In 2018, Diwali – the five-day “Festival of Lights” – starts on November the 7th.
Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities around the world celebrate the triumph of good over evil, of light over darkness, by lighting lamps and candles to invite Goddess Lakshmi in.
Families and friends feast together, share gifts and watch huge firework displays.
Teach your children about Diwali and its beautiful traditions with these colourful children’s books:
Top 10 Diwali Children’s Books
The Diwali Gift
by Shweta Chopra
Curious monkeys Suno, Dekho and Jaano are excited when a mysterious package arrives just in time for Diwali. Follow their adventures as they experience Diwali traditions and discover the most wonderful Diwali gift. Mom’s Choice Award winner The Diwali Gift is a fun story with engaging illustrations. ~ Preschool
Amma, Tell Me About Diwali!
by Bhakti Mathur
The “Amma Tell Me” series introduces young children to major Hindu festivals and Indian mythology. “Brilliant firecrackers lighting up the night, / Diyas twinkling like stars – what a sight! / This is Diwali, in all its glory, / As told to little Klaka – a magical story.” Written in rhyme Amma, Tell Me about Diwali is an engaging picture book, enhanced by vivid, colourful illustrations. ~ Preschool
Diwali: A Cultural Adventure
by Sana Sood
Diwali: A Cultural Adventure tells the story of a brave hero, an evil villain, and an epic battle. Young readers learn about Diwali as they follow Ram on his adventure to defeat darkness and despair. Bright illustrations with lots of detail bring the story to life. ~ Preschool
Binny’s Diwali
by Thrity Umrigar
Binny is excited but also nervous to talk to her class about Diwali, her favourite holiday. Taking a deep breath, she tells her classmates about the fireworks that burst like stars in the night sky, leaving streaks of gold and red and green. She shares with them delicious pedas and jalebis. And she shows them clay lamps (diyas) which look so pretty that all the children ooh and aah. With enchanting illustrations, Binny’s Diwali teaches little readers about the Hindu festival of lights. ~ Preschool
Hurray for Diwali
by Anita Raina Thapan
Hurray for Diwali follows Gittoo, Gauri, Gannu, Pia, Chia and Nono Paro as they celebrate Diwali. The children learn about the magical story behind the holiday, and celebrate with beautiful lights, crackers, presents, and lots of sharing, praying and feasting! ~ Preschool
Let’s Celebrate Diwali
by Anjali Joshi
When Harini shares her Diwali story during circle time at school, she learns that she’s not the only one who celebrates Diwali. Join her as she learns about Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist Diwali traditions! Let’s Celebrate Diwali is an engaging picture book about diversity and inclusion, brought to life by bright illustrations. ~ Preschool
Prince of Fire: The Story of Diwali
by Jatinder Nath Verma
This newly released chapter book is an action-packed adaptation of Indias great epic, The Ramayana. Follow Rama, the Prince of Fire, and his friends as they defeat the demon king of Lanka and return light to the world. Older Elementary School children will love the dramatic story line and vivid illustrations of Prince of Fire. ~ Elementary School
Lights, Camera, Diwali!
by Amita Roy Shah
Dia receives a camera as a Diwali gift and uses it to capture the holiday. She takes photos of her family decorating clay lamps, creating unique rangoli designs, preparing sweets called ladoos, setting off firecrackers and more. Lights, Camera, Diwali teaches children about the Festival of Lights from the perspective of a young girl. ~ Elementary School
Diwali, the Festival of Lights (Shalu)
by Nick Sharma
When Shalu leaves the library, it is dark and she doesn’t remember the way home. As she walks down a dark street, she becomes frightened – until she sees a light in the distance. With cartoon-style illustrations, Diwali, the Festival of Lights follows Shalu as she learns about Diwali and how to be safe. Includes activities. ~ Elementary School
Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Diwali: With Sweets, Lights, and Fireworks
by Deborah Heiligman
This stunning National Geographic book invites young readers on a global tour to visit Diwali celebrations around the world. With dynamic photographs and lively text Celebrate Diwali brings to life the holiday’s traditions, food, and rituals. Includes recipes, a glossary, a card game, a map, a resource list of books and websites, and a note to parents and teachers. ~ Elementary School
Diwali: Festival of Lights
by Rina Singh
Critically acclaimed author Rina Singh explores the Diwali traditions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. Spiced with festive recipes and enriched by personal stories and vibrant photographs, Diwali: Festival of Lights takes older Elementary School children on a fascinating journey to see how the Festival of Lights is celebrated around the world. ~ Elementary School
*You can buy any of the books on this site from Amazon USA, CAN or UK by clicking on the book titles or covers*
More books with Asian or Asian American characters:
