Garland of lights

As a holiday and counting book as well as a story of family and friends, Sondar's cheery picture book is a pleasant read for children celebrating Diwali and those just eager to learn more about the autumn festival of lights observed by Hindus (and other groups) in India and around the world. While tallying the number of diyas (small clay lamps traditionally lit to brighten homes) in a rhyming text, Sondar concentrates on the celebration's meaning: a time to clean house, be thankful, let go of bad feelings, and honor elders. Meanwhile, Huq's illustrations, rich with color and detail, tell the story of a family gathering with a multicultural group of friends, to eat, admire rangoli (a sidewalk art using a type of rice flower), play, watch fireworks, and greet a new year. Children will want to spot all the lights on each page and note details like a sister's cochlear implant, the rich ornamentation of saris and jackets, pom pom festoons, and treats served up to all. A fun intro useful for collections showcasing rich cultures around the world.

A Diwali-themed counting book. In this rhyming tale, a brown-skinned, South Asian family lights a series of lamps honoring different aspects of the holiday. One lamp is lit for "the goddess of wealth," who will hopefully bring the household prosperity in the form of "wisdom and health." Two lamps are lit to show gratitude for the sun and the moon, while three lamps are for forgiveness, four lamps express appreciation for elders, five lamps "mark the five days of cheer," and six lamps are for a traditional art form called rangoli. As the book progresses, the illustrations show the family lighting sparklers, eating sweets, and singing hymns. On the final pages, they thank the monsoons, watch fireworks, and ring in the new year, all while surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors who are diverse in terms of skin tone, hair texture, age, and ability; one of the children uses a hearing aid. An author's note explains the role of Diwali to Hindu people, as well as the variations in the origins and traditions associated with the holiday. The story's sweetly spare text accompanies vibrantly detailed illustrations that make masterful use of patterns and light. While the language is overall poetic, the rhymes can feel awkward and forced at times. Generally, though, it's a beautiful introduction to a complex, widely celebrated holiday. An inclusive, cleverly structured look at Diwali. (Picture book. 3-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.