Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 4--The latest addition to the "Celebrations & Festivals" series provides a colorful and informative glimpse into the five-day celebration of Diwali, the festival of lights, through the eyes of a young girl named Sonali and her little brother Jay. The story follows the siblings as they eagerly prepare to welcome their family for Diwali. From the delicious food they enjoy to the traditional clothing they wear and the activities they participate in, every aspect of the celebration is vividly depicted. The illustrations are engaging and capture the essence of Diwali, adding depth to the narrative. What sets this book apart is its inclusion of fact-based information about Diwali that sheds light on the significance of each day of the festival and how it is celebrated across different traditions and regions. Additionally, the book's back matter offers readers a chance to engage further with Diwali by providing a recipe for shrikhand, along with instructions for making a salt dough diva and Rangoli. This book adeptly explains and celebrates Diwali, making it a valuable resource for learning about this important cultural festival, but it is similar to other offerings. VERDICT For school libraries or teachers seeking a new resource to introduce students to Diwali, this book is an excellent choice. However, if the collection already includes books on Diwali, this is an additional purchase.--Peggy Henderson Murphy
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