Soulful Holidays: An inclusive rhyming story celebrating the joys of Christmas and Kwanzaa

Product Description

An inclusive rhyming story celebrating the joys of Christmas and Kwanzaa!
Cozy up together with this charmingly illustrated family book told in easy-to-read memorable rhymes. Through this heartwarming tale, children and families all over the world can experience the magic of Christmas and the true essence of Kwanzaa. Read about the food, songs, cultural decorations, and more! The catchy couplets in this dazzling picture book will delight readers with the inclusive traditions of families who honor one or both of these incredible holidays.
Add this culturally significant rhyming picture book by award-winning author Ciara L. Hill, writer of successful, loveable children’s stories such as Shiloh and Dande the Lion, to your holiday book collection today!
Soulful Holidays is the perfect gift to add alongside family holiday classics like The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore and The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg.

Review

“Soulful Holidays by Ciara L. Hill is a beautifully crafted rhyming story that reminisces on the traditions many African American families know and love. The poem instantly sparks nostalgia with references to holiday foods, musical selections, and activities. Then, readers are gently pulled into the Kwanzaa celebration, as Hill provides historical significance and instructions on how to experience the week-long observance. At the end of the book, Hill’s bio says that she writes “stories focused on positively highlighting inclusive representation in children’s books.” Indeed, this book is a positive depiction of aspects of African American culture. Soulful Holidays ends by asking readers if they enjoy Christmas and Kwanzaa to invite conversation about cultural celebrations families should enjoy throughout the year. Even readers who aren’t Christian might enjoy learning about the soulful seasonal traditions.
Illustrated in a vibrant palette that pulls color from Kente designs, Soulful Holidays is also a visual delight. The scenes accompanying the poem depict black and brown families enjoying the season, enjoying each other’s company, and enjoying life. Children can get involved with identifying the activities these families are participating in. Bravo to the illustrator for incorporating a variety of scenes to truly showcase the season! 
Soulful Holidays by Ciara L. Hill is a wonderful addition to winter holiday reads. Families can even add reading this book to their holiday traditions. As a bonus, it provides enough cultural information that can be enjoyed year-round to celebrate diversity.” -Rachelle Smith

“Ciara L Hill’s picture book story, Soulful Holidays, is a great way for families to share the Yuletide festivities of both Christmas and Kwanzaa. Soulful Holidays bold, colorful illustrations reflect on African-American culture, allowing readers of all cultures to learn and appreciate the values and memories these holidays and festivities provide. Both holidays weigh deeply on a person’s soul, with heartwarming sincerity and compassion. The biggest, most important element of each holiday is the family togetherness time and the memories both created and shared. While the story leads young readers through reminiscences of past holidays, it also encourages them to create new, equally exciting memories. 
This book is a classic to be enjoyed by everyone, a very soulful book.”-Emily-Jane Hills Orford

“Ciara L Hill teaches young children about both celebrations’ food, songs, and cultural decorations. The author says her book is for “families who honor one or both of these incredible holidays,” and she describes in detail how families engage in these celebrations. Hill supplies a link for free downloadable resources for parents and teachers, such as Literacy Lesson Plans and a “pledge certificate” that encourages children to welcome diversity and yet be true to themselves. Soulful Holidays would be appropriate for any child when they first want to be read to, right up to grade s