Diwali is coming, and I’m excited to share some great Diwali books for kids with you! These are great ones to read with your students whether they are already familiar with Diwali or not.
For those who are just learning about it, it’s a wonderful way to discover this joyous time; while those who already celebrate with their families will enjoy seeing their holiday represented in books and learning the meaning behind the traditions!
I’m sharing all of these books on video as well! Check out the Diwali Books for Kids on my Youtube channel.
This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.
Diwali Books for Kids
It’s Diwali! by Kabir Sehgal
It’s Diwali! is a rhyming story of the celebration of the festival of lights called Diwali. The picture book uses the most vivid colors and a rhyme to explain the food, the sights, the sounds, the family, and more with just enough to get an idea of what Diwali is without giving too much away (though I would have liked just a little more!)
It’s captivating illustrations and color choices hold weight with the story as it’s the festival of lights (and color).
My Diwali Light by Raakhee Mirchandani
My Diwali Light is a charming holiday story following one girl’s family as they celebrate their Diwali traditions with the ones they love.
Devi loves the Diwali season. It’s a time to wear her favorite red bindi and eat samosas until she bursts! Makemithai and design rangoli with her Papa. And paint diyas with her nani—a reminder to shine her light brightly all year long.
This joyful story, with vibrant collage illustrations, follows one girl’s Diwali traditions as her family celebrates their favorite holiday with the ones they love.
Archie Celebrates Diwali by Mitali Banerjee Ruths
It’s Diwali! Archie’s favorite holiday. But what if her school friends don’t enjoy it as much as she does?
Archana loves her family’s annual Diwali (deh-vah-lee) party. When a thunderstorm drenches the outside decorations and knocks out the power, Archie wonders if everything will be ruined. How can there be a festival of lights without any electricity? Archie Celebrates Diwali is a wonderful read aloud.
Binny’s Diwali by Thrity Umrigar
Binny woke up happy but nervous. It was her day to share about Diwali, the Festival of Lights!
Binny is excited to talk to her class about her favorite holiday. But she struggles to find the words.Taking a deep breath, she tells her classmates about the fireworks that burst like stars in the night sky, leaving streaks of gold and red and green. She shares with them delicious pedas and jalebis. And she shows them clay lamps, called diyas, which look so pretty all the children ooh and aah.
With enchanting illustrations by Nidhi Chanani, and detailed information about the Hindu festival of lights, Binny’s Diwali is a holiday treat.
Shubh Diwali! by Chitra Soundar
Diwali has arrived! Rangoli art decorates the floor and strings of flowers hang around the doors. Now it’s time to ring the bells, light the lamps, and welcome the new year with family and friends. Shubh Diwali! is a sweet introduction to the Hindu festival of lights.
Free Read Aloud Lesson
Would you like to try out an interactive read aloud lesson? You can grab this free lesson plan for Jabari Jumps to share with your students. This free download focuses on helping students overcome challenges. Each lesson includes discussion questions and activities to do with the book. Just fill out the form below and it will be delivered straight to your inbox!
Save This Read Aloud Book List
Be sure to save this pin to your favorite read alouds board on Pinterest! You’ll be able to come back to this book list when you are ready to read them aloud with your students.
