaa with children

Make a paper kinara with seven candles and colour one each night.
Pick one principle, like unity, and do something together as a family.
Make a handmade gift (zawadi) for someone.
Weave strips of red, green and black paper into a mat (mkeka).

Kwanzaa picture books at a glance

All the Kwanzaa books on this page: Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story (Angela Shelf Medearis), Li'l Rabbit's Kwanzaa (Donna L. Washington), My First Kwanzaa (Karen Katz), Together for Kwanzaa (Juwanda G. Ford), The Night Before Kwanzaa (Natasha Wing).

Questions parents ask about Kwanzaa

What are the seven principles of Kwanzaa?

Unity (umoja), self-determination (kujichagulia), collective work and responsibility (ujima), cooperative economics (ujamaa), purpose (nia), creativity (kuumba) and faith (imani).

Is Kwanzaa a religious holiday?

No, it's a cultural celebration, so many families celebrate it alongside Christmas or other holidays.

Related festivals: Christmas · Thanksgiving

All festivals, by month and by faith →

Traditions vary between families, places and communities; ask your child's friends and their families how they celebrate. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.