Diwali is celebrated by over one billion people across the world so it only seems right to share some of the vibrant books which have been created to help people understand and enjoy the festival. This year, Diwali falls on the 4th November so there’s still plenty of time to get into the spirit of things.

‘The Best Diwali Ever,’ by Sonali Shah, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat (Scholastic)

This year, Ariana has plans to make Diwali an extra special celebration, with yummy sweets, divas around the house, pretty clothes, fireworks and… the rangoli competition, of course.

“This year, I am DEFINITELY going to win the rangoli competition.”

Everything would go perfectly to plan if it weren’t for Rafi, her annoying little brother, always up to mischief…and always being clumsy! Will he ruin Diwali too?’

I think most readers will be able to emphasise with Ariana being annoyed by younger brother and feeling that he’s ruining all her Diwali fun. However, this story ends with the important message that having the perfect Diwali is actually about sharing it with the people you love.

In addition to the message about family and friends, as readers follow Ariana in the midst of her holiday preparations, they will learn about the significance of Diwali and some of the key ways it’s celebrated. 3+

‘All About Diwali,’ by Swapna Haddow, illustrated by Aditi Kakade Beaufrand (Scholastic)

This is a fantastic activity book book packed with arts and crafts, recipes, activities and facts about the Diwali celebrations observed by over ONE BILLION people across faiths. It also has a journal section at the back for readers to record their own experiences of Diwali.

Read all about why Diwali is named the festival of lights and discover the stories behind it.

The perfect activity book, children can:

• Create magical lanterns
• Make a diya
• Put together diwali fan decorations
• Paint rangoli patterns
• Make a diwali paper rocket

Recipes include:

• Potato curry
• Spiced rice with peas
• Milk peda
• Coconut burfi
• Almond halwa’

A comprehensive and fun introduction to Diwali for readers of all faiths and ages. I am particularly looking forward to testing our some of the delicious-sounding recipes.

‘Little Glow,’ by Katie Sahota, illustrated by Harry Woodgate (Owlet Press)

In a world sometimes sad, where our hopes come and go. All you need is the light from a small ‘Little Glow.’

As the nights draw in, a small and lonely flame watches the many inspiring ways that communities celebrate light throughout the year, wishing to be bolder and brighter.

As a family gathers around Little Glow, it becomes clear that even the smallest of lights have an important purpose.

This beautiful little book looks at the way that light is used in many celebrations around the world – Diwali, Chinese New Year, and Halloween are all featured. It also has an important message about the power of community and coming together to help combat loneliness, and of taking a moment to pause and reflect if you need to.

Library Girl.

*Many thanks to the publishers for sending me these titles to review*