Sonali Shah author page

Sonali Shah biography

Sonali Shah is a British broadcaster, journalist and children’s author. She has worked as a presenter on the BBC’s children’s news programme Newsround and has presented programmes and events for BBC Sport. Her television credits also include Escape to the Country, Watchdog and Crimewatch. She has served as an ambassador for the British Asian Trust and the Prince’s Trust.

Her debut children’s picture book, The Best Diwali Ever, was published by Scholastic UK on 2 September 2021, with illustrations by Chaaya Prabhat. The story follows Ariana, a young girl preparing to celebrate Diwali with her family. She is determined to win a rangoli competition but worries that her mischievous younger brother, Rafi, will spoil her plans. The book introduces traditions associated with Diwali, including preparing sweets, decorating the home, wearing special clothes and creating rangoli patterns.

The Best Diwali Ever also explores sibling relationships and includes a nonfiction section explaining how Diwali is celebrated in different communities and religious traditions. The picture book was selected as Scholastic’s Book of the Month for ages 3–4 in October 2021 and was subsequently published in Canada in 2022 and the United States in 2023.

A board book edition of The Best Diwali Ever, featuring Chaaya Prabhat’s illustrations and adapted for younger readers, was published by Scholastic UK on 12 October 2023.