Celebrate Diwali With Books!

This adorable board book focuses on how Diwali is celebrated rather than why. The short text focuses on the love and wonder that Diwali preparations and celebrations bring to young children. Colorful photos show babies, toddlers, and their families enjoying the many sights and sounds of Diwali. The author offers a more complete look of the origins and traditions of Diwali in her book for older readers, Diwali: A Festival of Lights.

This engaging picture book for younger children introduces North Indian Diwali customs. The book focuses on the many family and community activities that take place for Diwali. Rhyming text is paired with cheerful illustrations. Regional and religious differences in Diwali celebrations are explained in the author’s note. A glossary is included.

This nonfiction picture book uses photos to explore the many colors of Diwali! The text offers a basic overview of Diwali and gives simple explanations of some of the holiday’s traditions. The end of the book shares information about the Crayola® colors in the book and includes a coloring page. (Also available as an e-book.)

Binny’s class is learning about different holidays and celebrations. Today is her turn to talk about Diwali in front of her classmates! Her parents make her some of her favorite foods for breakfast and lay out new clothes to wish her well. But at school, Binny can’t remember what she wanted to say when her teachers ask her to share. Her classmates giggle and stare but Binny finds the words she was looking for. She shares details about diyas and fireworks, makes a colorful drawing, and gives everyone sweet jalebis and pedas to eat. Binny’s excitement about sharing Diwali is reflected in the lively illustrations. Also available in French as Le Diwali de Binny. (Also available as an e-book.)

Ricki is Trinidadian-Indian. His family has lived on the island for generations. Ricki is looking forward to seeing roses bloom on the bush that he and his grandfather planted. Grandfather says that the roses will be the color of Divali. Ricki cannot wait to see what that color is! One morning he accidentally breaks off one of the two rosebuds but does not tell anyone. Grandfather blames the new neighbors, who are recent immigrants from India. Ricki finds the courage to confront his grandfather about his prejudices and to confess what he has done. The soft oil pastel illustrations in this picture book highlight the scenery of the island. The information in the author’s note about Divali, Trinidad, and Trinidadian dialect will add to discussion after reading this book aloud.

This picture book is a retelling of a Hindu story from The Ramayana. The story focuses on when the King’s favorite son Rama is sent away by his jealous stepmother to a dangerous forest filled with demons. Rama’s wife Sita and his brother Lakshman go with Rama. They work together to get rid of the demons in the forest. This upsets Ravana, the ten-headed king of demons. He flies to India to take revenge and kidnaps Sita. Rama gets Hanuman and his army of fearless monkeys to help rescue her. Ravana is defeated, Sita is rescued, and Rama returns home to claim the throne. The story is full of suspense and perfect to read aloud. Be sure to point out the bold illustrations which were adapted from shadow puppets made by the author.

Archie's favorite holiday is Diwali. This year, she invited some friends from school to celebrate with her family. Archie is worried her friends will think her family’s traditions are weird. She wants everything to be perfect, but is anxious that a sudden thunderstorm will ruin the party. But Archie has nothing to fear. The storm passes and her friends love the food, stories, dancing, and fireworks. Bright illustrations feature a diverse group enjoying the celebration. (Also available as an e-book.)

This nonfiction book explains how Diwali is a celebration of the victory of good over evil, and of light over darkness. People around the world celebrate this in different ways. The book gives details on how and why Diwali is celebrated by different religions throughout the world. The color photos that show Diwali foods, traditions, and rituals are spectacular as well as helpful to independent readers. The book also includes Diwali recipes, a glossary, a Diwali card game, a map, and a list of books and websites to learn more about the holiday.

In Nepal, the Festival of Lights includes a day to honor dogs. In Kathmandu, two brothers look for a stray dog to feed. While walking, they remember the brave rescue dogs that saved many lives after the earthquake in the spring. Finally, they spot a small black puppy who needs their help. The brothers take him home. They are so eager to feed him that they give him the special foods for their family’s festival feast. Everyone agrees that the puppy should be included in the celebration and in their family. This picture book is based on a true story. (Also available as an e-book.)

It is Divali and Gita misses New Dehli where she and her family used to live. She worries that their Divali celebration in their new home won’t be the same. Her mother has made special treats and her father has promised fireworks. Gita has invited friends to come but an ice storm changes everyone’s plans. Gita is sad until her parents help her remember Divali’s true meaning. Together, they beat the darkness. Plan for 15 minutes to read and talk about this warmly illustrated book or offer it to an independent reader to enjoy.