Diwali books for children

Diwali books for children

Diwali books for children bring the Festival of Lights to life through stories, illustrations, mythology and creative activities. This selection includes colourful first books, family celebrations, the adventures of Rama and Sita, and non-fiction that introduces different traditions associated with Diwali. There are books for sharing with younger children, independent reading and classroom activities, including several especially useful for primary school religious education. This list features books by Eric Carle, Chitra Soundar, Sonali Shah, Malachy Doyle, Daisy Meadows, Dev Kothari, Sital Gorasia Chapman, Swapna Haddow, Raakhee Mirchandani, and Katie Sahota.

Diwali books for children – our recommendations

Diwali books for 2-12 year olds

Baby Touch: Happy Diwali! by Ladybird, illustrated by Lemon Ribbon Studio

This colourful board book introduces Diwali through simple words, bright pictures and touch-and-feel elements on every spread. Little hands can investigate different textures while discovering some of the familiar sights associated with the festival. The short text encourages children to listen, point and join in, while the sensory details give parents and carers plenty to talk about. It’s a cheerful introduction to Diwali for toddlers who enjoy exploring books through pictures and touch.

First Festivals: Diwali by Ladybird, illustrated by Aditi Kakade Beaufrand

Lift the flaps to discover some of the traditions associated with Diwali, from creating rangoli patterns to visiting a temple and lighting diyas. The illustrations are full of colour, and each interactive page gives children something new to notice. This board book for 2+ year olds makes a welcoming introduction to the festival, with simple language and familiar activities. It can be shared during story time or used to start conversations about celebrations and family traditions.

Peppa Pig: Peppa’s Diwali by Peppa Pig

Peppa and George join their family for a special Diwali celebration. There is delicious food, festive clothing and plenty of excitement as they discover the things that make the occasion memorable. Familiar characters and cheerful illustrations bring the celebration into a recognisable family setting. Children who already enjoy Peppa Pig stories can discover festival traditions alongside their favourite characters.

Peppa Pig: Peppa’s Diwali Sticker Activity Book by Peppa Pig

Join Peppa and George as they prepare for Diwali through puzzles, stickers and colourful activities. Children can help the characters get dressed for the celebration, prepare festive food and enjoy the occasion together. Familiar illustrations make the pages inviting for Peppa Pig fans, and the activities introduce some of the objects and customs connected with the festival. This sticker book for 3-6 year olds can be enjoyed independently or alongside a Diwali picture book.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Diwali: A Lift-the-Flap Pop-Up Book by Eric Carle

The Very Hungry Caterpillar joins the Diwali celebrations in this interactive board book. Rhyming text, colourful pictures and lift-the-flap surprises introduce little children to the Festival of Lights, with a pop-up surprise to discover at the end. The familiar caterpillar provides an inviting starting point for children who already enjoy Eric Carle’s books. Its playful format encourages participation during shared reading, and the illustrations provide opportunities to talk about the colours and traditions of Diwali.

One Diwali Day by Dev Kothari, illustrated by Aditi Anand

Ronak is looking forward to celebrating Diwali with his family and best friend Jay, but his preparations become rather eventful. The wind spoils his rangoli, juice spills on his new kurta and his older sister Dida seems to have disappeared. As the diyas and decorative candles shine, Ronak discovers what makes the celebration special. This picture book for 4-7 year olds also includes a recipe for Diwali pedas and instructions for making paper lanterns.

Garland Of Lights: A Diwali Story by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Amberin Huq

Glittering lanterns, colourful rangoli patterns, marigolds and delicious sweets fill this rhyming celebration of Diwali. Chitra Soundar’s lyrical text invites children to count and notice the different sights and sounds of the festival, while Amberin Huq’s richly coloured illustrations fill the pages with activity. The story captures the excitement of preparing for a celebration and spending time together.

The Best Diwali Ever by Sonali Shah, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat

Ariana is determined to make this year’s Diwali the best celebration ever. She is particularly excited about the rangoli competition, which she hopes to win. Her plans become increasingly complicated when her younger brother Rafi gets involved, bringing his usual enthusiasm and mischief. Through the siblings’ preparations, the story introduces Diwali decorations, festive food and family traditions. Chaaya Prabhat’s bright illustrations capture the anticipation of a special occasion. A non-fiction spread at the end provides useful further information about Diwali celebrations.

Diwali by Sital Gorasia Chapman, illustrated by Darshika Varma

Join Sonali and her brother Jay as they introduce the celebrations and customs of Diwali. This illustrated non-fiction picture book explains aspects of the festival through a family-centred approach, bringing together traditions, food, decorations and the importance of celebrating with others. Darshika Varma’s colourful artwork gives children plenty to investigate on each page. The book provides opportunities to compare different ways of celebrating Diwali and to learn the meanings behind familiar festival objects and activities.

Diwali by Hannah Eliot, illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan

Part of the Celebrate the World series, this illustrated board book introduces the traditions associated with the five days of Diwali. Children discover how families prepare their homes, light decorations, enjoy special food and spend time together. It also introduces the importance of family relationships and the victory of light over darkness. Archana Sreenivasan’s illustrations show detailed scenes of celebration. Ideal for 2-4 year olds, the book brings cultural traditions into an approachable format for sharing and discussion in EYFS.

My Diwali Light by Raakhee Mirchandani, illustrated by Supriya Kelkar

Devi loves Diwali. There are new clothes to wear, delicious food to prepare and colourful decorations to make with her family. She spends time with her papa and nani, creating rangoli patterns and painting diyas before the celebrations begin. As family, friends and neighbours come together, Devi shares the traditions that make the festival important to her. The lively illustrations complement a story filled with family relationships, hospitality and community. Perfect for 4-8 year olds.

It’s Diwali! by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal, illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan

Count from one to ten and back again while discovering the traditions of Diwali in this rhyming picture book. Inspired by the familiar rhythm of One, Two, Buckle My Shoe, the text introduces colourful decorations, sweet treats, henna patterns and fireworks. Archana Sreenivasan’s illustrations are filled with detail and movement, making each number part of the celebration. The clever counting structure encourages young children to join in aloud.

Little Glow by Katie Sahota, illustrated by Harry Woodgate

From the window of a cosy house in a seaside town, a small candle watches the ways families and neighbours celebrate with light throughout the year. Through gentle rhymes and colourful illustrations, Little Glow observes occasions including Diwali, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Lunar New Year and Christmas. As the candle admires the brighter lights around it, it wonders whether its own small flame matters. When a family gathers nearby, Little Glow discovers that even the smallest light can have an important purpose. This inclusive picture book explores belonging, community and the value of quieter contributions.

Little First Stickers Diwali by Holly Bathie, illustrated by Kamala Nair

Children can help prepare for Diwali using the colourful stickers in this activity book. Scenes include making decorations, preparing treats, hanging lanterns and creating rangoli patterns. Each page invites children to complete a picture while discovering objects and activities associated with the festival. The illustrations provide useful starting points for conversations about family celebrations.

Diwali things to make and do by Kate Nolan

This practical activity book is filled with creative projects inspired by Diwali. Children can make lanterns, garlands, gift bags and decorative rangoli patterns, with drawing and colouring activities to enjoy as well. Clear illustrations, photographs and step-by-step instructions help explain how the projects are made using familiar household materials. The activities introduce children to the visual traditions of the Festival of Lights while encouraging creative work.

Rama and Sita: The Story of Diwali by Malachy Doyle, illustrated by Christopher Corr

Rama and Sita are living peacefully in the forest when Sita is taken away by the demon king Ravana. Rama sets out to rescue her, helped by Hanuman, the heroic monkey who plays an important role in the Ramayana. Their adventure forms one of the traditional stories associated with Diwali and the triumph of light over darkness. Malachy Doyle’s retelling for 6+ year olds is accompanied by Christopher Corr’s vivid illustrations. The book also includes factual pages about Diwali, making it useful for connecting storytelling with religious education in KS1.

Rainbow Magic: Deena the Diwali Fairy by Daisy Meadows

Rachel and Kirsty meet Deena the Diwali Fairy, who needs their help after Jack Frost steals her magical diya lamp. Without it, Diwali celebrations everywhere are at risk. The girls must use their determination and friendship to recover the missing object and restore the festival’s magic. This instalment in the Rainbow Magic Festival Fairies series introduces Diwali within a familiar fantasy adventure.

Prince of Fire: The Story of Diwali by Jatinder Verma, illustrated by Nilesh Mistry

Jatinder Verma retells the adventures of Prince Rama and Sita in a richly illustrated adaptation of the Ramayana. When Sita is taken by Ravana, Rama sets out on a dangerous journey, helped by his brother Lakshmana and the heroic Hanuman. The narrative introduces important figures and episodes from the traditional story behind Diwali.

All About Diwali: Things to Make and Do by Swapna Haddow, illustrated by Aditi Kakade Beaufrand

This colourful book combines information about Diwali with crafts, recipes and activities for 8+ year olds. Children can discover the traditions and stories associated with the festival while making lanterns, designing henna patterns and preparing festive treats. There are also opportunities to draw, write and plan for the year ahead.

Diwali Magic Painting Book by Sam Baer, illustrated by Nilesh Mistry

Scenes of Diwali celebrations appear in colour as children brush water over the pictures in this creative activity book. The designs include diya lamps, rangoli patterns, festive food, sparklers and family celebrations. Each black-and-white illustration reveals bright colours when painted with water, and the book includes a brush and protective flap. Children can discover visual details connected with Diwali while completing the pictures. An immersive activity book for 5+ year olds.

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Diwali resources for teachers

• Oak National Academy provides a free Year 3 religious education lesson exploring how Hindu communities celebrate Diwali in India and the UK. Resources include downloadable slides, worksheets, quizzes and a teaching video, with activities about the Ramayana, Lakshmi, rangoli patterns and the diversity of Diwali traditions.
• The Department for Education’s EYFS guidance features practical suggestions for exploring Diwali with young children. Activities include creating rangoli patterns, sharing stories and artefacts, listening to music, involving families and organising a celebration that develops children’s understanding of different cultures and traditions.
• The Hindu Education Board UK offers free downloadable Diwali assembly presentations for KS1, KS2 and KS3. These explain the festival’s origins and religious significance, providing teachers with materials developed by an organisation specialising in Hindu Dharma education.
• BBC School Radio has produced a KS2 Diwali assembly framework featuring discussion questions, reflection activities and suggestions for music and visual material. It explores the story of Rama and Sita, the importance of Lakshmi, the use of lights and rangoli decorations, and how Hindu families prepare for the festival.
• Oak National Academy’s early years teaching guide suggests ways to introduce Diwali through creative and practical activities. Ideas include making rangoli patterns using loose parts and dried materials, developing fine motor skills and exploring traditional music through a Diwali-themed box zither activity.
• STEM Learning has assembled a collection of Diwali-themed science, computing and design activities for primary schools. Children can investigate light and shadows, build electrical circuits, make shadow puppets, explore colour wheels and use digital technology to create patterns.
• The Institution of Engineering and Technology’s Diwali activity, available through STEM Learning, provides downloadable teacher guidance and a presentation for making decorative diya lamps. Children aged 5-11 can develop design and technology skills by shaping air-drying clay, considering how lamps are constructed and decorating their finished designs.
• RE:ONLINE provides detailed subject knowledge for teachers covering Hindu beliefs, religious practices and the concept of dharma. Its resources include downloadable explanations, glossary materials, films and links to recorded experiences of Diwali in Leicester, helping pupils explore the diversity of Hindu communities in Britain.
• Google Arts & Culture – Diwali. An illustrated collection introducing the festival through cultural stories, photographs and traditions.
• Google Arts & Culture – The Story of Diwali. A visual presentation exploring the religious and cultural background of Diwali through artwork and explanations.
• The Sikh Coalition provides free classroom presentations, discussion materials and creative activities about Bandi Chhor Divas, which is observed by Sikhs around the time of Diwali. These resources help teachers explain the story of Guru Hargobind, the importance of freedom and justice, and the differences between Hindu Diwali traditions and Sikh commemorations.
• BBC School Radio’s Bandi Chhor Divas assembly offers an additional KS2 resource exploring the Sikh festival associated with this time of year. The assembly explains Guru Hargobind’s release from imprisonment and encourages pupils to reflect on resourcefulness, freedom and helping others, providing a valuable comparison with Hindu Diwali celebrations.

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