Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, occurs this year on October 31 through November 1. Share these titles about the holiday with young readers.

Chapman, Sital Gorasia. Diwali. illus. by Darshika Varma. 48p. (Celebrations & Festivals). words & pictures. 2024. Tr $14. 99. ISBN 9780711287198.
PreS-Gr 4–The latest addition to the “Celebrations & Festivals” series provides a colorful and informative glimpse into the five-day celebration of Diwali, the festival of lights, through the eyes of a young girl named Sonali and her little brother Jay. The story follows the siblings as they eagerly prepare to welcome their family for Diwali. From the delicious food they enjoy to the traditional clothing they wear and the activities they participate in, every aspect of the celebration is vividly depicted. The illustrations are engaging and capture the essence of Diwali, adding depth to the narrative. What sets this book apart is its inclusion of fact-based information about Diwali that sheds light on the significance of each day of the festival and how it is celebrated across different traditions and regions. Additionally, the book’s back matter offers readers a chance to engage further with Diwali by providing a recipe for shrikhand, along with instructions for making a salt dough diva and Rangoli. This book adeptly explains and celebrates Diwali, making it a valuable resource for learning about this important cultural festival, but it is similar to other offerings. VERDICT For school libraries or teachers seeking a new resource to introduce students to Diwali, this book is an excellent choice. However, if the collection already includes books on Diwali, this is an additional purchase.–Peggy Henderson Murphy

Chhabria, Navina. Raaga’s Song: A Diwali Story. Running Pr. 2023. 32p. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780762482245.
K-Gr 4–This picture book begins with the retelling 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 10-headed demon Ravana, and then 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. VERDICT Recommended purchase for libraries with readers who want to learn more about the origins of Diwali and make a connection to modern-day issues.–Evelyn Khoo Schwartz

Jerath, Harshita. A Sweet Diwali. illus. by Geeta Ladi. Random. (Step into Reading). 2024. 32p. Tr $14.99. ISBN 9780593706763; pap. $5.99. ISBN 9780593706756.
PreS-Gr 1–A day in the life of a girl and her dog includes a special element: This day happens to be Diwali. For readers unaware of this festival of lights, the book is both a leveled reader and a serviceable introduction to the celebration. Choosing light over darkness, the theme of the holiday, is reinforced by the bright, cheerful illustrations and the warmth of the relationship between Raina and her best pal, Lion. The story line is slight, with Lion overeating and Raina nursing him back to health. However, the abundance of vocabulary surrounding Diwali will satisfy children familiar with these cultural traditions and broaden the understanding of others. A pronunciation guide is included, though a glossary is not. Most terms are nicely supported by context or picture clues. VERDICT Purchase where there is a need for introductory readers or holiday resources for the younger crowd.–Gloria Koster

[Read: 7 Books About Diwali For Young Readers]

Kaushik, Shachi. Diwali in My New Home. illus. by Aishwarya Tandon. Beaming. 2022. 32p. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781506484075.
PreS-Gr 2–This charming picture book deftly introduces the various rituals of Diwali in an appropriate way for young readers, while touching only briefly upon the religious aspects of the festival. The book opens with a view of Priya, a smiling South Asian American girl, holding up a colorful beaded fabric. Although there are few words on the page, which is perfect for beginners, the illustrated background of her bedroom has plenty of visual cues about Priya’s identity that close readers will notice and enjoy. For instance, there is a South Asian doll on Priya’s bed, a Taj Mahal poster on her wall, and her traditional dress hangs from her closet door. Readers will also enjoy the sly nod to Priya’s new American lifestyle—her name in rainbow sticker decals, a floral backpack on the floor, sneakers discarded, and bedroom slippers on her feet. This opening image sets the stage for the story: Priya’s confusion about her new bicultural identity and, for the first time, having to live away from India for Diwali, while trying to maintain that connection. Throughout the story, the author introduces a diverse cast of characters into what becomes a blended Indian-American celebration that highlights the way difference doesn’t have to be less or more, just different. Back matter includes a glossary and an author’s note describing the holiday. VERDICT An excellent recommendation for a class read-aloud, with frequent pauses or second reading to analyze the detailed pictures.–Evelyn Khoo Schwartz

Mishra, Anita. Once Upon a Diwali. illus. by Diah Chakraborty. 32p. (Holidays in Our Home). Soaring Kite. 2024. Tr $18. 99. ISBN 9781958372449.
PreS-Gr 4–The celebration of Diwali is explored in this story of a young girl. Riya is afraid of the dark and does not understand why she has to endure the nighttime celebration that includes loud noises from fireworks and crowds, so Mama shares with her why Diwali is so important. With new understanding (and the promise that she can bring her own lantern), Riya is happy to join in the joyous celebration with her multigenerational family and friends. This is a sweet story, simply told, that explains the steps of preparing for Diwali, what happens during each day of the celebration, and the history behind the holiday. Hindi words sprinkled throughout are defined in glossary, and a craft and recipe round out the back matter. Bright, clear cartoon illustrations highlight details of the holiday and culture, from the types of flowers used to the spices Mama incorporates to make Riya’s favorite Diwali sweets. VERDICT A great addition to libraries looking for Diwali books for younger readers.–Melisa Bailey

Shah, Sonali. The Best Diwali Ever. illus. by Chaaya Prabhat. Scholastic. 2023. 32p. pap. $7.99. ISBN 9781338837834.
PreS-Gr 1–A young girl looks forward to all her favorite parts of Diwali in this gorgeous, colorful picture book celebrating the Festival of Lights. Optimistic Ariana lays out her plan to make this the best Diwali celebration ever. She can’t wait to make yummy sweets, wear pretty clothes, open presents, and decorate with divas. But as the festival gets underway, her three-year-old brother Rafi ruins everything! He makes a mess in the kitchen, joins the dancers at the temple, and—worst of all—falls and smudges Ariana’s elaborate rangoli design made of colored powder, rice, and flowers. While many readers will be as frustrated by Rafi’s antics as she is at first, Ariana, in the true spirit of the season, finds a way to see the best in the situation. This gentle and relatable plot blends well with the explanation of Diwali and its traditions through the eyes of a child. Prabhat’s beautiful, warm palette with fall colors of brown, orange, maroon, and purple enhances the detailed illustrations in every spread. VERDICT Recommended for all libraries, to round out their holiday collections.–Kristy Pasquariello

Soundar, Chitra. Garland Of Lights: A Diwali Story. illus. by Amberin Huq. Bloomsbury. 2024. 32p. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781547616282.
PreS-Gr 1–Told in rhyming couplets, this introduction to Diwali reveals a family of four getting ready to celebrate the holiday. “One lamp welcomes the goddess of wealth. She blesses all with wisdom and health” begins the simple explanation of the important festival celebrated by Hindus and several other religious groups around the world. Many traditions of Diwali are revealed as the family cleans and decorates their home, gives presents to their elders, sings hymns, and shares sweets with family and friends. Pictures reveal lights in many forms, such as sparklers, strings of electric lights, and fireworks, along with the increasing number of colorful diya lamps lit during the five days of Diwali. Appealing digitally drawn and colored illustrations in rich, saturated hues detail the intricately patterned women’s sarees and men’s kurtas, as well as the customary rangoli artwork. Other people from various cultures and with a variety of skin colors are included in the celebration. Back matter includes a brief glossary and an explanation of the many ways Diwali is celebrated by Hindus and others worldwide. VERDICT A charming presentation of Diwali that’s an uncomplicated inauguration to a principal holiday.–Maryann H. Owen