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Kwanzaa story · ages 2-7

A personalized Kwanzaa book starring your child

Seven days, seven candles, seven principles, and one big idea. With Zuri the sunbird, your child celebrates Kwanzaa day by day, lighting the kinara and learning what Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima and the other principles mean in everyday life, while painting a giant family tree as a gift for the Karamu feast.

When rain washes the painting away on the very day of the feast, the whole neighborhood shows up with paintbrushes. It's a joyful story about family, community and creating something beautiful together, told from inside a family that celebrates. Your child stars in all 14 illustrations of this 32-page picture book.

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32 pages · 14 full-page illustrations · see your child's cover free before you pay · photo deleted once the cartoon is made

Sample cover of Amara and the Seven Candles of Kwanzaa
Sample book shown with Amara, an example child. Yours stars your child.
Inside the book

Amara and the Seven Candles of Kwanzaa: a few pages

Sample illustration
Day two was Kujichagulia: being yourself and choosing your own path. Amara chose a big plan. For the Karamu, the Kwanzaa feast, Amara would paint a giant family tree, made with her very own hands. Zuri chirped. “Now THAT is a big plan!”
Sample illustration
Day three was Ujima: working together and helping each other. Amara and the neighbors shoveled snow from the community center steps. Scrape, scrape, swoosh! Zuri helped too, carrying one snowflake at a time. “Every little bit counts!” laughed Amara.
Sample illustration
That night was the Karamu. The community center was full of drums and dancing, and long tables of food from family recipes. When the painting was raised up on the wall, the whole room cheered — and Zuri sang the loudest song of all.

Why it makes a good gift

  • Lighting the kinara and the seven principles, day by day
  • Zuri the sunbird and a neighborhood that comes together
  • Your child's name and face on every page, for ages 2–7

A thoughtful gift for the week of Kwanzaa, December 26, 2026 to January 1, 2027, and a lovely zawadi for a child to treasure.

Formats & prices

Ebook

$14.99

Instant PDF download, ready in minutes

Softcover

$24.99 + shipping

Printed and mailed. Ebook included.

Hardcover

$39.99 + shipping

A keepsake hard cover. Ebook included.

Make this book for your child

Questions

Does the book explain the seven principles?

Yes, gently. Each day introduces one principle of the Nguzo Saba in words young children understand, through what your child and the family do that day, ending with the Karamu feast and Imani.

Can I order more than one book?

Of course. Each book stars one child, so you can make one for each grandchild, and after your first order there's a discount on books for siblings.

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