Diwali or Deepavali – a festival of lights is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. Here are 9 books about Diwali that kids love.
1. Lights for Gita by Rachna Gilmore
Reading Age: 6-8 years
Young Gita is afraid that Diwali in her new home in Canada will not be the same as before. But amidst the rain and sleet, she finds that the light of the diyas and candles will always brighten up her home and drive away the darkness. A lovely picture-book, which 6-8 year old kids will enjoy.
2. Amma, Tell Me About Diwali by Bhakti Mathur
Reading Age: 6-8 years
The story of Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, and the story of Goddess Lakshmi – both these magical stories are retold in a charming manner to little Kalka. Written in rhyme, with beautiful illustrations that leave you spellbound, the Amma Tell Me is a must-have series for your child. (Get the complete series on Amazon.in and Amazon.com)
3. Seasons of Splendour by Madhur Jaffrey
Reading Age: 7 and above
Seasons of Splendour is a collection of the stories and folklore behind every Hindu Indian festival, not just Diwali. The stories are arranged as per the Hindu calendar, and thus culminate in the story of Diwali. The beautiful illustrations by Michael Foreman, literally bring the stories to life. (Also available on Amazon.com)
4. Lots of Lights by Kavita G. Sahai
Reading Age: 2-5 years
A fun Diwali story, explaining each of the 5 days of celebration, Lots of Lights is a book that appeals to a global audience. The illustrations are simple yet colorful, conveying the spirit of the festival. (Check it out on Amazon.com)
5. Rani Saves Diwali by Anita Badhwar
Reading Age: 7-12 years
The princess of a kingdom in India saves the day when the royal decorator has an accident on the day of Diwali and is unable to perform his duties. This engaging story is accompanied by illustrations to keep the little readers engaged, and re-enforces the spirit of the festival. (Read it on Amazon.com)
6. Let’s Celebrate 5 Days of Diwali by Ajanta Chakraborty
Reading Age: 4-7 years
Two kids and their pet discover the festival of Diwali and all the aspects related to the festival when they visit their aunt.
7. Illustrated Ramayana for Children
Reading Age: 5-9 years
An illustrated version of the epic Ramayana, this book is perfectly adapted for reading aloud to kids on Diwali.
8. The Diwali Gift by Shweta Chopra and Shuchi Mehta
Reading Age: 3-6 years
Join Suno, Dekho and Jaano, the three curious monkeys who receive a mysterious package on Diwali, as they discover a most wonderful and special gift. Richly illustrations and a fun story-line keeps children captivated and smiling. (Get it on Kindle here)
9. Krishna and Narakasura by Kamala Chandrakant (Amar Chitra Katha)
Reading Age: 8-14 years
An alternate story about the festival of Diwali, about the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna after a 4 day long battle, this is a classic from the house of Amar Chitra Katha.
Check out more booklists here.
