Picture Books About Diwali Including Lights for Gita
Lights for Gita written by Rachna Gilmore and illustrated by Alice Priestley
Picture book about Diwali and a child’s experience as a new immigrant published by Second Story Press
When Gita arrives home from school, she is excited to celebrate Diwali. She fondly remembers how Diwali was celebrated in New Delhi. She recalls large family celebrations that included glowing diyas, delicious sweets (perras and jallebies) and brilliant fireworks.
Gita has invited five friends from her class to celebrate Diwali with her family but a sudden ice storm means that most of her friends are not able to come. Gita and her mother light the diyas just before the electricity in the apartment fails. Darkness envelopes the street and the apartment building except for the shining diyas. When Gita sees one of her friends arriving at the apartment building, she rushes outside to meet her. She is overjoyed to step outside into an icy wonderland.
Lights for Gita provides an explanation of many of the traditions associated with Diwali. As well, it is a thoughtful look at the adjustments faced by new immigrants when living in a new country.
Rachna Gilmore’s Teacher’s Guide for Lights for Gita
Note – in Lights for Gita, the author refers to ‘Divali.’ The Festival of Lights is also called ‘Diwali.’
For additional information about Diwali…
Celebrations in My World – Diwali written by Kate Torpie
Children’s book about Diwali published by Crabtree Publishing Company
Generously illustrated with photographs, Celebrations in my World – Diwali explores the Hindu holiday, also known as the ‘festival of lights.’ Photographs and text explain Diwali decorations (including rangoli), dancing (Garba), desserts (includes a recipe for Chocolate Barfi), symbols and clothing (dhoti kurta, henna tattoos). One two-page spread provides information about Hinduism and another explains Rama’s victory. Celebrations in my World – Diwali includes a table of contents and a glossary.
Diwali (Celebrations in My World) at Amazon.com
Diwali (Celebrations in My World) at Amazon.ca
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