This year, Diwali will occur for Hindu people on November 4. If you’re looking for books to celebrate Diwali or just want to learn more about this Hindu festival of lights, here are some suggestions.
Archie Celebrates Diwali
By Mitali Banerjee Ruths
Illustrated by Parwinder Singh
32 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover
ISBN 9781623541194 | Charlesbridge
Archana loves her family’s annual Diwali party, and this year she gets to share it with all her friends from school. She helps with the decorations and the food, and is eager for everyone to arrive. But once the party starts a thunderstorm kicks up and drenches the outside decorations and knocks out the power. Archie worries that everything will be ruined. How can there be a festival of lights without any electricity?
Baby’s First Diwali
By DK
14 Pages | Ages 0-2 | Board Book
ISBN 9781465485397 | DK Children
The bright and colorful images in this book are the perfect way to discover Diwali together. From the shining diya lamps that gave the festival its name, to colorful flower decorations, to sweet treats, Baby’s First Diwali features all the familiar favorites associated with India’s biggest and brightest holiday.
Goodnight Ganesha
By Nadia Salomon
Illustrated by Poonam Mistry
32 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover
ISBN 9780593203613 | Philomel BFYR
As nighttime falls over the city, two children visiting their grandparents in India find there’s so much fun to be had! Whether it’s listening to epic stories or observing rituals in the puja room, there are many moments that make this time together special. In this beautiful, rhyming ode to bedtime, the only thing more universal than getting ready for bed and saying goodnight is the love between children and their grandparents.
Happy Diwali Mad Libs
By Shweta Raj
48 Pages | Ages 8-12 | Paperback
ISBN 9780593094006 | Mad Libs
Time to decorate the house with [PERSON IN THE ROOM] and light the [PLURAL NOUN], as we celebrate Diwali with family, friends, and Mad Libs. Lay out your diyas and create your rangoli [PLURAL NOUN] because the Festival of Lights is here! With 21 “fill-in-the-blank” stories about the festive and spiritual holiday, Happy Diwali Mad Libs is the perfect way to celebrate. Play alone, in a group, or around the house as you decorate for Diwali. Mad Libs are a fun family activity recommended for ages 8 to [NUMBER].