A book list about Diwali, curated by The Children’s Book Review.
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most joyous and widely celebrated holidays in the world. These books offer wonderful opportunities for children to learn about this important cultural celebration, discover traditions of light triumphing over darkness, and understand that festivals can be shared and celebrated by everyone.
From board books for toddlers to picture books for early readers, there’s a Diwali story here for every young reader ready to experience the magic of the Festival of Lights.
These 7 Children’s Books Celebrate the Festival of Diwali:
Diwali in My New Home
Written by Shachi Kaushik
Illustrated by Aishwarya Tandon
Ages: 4-8 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Beaming Books (2022) | ISBN: 978-1506484075
Priya loves celebrating Diwali with family and friends in India, but this year she and her parents are living in a new country where no one seems to know about the holiday. Missing the vibrant traditions, Priya decides to bring Diwali to her new neighborhood by stringing lights outside and creating beautiful rangoli art. As her preparations attract curious neighbors, Priya shares the festival of lights with her new community. This heartwarming story celebrates the experience of maintaining cultural traditions while embracing a new home.
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It’s Diwali!
Written by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal
Illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan
Ages: 4-8 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Beach Lane Books (2022) | ISBN: 978-1534453654
Count along to celebrate Diwali in this luminous picture book from bestselling mother-son duo Surishtha and Kabir Sehgal. Following the pattern of “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe,” readers count up to ten and back down again while learning about the traditions that make Diwali special. From sweet treats and intricate henna designs to exciting firework displays, this vibrant book offers a joyful glimpse into the Festival of Lights. The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness, celebrated during the autumn harvest.
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Archie Celebrates Diwali
Written by Mitali Banerjee Ruths
Illustrated by Parwinder Singh
Ages: 4-8 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Charlesbridge (2021) | ISBN: 978-1623541194
Archana loves her family’s annual Diwali party, and this year she’s invited her school friends to celebrate with them for the first time. She helps with decorations and food, but feels nervous about whether her friends will enjoy the traditions. When a thunderstorm knocks out the power during the party, Archie worries everything is ruined. However, as her friends ask about the meaning of Diwali, Archie discovers that sharing her culture brings everyone together. This relatable story explores themes of cultural pride, friendship, and the universal joy of celebration.
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Shubh Diwali!
Written by Chitra Soundar
Illustrated by Charlene Chua
Ages: 4-8 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (2019) | ISBN: 978-0807573556
The festival of lights has arrived! Told in gentle rhyme from a child’s perspective, this picture book shows how an Indian family prepares for and celebrates Diwali. Everyone participates in the preparations—decorating with rangoli art and flowers, wearing new clothes, making traditional foods and sweets, and gathering together. When Diwali begins, families worship, share stories of gods who fought evil, visit friends and neighbors, light lamps, and exchange gifts. The vibrant, textured artwork beautifully captures the joy and warmth of this multigenerational celebration. Back matter provides detailed information about the holiday’s significance and traditions.
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My Diwali Light
Written by Raakhee Mirchandani
Illustrated by Supriya Kelkar
Ages: 4-8 | 40 Pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (2022) | ISBN: 978-0316339339
Devi loves everything about the Diwali season—wearing her favorite red bindi, eating samosas until she bursts, making mithai and designing rangoli with her papa, and painting diyas with her nani. Her grandmother reminds her that the painted diyas are a symbol to shine her light brightly all year long. This charming story follows one girl’s Diwali traditions as her family celebrates their favorite holiday with loved ones, and shares the joy of the festival with neighbors and friends. The vibrant collage illustrations bring the festival to life, making this a love letter to community, immigrant culture, and the Festival of Lights.
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A Kids Book About Diwali
Written by Chhavi Arya Bhargava
Ages: 5-9 | 64 Pages
Publisher: DK Children (2025) | ISBN: 978-0241743881
Learn about Diwali, how it’s celebrated, and how everyone can participate in the festivities! This book introduces children to the Festival of Lights, celebrated for five days every fall. The holiday commemorates the story of Rama’s victory over Ravana from the ancient epic Ramayana, highlighting the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. With a bold, minimalist design and approachable tone, this book helps kids aged 5-9 understand the beautiful traditions of Diwali and shows that this celebration is for everyone. The book emphasizes that Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists all over the world.
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The Magic of Diwali With Saara
Written by Annie Agarwal
Ages: 3+ | 56 Pages
Publisher: BookBaby (2024) | ISBN: 979-8350980516
Join Saara and her playful dog, Oreo, as they celebrate the magical festival of Diwali with their family! With a curious mind, Saara sets out to uncover the true meaning behind this special celebration. Along the way, she gathers heartfelt insights from her family members, each offering a unique perspective on what makes Diwali meaningful to them. In this heartwarming story, Saara discovers that the real magic of Diwali lives in the love, joy, and precious moments spent together with those we hold dear, lighting up both our homes and hearts.
