We Are the Light: A Story of Diwali

In this evocative picture book, award-winning author Rajani LaRocca and newcomer Sayan Mukherjee illustrate the traditions leading up to the holiday.

We are the light—

the light of good that defeats evil,

the light of knowledge that illuminates ignorance,

the light that dispels darkness.

With beautifully spare text and vibrant artwork, this book takes readers through the rituals of the Hindu festival of lights by following three different, contemporary families who come together at the end. Rajani LaRocca, who has won numerous accolades for her picture books, touches on the religious foundation of Diwali in a way that is accessible to all. This celebration of Diwali’s traditions captures the power of community and the radiant light of the holiday.

Rajani LaRocca was born in India, raised in Kentucky, and now lives in Massachusetts, where she practices medicine and writes award-winning books for young readers, including the Newbery Honor–winning novel in verse, Red, White, and Whole. She’s always been an omnivorous reader, and now she is an omnivorous writer of novels and picture books, fiction and nonfiction, in prose and poetry. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, she lives outside Boston with her family. Visit her at rajanilarocca.com.

Sayan Mukherjee is a story illustrator, muralist, character designer, and visual storyteller born and raised in India. Deeply fascinated by the role of art in the art of storytelling, he found himself naturally drawn into the world of illustration, where images become narratives and colors become voices. After several years shaping stories within the advertising world, Sayan ventured into an independent creative path to pursue this passion more fully. Working with bold, vibrant colors and expressive forms, he creates vivid imagery that captures the rhythm and movement of life that inspires him most. His art blends everyday moments with a sense of wonder, transforming them into compelling visual narratives. Over the years, Sayan has collaborated with a diverse range of clients, including Google, Nike, Penguin Books, Hachette Books, Scholastic India, HarperCollins, Adobe and Coke among many others. His work spans murals, editorial illustrations, book covers, character design, and immersive visual experiences. Today, Sayan continues to explore the limitless possibilities of visual storytelling, bringing characters, cultures, and ideas to life, one vibrant stroke at a time.