Raaga’s Song: A Diwali Story

K-Gr 4–This picture book begins with a retelling of a story from the Ramayana, one of the two important epic poems of Hinduism. Raaga’s grandfather tells the story of how Lord Rama bravely battled the ten-headed demon Ravana, and then how the people heralded his victorious return home with celebratory lights. Raaga loves to sing and is thinking about auditioning to perform in the Diwali mela (festival) at the palace. With the support of her grandfather, Raaga is inspired by the messages of hard work and bravery in Lord Rama’s tale to face her own modern demons as she strives to win a place performing in the mela. This gentle yet powerful picture book is suitable for early childhood listeners, but also for older elementary students who will be able to catch the references to colorism. The art is brightly hued, with detailed characters and appropriately abstract backgrounds, architectural lines, and forest scenes heightening the mythological atmosphere.