Diwali (also called Dipavali) is the Hindu festival of lights. It signifies the victory of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. It is celebrated with lights, feasts, fireworks, gift-giving, and prayers to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity.
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My boys and I wanted to learn more about this special celebration, so we decided to look for some great Diwali books for children. This list includes our favorites. They’re a wonderful teaching tool for those who celebrate Diwali and those who want to learn more.
12 Diwali Books for Children
Let’s Celebrate 5 Days of Diwali! by Ajanta Chakraborty
Maya, Neel, and Chintu the squirrel head to India to visit their Aunty Eesha. This book teaches about the five different days of Diwali, as well as Indian culture and food. It’s a great introduction for those who are learning about Diwali for the first time!
The Diwali Gift by Shweta Chopra
Suno, Dekho, and Jaano are three adorable monkeys who love learning new things. When Suno receives a special present for Diwali, the friends are excited to open it. Through the experience, the three monkeys learn more about the special celebration of Diwali.
Lots Of Lights by Kavita Sahai
Two sweet elephants, Ram and Saanvi, are buzzing with excitement because Diwali is coming! The elephants act as enthusiastic guides, leading readers through the different elements of the Diwali celebration. This is a great read for preschoolers and early elementary kids.
Amma, Tell Me About Diwali! by Bhakti Mathur
This rhyming story explores the mythology behind the Diwali celebration. Readers will learn more about Hindu traditions and why Diwali is such an important holiday for those who observe it. The bright illustrations help bring the figures in these stories to life!
Five Days of Diwali by Dev Vishwas
This bilingual English/Hindi book covers each day of the Diwali celebration, and why they are significant. As Danu, Sinu, and Geet celebrate Diwali together, they learn more about the meaning behind one of their favorite holidays.
Let’s Celebrate Diwali by Anjali Joshi
A little girl named Harini is excited to share her Diwali traditions with her class, but she’s not the only student who celebrates! Other children in her class also observe Diwali, in their own ways. This book explores all different kinds of Diwali traditions, including Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh celebrations.
Diwali, The Festival of Lights by Nick Sharma
Shalu stays at the library too late, and when she walks out, it’s dark. She’s not sure how to find her way home. When she sees a light in the distance, she wonders if it could be leading her home. This lovely story teaches more about Diwali, as well as an important lesson about staying safe.
Diwali by Hannah Eliot
This gorgeous board book from the Celebrate the World series teaches toddlers and preschoolers about the magic of Diwali. The book does a fantastic job of describing each day of the Diwali celebration, and many adults will find they’re learning just as much as their little ones! This book is perfect for sharing with toddlers and preschoolers.
Baby’s First Diwali by DK
Designed for the very youngest of book lovers, this board book shows all the elements of the Diwali celebration. My favorite thing about this book is the gorgeous photos of families celebrating Diwali together. I highly recommend sharing this book with babies and toddlers.
Shubh DiwaliI by Chitra Soundar
This rhyming story with gorgeous illustrations show a family preparing for a Diwali celebration. Readers will learn about the food, decorations, and traditions that make Diwali special. This book is great for classroom use, and I highly recommend it for kids ages 2 through 6.
Crayola Diwali Colors by Mari Schuh
This book is more instructional than story-based, but it is a truly comprehensive introduction to Diwali, with gorgeous photographs that kids will love. It’s an excellent choice for teachers to add to their classroom library, and I recommend it for kids ages 5 to 10.
Prince of Fire: The Story of Diwali by Jatinder Nath Verma
Written for older children, this book explores the Hindu mythology behind the celebration of Diwali. Prince Rama and his bride, Sita have been separated, and it takes the help of Hanuman and his Monkey Army to reunite them. Readers ages 9 to 12 will enjoy this captivating story.
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