A is for Africa, B is for bendera, and C is for candle in Juwanda Ford and illustrator Ken Wilson-Max"s boldly colorful, artfully illustrated alphabetical amble through the principles and language of Kwanzaa. A brief introduction to the history of Kwanzaa--an African American holiday that began in the United States in 1966--is followed by short definitions of its seven principles. Pronunciations are provided for all the African words throughout the book. After "A for Africa," it"s on through the alphabet learning about Kwanzaa foods, customs, costumes, and language, right up to Z for "zawadi"--the presents! The book"s size and simple format makes it suitable for sharing with a group of children from ages 4 to 10, or for families preparing for Kwanzaa in their own homes. (Click to see a sample spread. Text copyright ©1997 by Juwanda G. Ford. Illustrations copyright ©1997 by Ken Wilson-Max. Permission by Cartwheel Books, Scholastic Inc.) (Age 4 and older) --Marcie Bovetz