Happy Kwanzaa! (Sesame Street)

Toddler-PreS–Elmo’s friends, Tamir and Gabrielle, invite him to celebrate Kwanzaa with them. Throughout the celebration, Elmo learns the traditions of this African American and Pan-African holiday from them, with some help from Grandma Nell. When she places the kinara on the table, Grandma Nell explains, “Each day, we light a different candle in the kinara and celebrate one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa.” Subsequent spreads explain each principle in relatable text, with the African term and a pronunciation guide in the upper-righthand corner. Of course, each explanation elicits an endearing response from Elmo as to how the tradition describes or excites him, such as, “Elmo loves to share!” or “Elmo likes helping family!” Bright, colorful digital images featuring the Sesame Street characters showcase the colors of Africa as well as the diversity of the Sesame Street neighborhood.