All New Crafts for Kwanzaa

October 1, 2006
K-Gr 3-A new version of the authors "Crafts for Kwanzaa" (Millbrook, 1994). Some of the projects are similar to those in the older title, but the introductory Celebrating Kwanzaa, which touches on the origin of the holiday and explains that the language of Swahili is used to name the symbols, has been omitted. Careless editing includes run-on words with no spaces between them and an isolated reference to "kikombe cha umoja", whose definition appears much earlier. One cannot assume that children will read a craft book cover to cover. Additional."Susan Patron, Los Angeles Public Library"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2007
Similar in format and theme to Ross and Holm's" Crafts for Kwanzaa" (1994), their new books offers more craft ideas for this African American celebration. From decorations to gifts, from bookmarks to coasters, the projects involve relatively inexpensive materials, though a trip to the craft store may be necessary to stock up on items such as "pony beads," pipe cleaners, and sticky-back magnets. Each simple craft idea is laid out in one, two, or three fully illustrated pages and includes a list of materials, step-by-step directions, and a look at the finished product. Colorful drawings and decorative borders brighten the pages.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2007
With felt, construction paper, glue, pipe cleaners, and other common household objects, children can make twenty-two Kwanzaa projects. Many of the projects are variations on familiar school crafts (bookmarks, woven placemats, magnets), but some, like the [cf2]kikombe cha umoja[cf1] (unity cup), are unique to this celebration. Ross's directions are easy to follow, and Holm's clear, simple illustrations are equally helpful.

(Copyright 2007 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)