Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story

by Angela Shelf Medearis, Daniel Minter (Illustrator)

Overview

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2001
Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People for 2001
2001 ALA Notable Book for Children
2002-2003 Show Me Readers Award Master List
2003 Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award Master List
Not Just for Children Anymore! 2001
2001 Notable Books for a Global Society Honor Book
2003 Winner, Storytelling World Award

"A fine choice for a Kwanzaa gift."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Striking woodcuts and a resonant original folktale are the warp and weft of this understated, effective approach to Kwanzaa."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

In an African village live seven brothers who make family life miserable with their constant fighting. When their father dies, he leaves an unusual will: by sundown, the brothers must make gold out of seven spools of thread. If they fail, they will be turned out as beggars. Using the Nguzo Saba, or "seven principles" of Kwanzaa, the author has created an unforgettable story that shows how family members can pull together, for their own good and the good of the entire community. Magnificent and inspiring linoleum block prints by Daniel Minter bring joy to this Kwanzaa celebration.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780807573167
Publisher:	Whitman, Albert & Company
Publication date:	09/01/2000
Series:	Albert Whitman Prairie Paperback
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	57,498
Product dimensions:	7.80(w) x 9.70(h) x 0.20(d)
Age Range:	7 - 10 Years

About the Author

Daniel Minter was born in Ellaville, a small rural community in southern Georgia. He graduated from the Art Institute of Atlanta and shortly afterwards began working as an illustrator, arts educator, painter, and sculptor. He resides in Maine.

Editorial Reviews

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2001
Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People for 2001
2001 ALA Notable Book for Children
2002-2003 Show Me Readers Award Master List
2003 Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award Master List
Not Just for Children Anymore! 2001
2001 Notable Books for a Global Society Honor Book
2003 Winner, Storytelling World Award

"Medearis has crafted an original story with the timeless tone of a traditional folktale, subtly incorporating the seven principles of Kwanzaa into her plot…Minter's striking linoleum block-print illustrations complement the story perfectly, with the seven decidedly different brothers shown in silhouette against jewel-bright backgrounds full of intriguing details of African village life…A fine choice for a Kwanzaa gift, and a first choice for most school and public-library collections."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Well-paced, the story incorporates the Kwanzaa values without spelling them out too much. Minter's attractively composed, dramatic painted woodcuts, with strong community images and lively, silhouetted figures, root the story in a sun-drenched, magical landscape that will draw children even after repeated readings."—Booklist

"Striking woodcuts and a resonant original folktale are the warp and weft of this understated, effective approach to Kwanzaa. Beginning with a brief description of the holiday's origins and its seven principles, Medearis skillfully weaves these tenets into an entertaining story."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

"This well-written story with a purpose shows how seven Ashanti brothers utilize the seven principles of Kwanzaa in order to live harmoniously and to earn their inheritance…An attractive addition."—School Library Journal

From the Publisher

A rare combination of superior storytelling and striking artwork elevates this wonderful account of Kwanzaa's principles. Daniel Mintner's painted woodcuts -- sparkling silhouettes, attractively composed -- capture the energy of Angela Shelf Medearis' magical, original folktale.

bn.com

Any family with seven sons must hear plenty of bickering, but the seven Ashanti brothers in this family quarrel from dawn to dusk and into the night. Their father leaves them a legacy in more than material terms, with the requirement that they must spin seven spools of thread (each in a different shade) into gold in only one day—with no arguing. Medearis has crafted an original story with the timeless tone of a traditional folktale, subtly incorporating the seven principles of Kwanzaa into her plot. The brothers learn to cooperate in both words and deeds, weaving their seven colors of silken thread into multicolored cloth so beautiful it is purchased for the king (with a bag of gold, of course). Demonstrating the Kwanzaa principle of cooperative economics, the brothers teach their whole village to weave the patterned fabric known as kente cloth. Minter's striking linoleum block-print illustrations complement the story perfectly, with the seven decidedly different brothers shown in silhouette against jewel-bright backgrounds full of intriguing details of African village life. The history and seven principles of Kwanzaa are clearly explained in the introduction; directions for making a simple loom from straws and weaving a cloth belt are included in an appendix. This added information as well as the satisfying story will make this beautifully designed book a valuable selection for elementary-school teachers and librarians. A fine choice for a Kwanzaa gift, and a first choice for most school and public-library collections. (Picture book. 6-10)

Kirkus Reviews