10 Amazing Children’s Books for Diwali
10 Best Children’s Books for Diwali: we’re talking Light, Laddoos, and Lots of Learning.
Diwali isn’t just a festival, it’s lights everywhere, sweets everywhere, Aunties judging whether your rangoli is symmetrical.
And most importantly… stories everywhere.
If you want to introduce Diwali to kids in a fun way and not a “Google search PowerPoint presentation” kind of way, these 10 children’s books deliver culture, colour, and chaos (the good kind).
When is Diwali?
Diwali follows the Hindu lunar calendar, so the date shifts each year. In 2025, Diwali will be celebrated on Monday, 20 October. The festival always fall sometime between mid-October and mid-November.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Binny’s Diwali
Age: 4 to 8
A sweet story of Binny, who shares Diwali with her classmates. She shares everything she loves, from sparkling fireworks, sweet peda and jalebi, and the warm glow of diyas lighting up the night. The perfect read if you’re trying to explain Diwali to kids who only know Christmas and Halloween.
Why it’s great:
It captures that proud moment when kids get to talk about their culture, with vibrant illustrations by Nidhi Chanani, this picture book introduces little readers to the magic of Diwali through a story of confidence, culture, and sharing traditions.
It also includes a simple explanation of Diwali and how families celebrate.
2. Amma, Tell Me About Diwali!
Age: 4 to 8
This one breaks down Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, in a rhyming, easy-to-digest format.
Celebrate Diwali with Klaka, Kiki, and more questions than Amma signed up for. The brothers are on a mission to understand everything such as why the diyas glow, why the fireworks pop, and why everyone suddenly smells like new clothes and sweets. Amma answers it all with stories of Rama’s grand return, Lakshmi bringing blessings, and the magic of Diwali night.
Written in rhyme with colourful, vibrant illustrations, this book turns Diwali into an adventure, part mythology, part chaos, yet all joy. Perfect for little readers who want a story, and grown-ups who want a quick Diwali refresher without a full lecture.
If Diwali had a tour guide, this book would be it.
Why it’s great:
Rhymes. Colourful pages. Also, it answers the question every kid asks: “Why so many lights?”
3. Let's Celebrate Diwali
Age: 2 to7
This book shows how Diwali is celebrated differently across Indian communities.
Why it’s great:
a bright, rhyming board book, kids will love the glowing diyas, colourful rangoli, and festive fireworks, while discovering the joy of family, gratitude, and delicious treats like samosas and sweets. A perfect first Diwali book and a great gift for families who love to learn and celebrate together!
4. The Best Diwali Ever
Age: 3 to7
A story about two siblings trying (and failing) to make Diwali perfect. Spoiler: chaos + family = memory.
Why it’s great:
Realistic. Because Diwali with family is a beautiful mess. You have Ariana who is ready to make Diwali legendary. She’s got sweets, divas, fancy outfits, fireworks, and her eyes on the rangoli competition.
“I’m winning this year. No question.”
Small problem: Rafi. Her little brother is pure chaos. Spills things. Breaks things. Touches things he shouldn’t.
Will he wreck Diwali or surprise everyone?
This book also includes a quick fact filled Diwali page at the end. It’s a great pick for kids learning about the Festival of Lights.
5. Mr. Men Little Miss Happy Diwali
Age: 3 years +
A quick, cheerful way to introduce little readers to Diwali traditions through characters they already love. Perfect for festive story time.
Why it’s great:
Join the Mr Men and Little Miss crew as they dive into the five day Festival of Lights! They clean, decorate, make rangolis, light lamps, and feast… especially Mr Greedy. Diwali becomes five days of laughs, lights, and nonstop celebration.
6. Rama and Sita: The Story of Diwali
Age: 6+
Bright illustrations. Clear storytelling. Includes Diwali facts at the end. Good pick for teaching the meaning behind the festival.
Why it’s great:
A bold retelling of the Diwali story for kids 6+. Rama and Sita’s peaceful life is shattered when the demon king Ravana kidnaps Sita. With help from Hanuman and an army of monkeys, Rama sets out to rescue her. Good vs evil. Light vs darkness.
Kids will finally understand why every Diwali event has that one uncle retelling this story in dramatic slow motion.
7. My Diwali Light
Age: 3 to 7
A girl shares Diwali traditions with her loved ones.
Why it’s great:
Devi loves Diwali. Samosas. Rangoli. Painting diyas with her Nani. Wearing her favourite bindi and celebrating with everyone she loves. Bright collage art shows her family’s traditions and the message is clear: shine your light. Great pick for a warm, family focused Diwali read.
8. Five Days of Diwali
Age: 4 to 8
Perfect for families or schools looking to teach Diwali traditions in a fun and memorable way
Why it’s great:
Celebrate all five days of Diwali with this vibrant picture book that introduces kids to the Festival of Lights in a simple and engaging way. Children learn who Rama and Sita are, why Diwali is celebrated, and what happens on each special day, from Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, and Diwali itself, to Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. The bold illustrations keep young readers entertained, and there’s even a kid friendly laddoo recipe at the end (with a nut allergy note).
9. Diwali: Celebrate the World
Age: 0 to 5
This board book is sturdy for tiny hands, visually engaging, and keeps explanations simple without losing the magic. It’s a great choice for introducing cultural traditions to babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, and ideal for story time at home or in the classroom. A cheerful first look at Diwali for curious young readers.
Why it’s great:
Discover Diwali through the eyes of little learners with this joyful board book from the Celebrate the World series. As autumn arrives, families gather, lanterns glow, and homes fill with sparkle, it’s Diwali, the Festival of Lights! Kids will explore the five days of celebration, from praying for a blessed year to honouring the bond between siblings and celebrating the victory of light over darkness.
10. Diwali: First Festivals
Age: 2 to 5
The flaps build hand-eye coordination, the illustrations hold their attention, and the story introduces Diwali traditions in a way toddlers can understand. A fun first step into the Festival of Lights and a great pick for curious little hands.
Why It’s great:
Discover the sparkle of Diwali with this bright and interactive lift-the-flap book. Kids peek behind flaps to reveal a colourful rangoli, peek inside the temple, and “light” the diyas as they explore one of the world’s biggest celebrations. The simple text and playful flaps make learning about Diwali feel like a game.
How to Use These Books at Home or in Class
✔ Read one book each day during the five days of Diwali
✔ Let kids draw their favourite Diwali tradition
✔ Create a “Diwali passport” where each book earns a sticker
Learning + fun = win.
Final Thought
Introduce culture through stories, not lectures. Kids don’t remember “facts.” They remember feelings, warmth, family, and that one auntie who keeps pushing sweets into their hands. Books are essential and one of the ways traditions stay alive.