This post is sponsored by Nyasha Williams and Sidney Rose McCall. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.
MY REVIEW
Once Upon a Kwanzaa opens with quiet power, drawing readers in through candlelight, conversation, and vivid imagery. The story follows families preparing for the week-long holiday—celebrated each year from December 26 to January 1—and moves gracefully through the customs, colors, and togetherness that make each day unique.
Created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, ‘Kwanzaa’ was designed to reconnect African-descended families with the values that have guided communities across the continent for centuries. These are the ‘Nguzo Saba’—the seven principles of unity, self-determination, collective work, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Families celebrate through music, food, and joyful gatherings, lighting a candle each night to honor the day’s lesson and keep its spirit burning bright.
I loved how each principle gets its own spotlight—it makes the lessons feel real and alive. The fourth night, ‘Ujamaa’—cooperative economics—was the one that struck me most. You can almost feel the buzz of people working side by side, turning effort into something bigger than themselves.
I also appreciated how Swahili words are woven throughout. The very word ‘Kwanzaa’ comes from the Swahili phrase ‘matunda ya kwanza’, meaning ‘first fruits’. That link to harvest and community grounds every page in renewal and belonging. As a South African reader living in America, this story deepened my belief that our roots don’t vanish when we leave—they travel with us. This book is a vibrant celebration of family and heritage, and turns the seven principles of Kwanzaa into living, breathing moments.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for the chance to win one of five hardcover copies of Once Upon a Kwanzaa! One grand prize winner will receive the book plus a complete Kwanzaa Celebration Kit—featuring a Kwanzaa Advent, Kinara, and ceremonial candles—to honor your family’s heritage and create meaningful traditions.
Once Upon a Kwanzaa: Book GiveawayABOUT THE BOOK
Written by Nyasha Williams and Sidney Rose McCall
Illustrated by Sawyer Cloud
Ages 4-6 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Running Press Kids (2025) | ISBN-13: 978-0762487356
Publisher’s Book Summary: A celebration of the beauty, power, and faith of the African-American community as reflected in the principles of Kwanzaa, by the author of I Affirm Me: The ABCs of Inspiration for Black Kids.
‘Kwanzaa’ is a holiday steeped in ancestral traditions collected over generations of people across the Black Diaspora. Once Upon a Kwanzaa introduces communities of all colors to the interwoven history and lived experiences connected to this time of year when families and loved ones gather to celebrate, share, and reimagine the past, present, and future. Sawyer Cloud’s stunning artwork showcases seven different BIPOC families and highlights how different peoples of the Diaspora can celebrate in their communities, from setting the table and lighting the Kinara to sharing meals and gathering at events. The book includes a glossary and pronunciation guide.
PURCHASE LINK
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Nyasha Williams grew up living intermittently between the United States and South Africa. As a kindergarten teacher, she was inspired to continue work as an author, creator, and activist after reading her first book to her class when one of her Black students told her that mermaids could not be Black. Williams kickstarted her first picture book, What’s the Commotion in the Ocean, starring a Black mermaid who spreads a message of marine conservation. She is the author of four picture books with Running Press Kids, including the bestselling I Affirm Me, and is the author of RP Studio’s Black Tarot, as well as a board book series with Harpercollins.
For more information, check out nyashawilliams.online and nyashawilliams.substack.com
https://www.instagram.com/writingtochangethenarrative
Sidney Rose McCall is an historian and community intellectual who combines her academic work with her activism. Though the pandemic saw her complete her Masters in Applied Social Science far from the classroom, she turned her eyes to the community, building a platform through Patreon where she continues to share decolonized history lessons and virtual discussions. She also joined the Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community, Inc. as a student-docent at the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts and now serves as a member of their Academic Committee for the ZORA! Festival of the Arts and Humanities. Ms. McCall hopes to work alongside community bridge builders to bring integrative stories into our creative spaces of resilience and resistance.
For more information, check out linktr.ee/Rosecolored_Scholar
https://www.instagram.com/neighborhood_historian
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Sawyer Cloud is a freelance artist from Madagascar. Her passion for kids’ literature pushed her to turn it into a living. Sawyer loves sunny days and music. She dreams of owning a small cottage and traveling the world. She still lives in her native country, Madagascar, with her family and her two pets, Arya the dog and Potter the cat.
For more information, check out sawyer.cloud
https://www.instagram.com/sawyercloud01
TOUR SCHEDULE
| Friday, October 3, 2025The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of Once Upon a Kwanzaa |
| Monday, October 6, 2025The Starlit PathBook Review of Once Upon a Kwanzaa |
| Tuesday, October 7, 2025icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Once Upon a Kwanzaa |
| Wednesday, October 8, 2025Confessions of a Book AddictBook Spotlight on Once Upon a Kwanzaa |
| Thursday, October 9, 2025@thechildrensbookreviewVideo Review of Once Upon a Kwanzaa |
| Friday, October 10, 2025Beth Anderson’s BlogGuest Post about Once Upon a Kwanzaa |
| Monday, October 13, 2025Q&As with Deborah KalbAuthor Interview with Nyasha Williams and Sidney Rose McCall |
| Tuesday, October 14, 2025The Growing Readers PodcastAuthor Interview with Nyasha Williams and Sidney Rose McCall |
| Wednesday, October 15, 2025Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of Once Upon a Kwanzaa |
| Thursday, October 16, 2025@avainbooklandInstagram Post about Once Upon a Kwanzaa |
| Friday, October 17, 2025ThirtymommyBook Review of Once Upon a Kwanzaa |
| Monday, October 20, 2025The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Once Upon a Kwanzaa |
| Tuesday, October 21, 2025@nissa_the.bookwormInstagram Post about Once Upon a Kwanzaa |
| Wednesday, October 22, 2025A Blue Box Full of BooksInstagram Post about Once Upon a Kwanzaa |
| Thursday, October 23, 2025Me Two BooksAuthor Interview with Nyasha Williams and Sidney Rose McCall |
| Friday, October 24, 2025Froggy Read TeachInstagram Post about Once Upon a Kwanzaa |
| Monday, October 27, 2025Un Viaje en LibroAuthor Interview with Nyasha Williams and Sidney Rose McCall |
| Tuesday, October 28, 2025Simply 7 with Jena BentonAuthor Interview with Nyasha Williams and Sidney Rose McCall |
| Wednesday, October 29, 2025The Children’s Book ReviewA Kwanzaa book list |
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