We independently select and share the products we love—and may receive a commission if you choose to buy.

Diwali children’s books are a wonderful way to learn about or observe a holiday that is recognized by millions of people all around the world.

Diwali is a Hindu festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil, and it’s also observed by many Sikh, Jain and Buddhist families. It’s called the “Festival of Lights” because part of the celebrations include lighting candles and clay lamps, called diyas, all over the house, symbolizing the light within. The festivities are spread out over five days filled with family, food and joy.

When is Diwali 2026?

When is Diwali 2026?

In 2026, the main day of Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, falls on Sunday, November 8. According to Almanac.com, Diwali centers on the darkest night of the lunar month, the new moon.

Here’s how the five days line up for families in the U.S.:

  • Friday, November 6: Dhanteras
  • Saturday, November 7: Choti Diwali
  • Sunday, November 8: Diwali (Lakshmi Puja)
  • Monday, November 9: Govardhan Puja
  • Tuesday, November 10: Bhai Dooj

Dates can shift by a day depending on your local time zone and the calendar your family or temple follows.

Diwali children’s books to add to your child’s story time rotation

Children’s books on Diwali cover all of the merry aspects of this special occasion. These stories are engaging and beautifully illustrated for little ones. Cultivating a diverse library for your kiddos can start with honoring the different traditions around the world. Check out these Diwali picture books that can help foster a love of different cultures and understanding in your child.

baby's first diwali book

Familiar favorites to mark the tradition and bright images create an engaging board book for little ones.

Ages: 0-2

diwali lights book

Beautiful images and lyrical prose come together in this lovely board book.

Ages: 0-2

diwali book

Learn alongside your little one with this charming board book teaches all about the magic of the season.

Ages: 0-4

Diwali Festival of Lights - Motherly

This Little Golden Book walks little ones through earthen oil lamps, rangoli floor art, marigolds and festive dishes, all in the classic gold-spined format parents grew up with.

Ages: 2-5

Peppa and her family learn all about the Festival of Lights as Mummy and Daddy Pig prepare a feast and Granny and Grandpa Pig arrive with special outfits for the party. An easy entry point for preschoolers who already love the show. 

Ages: 3-5

5 days of diwali book

Maya, Neal and their cute little squirrel are learning about five days of festivities in this engaging picture book.

Ages: 2-6

archie celebrates diwali book

Archie invites her friends to her family’s annual Diwali party in this picture book that teaches little ones all about the festival.

Ages: 3-7

Diwali in My New Home by Shachi Kaushik illustrated by Aishwarya Tandon - Motherly

Priya has just moved to the U.S. and misses celebrating with family in India. With lights, rangoli and a little help from her neighbors, she learns Diwali can look different and still feel like home. A sweet pick for families far from where they grew up.

Ages: 3-7

One Diwali Day by Dev Kothari illustrated by Aditi Anand - Motherly

Ronak is worried his big sister won’t make it home in time for the family’s Diwali rituals. This warm story, the first in Candlewick’s Festivals of the World series, pairs lights, sweets and fireworks with the jittery anticipation every kid knows, and ends with Diwali craft ideas. 

Ages: 4-6

shubh diwali book

Read along as the characters light the lamps and get ready to ring in the new year, in this book that celebrates the Festival of Lights.

Ages: 4-7

Rama and the Demon King An Ancient Tale From India - Motherly

A beautifully illustrated retelling of the classic Ramayana story, highlighting the triumph of good over evil—central to Diwali celebrations.

Ages: 4-8

binny's diwali book

Binny shares all of the sweetness of her family’s traditions with her classmates in this lovely children’s book on Diwali.

Ages: 4-8

the light within you

Diya is excited to be back in India, visiting her grandmother and preparing for Diwali together. But all too soon the trip will come to end and Diya will have to face saying goodbye.

Ages: 4-8

My Diwali Light by Raakhee Mirchandani illustrated by Supriya Kelkar - Motherly

Devi wears her red bindi, eats samosas, makes mithai and rangoli with her Papa and paints diyas with her nani in this joyful story of one family’s Diwali traditions, told through Kelkar’s vivid collage art. 

Ages: 4-8

simba's first diwali

Simba was recently adopted by a family that celebrates Diwali and now he is about to experience his first festival. Read along as this little pup has one grand Diwali adventure.

Ages: 3 – 6

the best diwali

In this heartwarming tale of sibling love, Ariana and Rafi are excited to celebrate Diwali with their family. Ariana can’t wait to join in on family holiday traditions and it’ll be the best one yet if her little brother doesn’t get in the way.

Ages: 4 – 6

Amma, Tell Me About Diwali!

This engaging picture book follows a curious child asking questions about Diwali, while the mother shares traditions, stories, and the meaning behind the festival.

Ages: 5-9

Lets Learn About Ramayana The Story of Diwali - Motherly

Join Maya, Neel, and their playful squirrel Chintu as they hear the dazzling story of King Ram, Queen Sita, and the ten-headed demon Ravan. This colorful retelling of the Ramayana introduces children to the epic tale behind Diwali, highlighting the triumph of good over evil.

Ages: 5-9

A Kids Book About Diwali by Chhavi Arya Bhargava - Motherly

Part of the A Kids Book About series, this one explains the five days of Diwali, the story of Rama defeating Ravana and how kids of any background can take part. The big, bold text and direct tone work well for school-age kids who want the why behind the lights. 

Ages: 5-9

A version of this post was published October 10, 2022. It has been updated.