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Karen Katz
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My First Kwanzaa (My First Holiday) Hardcover – November 1, 2003

by Karen Katz (Author, Illustrator)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 465 ratings
See all formats and editions

A simple way to get acquainted with Kwanzaa

"Hooray! Hooray!
It's time to get ready for Kwanzaa."

During the seven days of Kwanzaa we celebrate the importance of family, friends, and community. This warm and lively introduction to a very special holiday will help even the youngest children join in!

Author and illustrator Karen Katz kicks off a wonderful new series of picture books for the very young with My First Kwanzaa. The series will offer a simple and fun way to get familiar with the traditions of holiday celebrations from different cultures.

Previous page
  1. Reading age
    2 - 5 years, from customers
  2. Part of series
    My First holiday
  3. Print length
    28 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Dimensions
    8.28 x 0.34 x 9.2 inches
  6. Publisher
    Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
  7. Publication date
    November 1, 2003
  8. ISBN-10
    080507077X
  9. ISBN-13
    978-0805070774
  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-A round-faced, happy little girl tells about her family's Kwanzaa celebration. The simple text and colorful folkloric illustrations with vivid patterns make this a good book to share with young children. Adults will appreciate the brief note about the holiday and the phonetic spelling of the Swahili words. Juwanda G. Ford's K Is for Kwanzaa: A Kwanzaa Alphabet Book (Scholastic, 1997) has a similar appeal, but the narrative format of Katz's title makes it more appropriate for storytimes.-V. W.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

PreS. With bright, clear collage illustrations that focus on one young preschooler and her extended family and friends, this small picture book introduces the Kwanzaa holiday. A double-page spread for each of the seven days of the holiday shows and tells the Seven Principles, from Working Together and Creativity to Faith and Purpose. Africa is mentioned a lot (though not specific countries or nations), and a final note explains that the name Kwanzaa comes from a Swahili word for "first fruits." A useful pronunciation guide is included, as are clear explanations of the candles, gifts, crafts, fruits, and vegetables that are part of the celebration. The specifics, the simple words, and the active pictures combine to convey the wider sense of community that is the essence of the holiday. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); First Edition (November 1, 2003)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 28 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 080507077X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0805070774
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 2 - 5 years, from customers
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.28 x 0.34 x 9.2 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 465 ratings

About the author

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Karen Katz

Karen Katz

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Check out my newest book WIGGLE YOUR TOES! A Book to pull,fluff, and wiggle!

I have always been interested in folk art from around the world, Indian miniatures, Mexican ceramics, fabrics, Chagall, Matisse, children's art, and primitive painting, and I love to paint and experiment with pattern, texture, collage and color. The careers I've had--as a costume designer, a quilt maker, a fabric artist, and a graphic designer--have taken all these interests into account. Looking back, I can see that these passions and career choices have played a large part in influencing me to become a children's book author and illustrator.

But most importantly, it was after my husband and I adopted our daughter from Guatemala that I was inspired to do a children's book for her. My first book, Over the Moon, was the story of that magical experience of welcoming our daughter Lena into our lives. I painted, I drew, I collaged, and I wrote, and after working very hard... a beautiful book was born! Twenty-two books later, my daughter--now fourteen years old--still is an inspiration for me.

I am fascinated by babies and little kids. The simplest words and gestures can make them laugh. Sometimes standing in line at the supermarket and watching kids in grocery carts, my best ideas are born.

I am fascinated by people from all over the world and what they look like and how they live and the differences that make us all unique.

When an idea pops into my head I ask these questions:

Will a child want to read this book?

Will a parent want to read this book with their child?

Will this book make a parent and child feel something?

Is there something visual here that will hold a child's interest?

Will a child see something in a different way after reading this book?

If the answer is yes, then I know I'm on the right track.

I am very lucky to get to do what I do. Everyday I go into my studio and have fun. Don't get me wrong, some days are very frustrating. Sometimes the colors are all wrong and the words don't sound right. But after I work at it for a while...and try to do it a different way...and think...and change the words or colors...and try some more...suddenly, there it is--a great page of writing, or a great illustration. And nothing is more satisfying than that.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
465 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

bubbedebi
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book Anywhere on Kwanzaa
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2019
Verified Purchase
I have been a librarian for 7 years. I have won national acclaim twice and was nominated for Disney Teacher of the Year. With those credentials, I must tell you this is the best book for children, of all ages, about Kwanzaa. It explains it simply and perfectly. No gobidlygook. It is wonderful.
11 people found this helpful
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Scottjf
5.0 out of 5 stars great book
Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2019
Verified Purchase
I bought this book to teach my Pre K class about Kwanzaa. The writing and the visual was simple and comprehendible for a bunch of 4 year olds. Which basically was the point of my purchase. It came on time and in perfect condition. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to teach their child(red) about Kwanzaa.
4 people found this helpful
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Sam Hall
5.0 out of 5 stars Family Time
Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2021
Verified Purchase
I like this book a lot. It's super sweet and nice. I think it gives a brief overview of what Kwanzaa is about
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Jocelyn
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book and illustrations
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2023
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The books is very easy to read with bright color illustrations. Perfect for a toddler.
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Tori
5.0 out of 5 stars Great for 3 year olds
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2022
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Great book for our Preschool class
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Celeste
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book easy reader
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2022
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All around must have book in a child’s collection , easy to read a young baby or child , beautifully done
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Kathy Campbell
4.0 out of 5 stars A great first look into Kwanzaa
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2013
Verified Purchase
I ordered this book to go along with a holiday activity I do with my boys (2 1/2 and 5yrs) to learn about different traditions around the holidays. This book was a great first look into the Kwanzaa holiday for this age group. It was detailed just enough to keep the 5 yr old engaged and ask questions but simple enough to not overwhelm the 2 1/2 yr old. The illustrations are wonderful and really add to the story entertainment factor. They took it to Grammie and Grampies to share so that means it was a success! :)
9 people found this helpful
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JRV
5.0 out of 5 stars Great introduction to Kwanzaa
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2021
Verified Purchase
This is a great introduction to Kwanzaa for children. Beautiful pictures too.
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Top reviews from other countries

A.B.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for Preschoolers
Reviewed in Canada on January 23, 2023
Verified Purchase
Read this book to children from 3 to 6 years old. Easy to understand and great illustrations.
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J
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good
Reviewed in Canada on November 8, 2020
Verified Purchase
It isnt an amazing story, but a good book to inform kids of other traditions in December. I used it in my classroom.
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NewMom1520
5.0 out of 5 stars Great teaching book for parent and child.
Reviewed in Canada on February 14, 2015
Verified Purchase
This book is beautifully illustrated. It taught me and my 3.5 year old what Kwanzaa was all about. Now she is repeating back to me some of the stuff in the book.
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Romy
4.0 out of 5 stars The representations of Africans
Reviewed in Canada on October 20, 2018
Verified Purchase
I love it and my children absolutely love the book!
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