5 Books About the Festival of Lights to add a sparkle to your child’s storytime

I was brought up in a nuclear family. So story time for me didn’t mean pestering a grandparent for one; it meant pestering my father. My father didn’t mind me hounding him at all. In fact, he was a great storyteller. I still remember his stories about Ganesha, Ali Baba and the forty thieves and those about different festivals so vividly.

Well, those times were different. Today, we have a variety of lovely books at our disposal. Reading these to our kids has made the experience of storytelling more enjoyable. With Diwali around the corner, I have shortlisted 5 books that your kids will enjoy as they learn about the significance of the festival.

Amma, Tell Me about Diwali!

Age Group – 3 to 9 years

If you have read other books in the ‘Amma, Tell Me’ series, your child will find, ‘Amma, Tell Me About Diwali’ is an equally fantastic read. Written by Bhakti Mathur and illustrated by Maulshree Somani, this colourful picture book written in rhyme, speaks about the festival in a fun and non-preachy way. It talks about the legend of Lord Rama’s victory over the demon King Ravana and his return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. It also tells the story about the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi.

Lighting A Lamp – A Divali Story

This one is a short but delightful story about a young boy who helps his family prepare for Diwali. The way the different aspects of the festival have been spoken about is very relatable. The words used are simple enough to be understood by younger children and the illustrations are interesting and appealing.

The Diwali Gift

Age Group – 4 to 9 years

Written by Shweta Chopra and Shuchi Mehta and illustrated by Anna Kaon, ‘The Diwali Gift’ is a cute little Diwali book that every child will enjoy because of its contemporary relevance. Three curious monkeys, Suno, Dekho and Jaano receive a Diwali gift with clues. How they crack the clues makes this book an extremely amusing read. Kids love this story book as it talks about celebrating Diwali and not about the significance of the festival alone.

Lots Of Lights

Age Group – 3 to 6 years

Written by Kavita Sahai, ‘Lots Of Lights’ does a good job of explaining what each day of Diwali signifies. The premise of the festival – that it is good or light that wins over evil or darkness, has been explained well. The illustrations are colourful and easy to read.

Krishna And Narakasura

Age Group – 5 years and above

Written by Kamala Chandrakant and published by Amar Chitra Katha, this books tells us the other story behind celebrating Diwali. In South India, it is believed that Narakasura, a tyrant who harassed the Gods, was slayed by Lord Krishna on Diwali day. How Krishna managed to vanquish the powerful demon forms most of the story.

This Diwali, enjoy these amazing picture stories with your kids. I bet you too will end up learning a thing or two.

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