Diwali children’s books are a wonderful way to learn about or observe a holiday that is recognized by millions of people all around the world. Diwali is a Hindu festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. It’s also called the “Festival of Lights” because part of the celebrations include lighting candles and clay lamps all over the house, symbolizing the light within. The festivities are spread out over several days filled with family, food and joy.

According to The Times of India, Diwali begins on Thursday, Oct. 31 this year. It is celebrated over five days. Diwali’s date is determined by the lunar calendar. According to Almanac.com, Diwali begins on the darkest day, the night of the new moon. 

Children’s books on Diwali cover all of the merry aspects of this special occasion. These stories are engaging and beautifully illustrated for little ones. Cultivating a diverse library for your kiddos can start with honoring the different traditions around the world. Check out these Diwali picture books that can help foster a love of different cultures and understanding in your child.

Diwali children’s books to add to your child’s story time rotation

baby's first diwali book

Baby's First Diwali

Familiar favorites to mark the tradition and bright images create an engaging board book for little ones.

Ages: 0-2

diwali lights book

Diwali Lights by Rina Singh

Beautiful images and lyrical prose come together in this lovely board book.

Ages: 0-2

diwali book

Diwali by Hannah Eliot

Learn alongside your little one with this charming board book teaches all about the magic of the season.

Ages: 0-4

5 days of diwali book

Let's Celebrate 5 Days of Diwali! by Ajanta Chakraborty and Vivek Kumar

Maya, Neal and their cute little squirrel are learning about five days of festivities in this engaging picture book.

Ages: 2-6

archie celebrates diwali book

Archie Celebrates Diwali by Mitali Banerjee Ruths

Archie invites her friends to her family’s annual Diwali party in this picture book that teaches little ones all about the festival.

Ages: 3-7

shubh diwali book

Shubh Diwali! by Chitra Soundar

Read along as the characters light the lamps and get ready to ring in the new year, in this book that celebrates the Festival of Lights.

Ages: 4-7

binny's diwali book

Binny's Diwali by Thrity Umrigar

Binny shares all of the sweetness of her family’s traditions with her classmates in this lovely children’s book on Diwali.

Ages: 4-8

the light within you

The Light Within You by Namita Moolani Mehra

Diya is excited to be back in India, visiting her grandmother and preparing for Diwali together. But all too soon the trip will come to end and Diya will have to face saying goodbye.

Ages: 4-8

simba's first diwali

Simba's First Diwali: A Holiday Book for Kids by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal

Simba was recently adopted by a family that celebrates Diwali and now he is about to experience his first festival. Read along as this little pup has one grand Diwali adventure.

Ages: 3 – 6

the best diwali

The Best Diwali Ever by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal

In this heartwarming tale of sibling love, Ariana and Rafi are excited to celebrate Diwali with their family. Ariana can’t wait to join in on family holiday traditions and it’ll be the best one yet if her little brother doesn’t get in the way.

Ages: 4 – 6

A version of this post was published October 10, 2022. It has been updated.