Children and teens will enjoy learning about the festival of Diwali with these vibrant books. Packed with photographs and beautiful illustrations, readers will learn about Diwali’s origins and how it is celebrated today. Featuring illustrations by Pixar animator Sanjay Patel and plenty of crafts to try out, these titles provide a well-rounded view of this global festival celebrated by millions.
My Little Book of Lakshmi
by Penguin India
Review: This 22-page board book is a real treat. Eye-catching colours and inviting illustrations combine to hold young readers’ attention. The accompanying rhyming text engagingly brings the festival to life, showing how families celebrate it. Little readers will enjoy spotting Lakshmi on the pages as she looks on. The detailed illustrations provide plenty of talking points and can be looked at over and again. One of a series of board books celebrating Hindu mythology, The Little Book of Lakshmi provides an inviting introduction to Diwali.
Suggested Reading Age: 3 +
Diwali (Celebrate The World)
by Hannah Eliot (Author), Archana Sreenivasan (Illustrator)
Review: Another board book aimed at younger readers, Celebrating The World: Diwali goes into more detail about this important festival. Using simple language, Hannah Eliot explains the importance of light and briefly explains Diwali’s origins. She talks readers through each of the five days of the celebration, explaining the main focus for each day. This is a perfect introduction for young readers. Recommended.
Suggested Reading Age: 2 – 4 years. I think children ages 3 to 5 will gain the most from reading this book.
Diwali
by Anita Nahta Amin
Review: One of a series, Diwali by Anita Nahta Amin looks at the many ways that the festival is celebrated. Amin also shows the different ways in which Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists celebrate the festival. Plentiful photographs show children and families celebrating together. Amin begins by explaining what Diwali is and when it is celebrated before delving into the five days of the celebration. Keywords, the definition of which can be found in a glossary at the back, are printed in bold. The book’s easy-to-understand language means that young readers are quickly able to connect with the text. An accessible and informative introduction.
Suggested Reading Age: 5 – 8 years old.
Origami For Diwali
by Robyn Hardyman
Review: Readers will love learning about Diwali as they undertake a wide range of festival-inspired projects. With plenty of tasks to work on and lots of background information, this book provides an enjoyable, interactive introduction to the festival for upper primary-aged children. Robyn Hardyman begins by giving an overview of Diwali before introducing the origami tasks. Readers can make origami diyas, flower garlands and candles. Visually appealing, this is a super way to learn about the celebration.
Click here for a taster of the book.
Suggested Reading Age: 8 – 11 years old.
Diwali: Festival of Lights
By Rina Singh
Review: Diwali: Festival of Lights looks at how Hindus, Sikhs and Jains celebrate the festival around the world. Peppered with quotes from famous Indians, such as Mahatma Gandhi, this book provides readers with a more personal and intimate look at the festival. Having first introduced Diwali to her readers, Rina Singh explores Indian migration to North America, explains how Diwali has evolved over the years and finally looks at how it is celebrated in different parts of India as well as other countries including South Africa, Nepal and Thailand. The inclusion of personal anecdotes at the end of each chapter along with beautiful photography, delicious recipes and highly readable text make this a well-rounded, informative and interesting read.
Click here for a closer look.
Suggested Reading Age: 8 – 12 years old.
Ramayana: Divine Loophole
by Sanjay Patel
Review: Retold and illustrated by Pixar animator Sanjay Patel, Ramayana Divine Loophole is a visual treat. Patel’s gripping, flowing narration coupled with his bold, enchanting drawings make this classic of Hind mythology instantly accessible to the modern reader. Chapter titles such as “Cosmic Bully”, “Fatal Attraction” and “Undying Demon” draw the reader in. End pages including the geography of the battle of Rama and sketches of the princess, further add to the book’s appeal. Readers of all ages will want to return to this retelling of the epic mythological story of Rama and Sita time and again. Highly recommended.
Suggested Reading Age: 10 – 15 years old.
Happy Reading!
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Do YOU know any great books about Diwali? Please leave a recommendation below .