One Diwali Day: Festivals of the World

Join Ronak and his family for the Hindu festival of bright blessings in this heartwarming story of sibling love and friendship.

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights and enlightenment, is a joyous occasion. There are rangolis to draw with colorful powders and chalk, new outfits to wear, delicious sweets to eat, visits from friends and family, and fireworks that light up the night. Only one thing dims Ronak’s enjoyment: wondering if his big sister Dadi will make it home in time to share in all the rituals and special details of the evening. Once she arrives, Ronak’s heart can rejoice fully and shine brilliantly. This warm, beautifully illustrated first story in a young series about festivals ends with Diwali-themed craft activities for readers.

Dev Kothari grew up in a sleepy hamlet near Mumbai, where she read obsessively, wrote furtively, and daydreamed endlessly. In 2018, she won the Commonword Diversity Young Adult Fiction Prize, then went on to earn an MA in writing for young people at Bath Spa University. Bringing Back Kay-Kay was her debut novel. Dev Kothari lives in North London.

Aditi Anand, an illustrator from India, was the winner of a Picture This! Illustration competition in the UK. She says, “My work passionately reflects my origins. I love working with mixed media and am drawn to stories with strong emotional undertones. I enjoy being indoors, sipping chai, and drawing everyday life in my sketchbook.” Aditi Anand lives in Cambridgeshire, England.