The Diwali season is twinkling on the horizon, and there’s a buzz in the air that’s as delightful as the scent of sweet treats wafting from the kitchen.
If you’re as excited as I am to get the kids wrapped up in the spirit of this ‘festival of lights,’ then you know it’s the perfect time to cozy up with some heartwarming reads. I’ve got the low-down on some gorgeous Diwali books for kids that are sure to light up the little ones’ faces brighter than the night sky during the Hindu festival of lights.
Whether you’re tucked in your home, surrounded by small clay pot candles, or if you’re looking to sprinkle a little Diwali magic in different parts of the world, these children’s books make the celebration complete.
They’re the perfect Diwali gift, or a great resource for your school or nursery, wrapping the joy of Diwali and the Indian festival of lights into pages that turn into memories.
So, grab a cup of chai, take a deep breath, and let’s dive into a pile of books that are as festive as a Diwali day!
Diwali Books for Kids
Are you ready to dive into the fun-filled festival of Diwali with some cozy reading time? I've rounded up the best Diwali books that are guaranteed to add an extra sparkle to your celebrations.
These picks are perfect for snuggling up with your little ones and traveling through stories that illuminate the heart and home. Let's light up our kids’ imaginations with these dazzling Diwali reads!
Binny is thrilled to share her favorite holiday with her school friends, but where to start? This book is a sweet introduction to the celebration of Diwali, filled with gorgeous illustrations of new clothes, the magical art of rangoli, and of course, the gleaming diyas. It's a great way for young readers to join Binny and learn about the traditions that make this festival a fun-filled one.
Soundar's storytelling paired with Chua's luminous picture book illustrations transports kids to the heart of an Indian family's Diwali celebration. From intricate henna designs to a sky lit with fireworks, it's a lovely board book that introduces young children to the victory of light over darkness in a fun way.
Capture the excitement of Diwali through the eyes of young filmmaker, Riya, who wants to showcase what Diwali means to her in a very special way. This book not only celebrates the traditional aspects of the holiday but also encourages creativity and the expression of personal meaning, making it a unique addition to any Diwali book collection. It’s a modern take on the celebration that resonates with the young, tech-savvy generation.
Oh, who doesn’t love a good Peppa story? Join Peppa and her family as they celebrate Diwali in their own special way. It’s an adorable picture book that offers a familiar character embracing the Hindu festival of lights, perfect for Peppa-loving kiddos discovering Diwali for the first time.
Travel on a cultural adventure with this glorious picture book. Sood’s narrative, coupled with Ramirez’s vibrant illustrations, introduces young ones to different ways the festival is celebrated across India, sharing the magic of Diwali and the joy of Diwali through the eyes of children from various regions.
Rina Singh captures the spirit of Diwali through this gorgeous board book with its beautiful illustrations that shimmer with the festival's warmth. It’s a great read for the youngest of readers, illuminating the traditions and the essence of the Indian festival of lights with every turn of the page.
This book by Chakraborty and Kumar is a fun-filled ride through the five days of Diwali, showing young readers how each day has its own special meaning and way of being celebrated. The book's vibrant illustrations and engaging story are sure to captivate young minds.
It's Archie's first time celebrating Diwali in their new home. This delightful story from Ruths, accompanied by lively illustrations by Parwinder Singh, shows how the young boy navigates the fun and excitement of the celebration, from lighting oil lamps to designing rangoli. It's a story many kids can relate to, making it a perfect book for teaching about the festival.
This delightful story follows three curious monkeys receiving a mysterious package, which leads to a discovery of the traditions of Diwali. It's a mystery wrapped in vibrant colors and traditions, making it a fantastic read for curious young minds. The book is a great conversation starter about the origins of the festival and the significance of each tradition
Hannah Eliot's lovely board book is packed with beautiful illustrations that bring Diwali traditions to life for young readers.
From wearing new clothes to sharing sweet treats, it's a wonderful snapshot of the festival. Plus, Sreenivasan's artwork adds that sparkle of Diwali to every page, making it a visual treat.
Wrapping up our little book journey, I hope you and your munchkins find your new favorite bedtime read from this stack.
Each of these great Diwali books offers a different slice of the festival, just like every home celebrates in its own unique way.
From the story of Lord Rama and the victory of light over the demon king Ravana, to the present-day joys of putting on your new clothes, painting rangoli art, and the anticipation of lighting those clay lamps—these reads will not only educate but also entertain.
As you light your home with oil lamps and adorn the doorway with streaks of gold, let these stories be the cherry on top of your celebration. They’ll teach your little ones about Indian culture, the legend behind the festival, and the timeless tradition of spreading joy and light.
In true bookworm fashion, let’s turn the pages of these wonderful books to spread the joy not just through movies but through the magic of reading.
A Happy Diwali to all, and to all a good night of storytelling under the Diwali light!
More Diwali Activities for Kids
Ready to amp up the festive fun? I’ve got a twinkling array of Diwali activities that are just perfect for keeping those little hands busy!
From crafting their own diyas to mastering the art of rangoli, these activities will bring the celebration right into your living room.
Click through for ideas that will keep the kiddos engaged and the Diwali cheer loud and proud!
- Diwali Color by Number Pages for Kids (Free Printable)
- Free Printable Diwali Colouring Pages for Kids & Adults
- How To Draw Fireworks Step by Step Free Printable
- Playdough Fireworks (Free Printable Playdough Mats)
- 15 Fireworks Crafts for Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve or 4th July
More Book Lists for Kids
And for the tiny book lovers, I’ve curated some fabulous book lists that will take them on adventures far and wide, beyond the shimmering lights of Diwali. Whether they’re into fairy tales, space explorations, or wild safaris, there’s a list for every curious mind. Dive into these recommendations and watch your little one’s imagination soar with each page turn!
- 30 Best Chinese New Year Books for Kids
- 30 Best Ramadan Books for Kids
- 24 Amazing Skeleton Books For Kids
- 52 Fantastic Books that Fifth Grade Boys Will Love
- 50 Books Every Child Should Read by Age 16
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.