This Diwali will be unlike any other we’ve had in the past century. Many of us may not be able to travel home to families or unfortunately suffered the loss of family members, especially elderly ones who were our source of inspiration and classic tales of mythology for children. While nothing can repair the loss and the grimness of these unprecedented times, we’ve curated a small list of books that you could use for your children or recommend it to friends and family who would want to acquaint their kids with the glory of Diwali. After-all Diwali is the celebration of victory of good over evil. We hope all our readers and community members come out of this pandemic - happy and healthy.
Amma, Tell Me About Diwali!
by Bhakti Mathur
"Amme Tell Me" is a charming and informative series of children's books that introduces the major Hindu festivals and figures to young readers, and are perfect for families wanting to share stories of Hinduism with their children or for educators looking for resource on the Hindu culture for their students. Written in rhyme with vivid, captivating illustrations, this series brings Hindu mythology to its readers in a fun and non-preachy way. The Series has ten books on the festivals of Holi, Diwali, and on the Hindu gods Krishna, Hanuman and Ganesha.
Diwali: A Cultural Adventure
by Sana Sood
An introduction to why Diwali is celebrated, for young readers.
Prince of Fire: The Story of Diwali
by Jatinder Nath Verma
Action-packed from start to finish, this dramatic new chapter book version of India's great epic, The Ramayana, will have boys and girls alike on the edge of their seats. Full-color illustrations throughout vividly bring the story of Diwali to life, while courageous heroes and dastardly villains make Prince of Fire the perfect choice for any child with a love of adventure.
Krishna and Narakasura (Amar Chitra Katha)
by Kamala Chandrakant
Indra was at his wit's end, the impertinent demon Narakasura had stolen his mother's earrings! Lord Krishna, always helpful, agreed to confront the enemy. But seated on Garuda, his trusty eagle and accompanied by the gentle Satyabhama, would Krishna be able to overcome Narakasura's formidable defences? Would his gleaming discus ever find its mark? This is the story of why the first of four days of Diwali, the Festival of Lights is named after Naraka!
Ramayana: Divine Loophole
by Sanjay Patel
One of Hindu mythology's best-loved and most enduring tales gets a modern touch: Artist and veteran Pixar animator Sanjay Patel lends a lush, whimsical illustration style and lighthearted voice to one of Hindu mythology's best-loved and most enduring tales. Teeming with powerful deities, love-struck monsters, flying monkey gods, magic weapons, demon armies, and divine love, Ramayana: Divine Loophole tells the story of Rama, a god-turned-prince, and his quest to rescue his wife Sita after she is kidnapped by a demon king. Sanjay Patel is the author of The Little Book of Hindu Deities while an animator and storyboard artist for Pixar Animation Studios, he worked on numerous films, including Monsters, Inc. ; A Bug's Life; Toy Story 2; Ratatouille; The Incredibles; and Toy Story 3. His short film Sanjay's Super Team was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film
