Need Diwali picture books?

Diwali offers a vibrant celebration filled with stories of light, tradition, and community, and picture books are a wonderful way to share these tales with young readers. They help students connect with the customs and spirit of the Festival of Lights, making cultural exploration both fun and accessible.

As a 3rd grade teacher, I understand the importance of finding resources that bring diverse holidays to life in relatable and engaging ways for curious young minds.

These Diwali picture books are fantastic tools for introducing students to the holiday, whether they’re learning about it for the first time or eager to explore its rich traditions further.

The List of Diwali Picture Books for Kids

It’s Diwali

It’s Diwali follows a family as they prepare for and celebrate the Festival of Lights, engaging in traditions like cleaning, lighting diyas, and sharing festive foods. Through lively illustrations and simple text, the story introduces readers to Diwali’s significance and the joy it brings.

This book is a wonderful read-aloud for elementary students due to its vibrant illustrations and rhythmic storytelling, which captivate young listeners. The book offers a gentle introduction to Diwali’s traditions, making it accessible for those unfamiliar with the holiday while celebrating its universal themes of family, light, and joy.

Suggested Use in an Diwali Lesson:
After reading, discuss with students the different Diwali traditions mentioned in the book. You could have them create their own diyas from clay or paper and write about what they would celebrate, connecting personal reflections to Diwali’s themes. This activity reinforces cultural understanding while fostering creativity.

Check it out HERE.

Lighting A Lamp

Lighting a Lamp introduces readers to Diwali by showcasing the customs and activities a family engages in during the festival. The book highlights preparations like decorating with rangoli, lighting lamps, and sharing sweets, offering a warm look at Diwali traditions.

This book makes an excellent read-aloud for elementary students because of its simple language and colorful illustrations that bring the holiday’s customs to life. It’s a gentle way to introduce young students to Diwali, emphasizing family, joy, and celebration.

Suggested Use in an Diwali Lesson:
After reading, students can explore the significance of light in Diwali by decorating paper lamps or making their own rangoli designs. Discuss the various customs from the story, and encourage students to reflect on their own family traditions, promoting both cultural appreciation and personal connection.

Check it out HERE.

Shubh Diwali

Shubh Diwali! takes readers through a lively celebration of Diwali, showing how a family prepares for the festival by cleaning, cooking, decorating, and lighting fireworks. The book offers a colorful journey through the many vibrant traditions that make Diwali special.

This book is a fantastic read-aloud for elementary students due to its engaging rhymes and vivid illustrations. It beautifully captures the excitement of Diwali, making the holiday’s customs both accessible and entertaining for young listeners.

Suggested Use in an Diwali Lesson:
Following the read-aloud, have students discuss the different customs from the book. They can create their own Diwali cards or draw their favorite parts of the festival, helping them connect with the story. This activity can spark conversations about the importance of cultural celebrations and family tradition.

Check it out HERE.

Need A Resource on a Winter Holiday?

Celebrate Winter Holidays Around the World in Your Classroom! Explore My Resources for Teaching Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, and More. With picture books, engaging activities, and interactive lessons, I have everything you need to make learning about these diverse holidays fun and meaningful for your students!

You can also read my blog post on how to teach winter holidays around the world!

• Winter Holidays Around the World Coloring Sheets
• Winter Holidays Around the World No-Prep Math Worksheets
• Winter Holidays Around the World Reading Comprehension Color-By-Numbers

I hope this list of picture books brings excitement and curiosity to your classroom as you explore Diwali. Teaching kids about the Festival of Lights and its rich cultural traditions can be a rewarding experience, and these engaging stories help bring the celebration to life in a fun and memorable way.

If you have any favorite books or activities for teaching about Diwali, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Let’s continue supporting each other as we inspire our students to discover and appreciate diverse cultural celebrations. We’ve got this!

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