Kanoni’s Kwanzaa

This festive picture book celebrates the culture, community, and family at the heart of Kwanzaas seven principlesby a two-time Coretta Scott King Award recipient.

When Kanoni receivesa kinara for Christmas, she begins to learn about Kwanzaa and prepare for her first celebration.That same night, her neighbors home catches fire and burns down. Emboldened by the holiday spirit of giving, Kanoni, with her big heart, pledges to do everything she can to help her friends through this difficult ordeal. Herfirst Kwanzaaisfull of kindnessand communityjust the way Kwanzaa should be.

Through lyrical poemsfull of holiday warmth, this heartfelt picture book follows Kanonis first Kwanzaa and highlights the many differentways to uplift itsseven principles.

Hope Anita Smithreceived a Coretta Scott King Book Award Author Honor forKeeping the Night Watchand a Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe New Talent Author Award forThe Way a Door Closes.She is a co-author ofIt Rained Warm Breadwhich was aKirkus ReviewsBest Middle-Grade Book in Verse of the Year and an ALA Notable Children’s Book. An accomplished cut-paper-collage artist, Hope wrote and illustratedMy Daddy Rules the World,which was an NCTE Notable Children’s Book and aKirkus ReviewsBest Picture Book of the Year. Hope lives in Los Angeles, California where she spends her time as an in-school poet and professional storyteller.

Bea Jacksonis theNew York Timesbestselling illustrator ofParker Looks UpandParker Shines On, as well asThe Twelve Hours of Christmas, among other books. She has also worked as a character and outfit designer for social networking and gaming platforms. Bea lives in Michigan and invites you to visit her online at beagifted.com or on Instagram @bea.gifted.

• Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books-Little Brown and Hachette
• Publish Date:October 13, 2026
• Pages: 40
• Language: English
• Type: Hardcover
• EAN/UPC:9780316341547
• Dimensions: N/A
• BISAC Categories: Kids