A Sweet Diwali

Raina is excited to celebrate Diwali, a Hindu holiday that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Along with her family and her best friend, Lion (a little dog with a big sweet tooth!), Raina helps prepare for the celebration. She decorates the house with clay lamps called diyas, makes beautiful rangoli designs with sand, watches colorful fireworks, and shares sweet treats with Lion. It’s a Diwali to remember! 

A Sweet Diwali focuses on Raina and her dog Lion as they enjoy the festival of Diwali. The first few pages establish Raina’s relationship with Lion before transitioning to preparing for Diwali, which includes cleaning the house, drawing a rangoli, and dressing up for the special day. The end of the book shows Raina and her family celebrating the festival. Lion stays by Raina’s side throughout the day. 

The book is a sweet story about enjoying the festival with family. The story introduces words associated with Diwali, such as “clay lamps called diyas” and sweets like “diamond katlis and square burfees.” Not all of these words are defined in the text, but readers can use context clues and illustrations to understand them. For example, when the text discusses the food, Raina is looking at a table full of the special treats. 

A Sweet Diwali is part of the Step into Reading Level Two Series, which targets readers in preschool through first grade. Each page features one to four short sentences in large font, making it an easy read. The book uses basic vocabulary and familiar words to create a simple story. Every page includes full-page illustrations of Raina and Lion. The illustrations use bright colors and focus on the characters’ facial expressions to help readers understand their emotions.  

Young readers will enjoy learning about Diwali through the eyes of Raina and Lion, who appear on every page. When the fireworks start, Lion hides under the bed. To comfort the dog, Raina puts “doggy earmuffs on him.” When Lion eats too many laddoos, Raina “carries him to bed. She reads him a story. Soon, he feels better.” Another positive aspect is that Raina’s family works together to make the festival a special day. While the story highlights the importance of Diwali, readers who are not familiar with the festival will still enjoy meeting Raina’s family and her dog. To learn more about the Festival of Lights, pair A Sweet Diwali with My Diwali Light by Raakhee Mirchandani.  

Sexual Content  

• None

Violence  

• None

Drugs and Alcohol  

• None 

Language  

• None 

Supernatural 

• None

Spiritual Content  

• As Raina’s family prepares for the festival, the text says, “Today is Diwali. Diwali is a festival of light. It is a reminder to choose light over darkness.” 
• One illustration shows the family praying. The text says, “The family offers prayers. Papa rings the worship bell. Mummy gives the sacred sweet. It is called prasaad.”