A review by mehsi
Diwali in My New Home by Shachi Kaushik

4.5

 

I received this book from the author in exchange of an honest review.

I am always interested in reading about other cultures, other holidays, other celebrations, and I am excited that we are getting more and more books with that. Like this one which is all about Diwali, which took place yesterday and the days before that. So I hope that everyone celebrating Diwali has had an amazing Diwali.

In this gorgeous picture book we meet a little girl named Priya! She is all ready to celebrate Diwali, normally this is a big big party for her with lights, decorations, and family, but what if you have moved to another country, a country without Diwali? There won’t be special decorations, no prep for the festival. I am guessing that this time Diwali fell in the month of November? Right after Halloween or a bit after it, that would explain why there is nothing of decorations, if Diwali had fallen (like this year) in October I would have thought the streets wouldn’t be dull and boring, haha, I know the US and I know that they are bonkers about Halloween and decorate an masse. I know that this is not the same as Diwali, but at least there would have been lights and fun things. Back to the story! We see that Priya is sad, but thankfully her mom is there making yummy food and getting everything ready for Diwali. They may be in a strange country, but Diwali is going to be celebrated! I loved seeing Priya become more happy with each day that passed, and I also love seeing neighbours come together and be willing to help out and be part of the celebrations. It was such a happy ending and I was just smiling and wishing I could be part (though probably not eating anything as I did some more research on the foods and a lot of things are with nuts), but I can at least chat, enjoy the lights, light a sparkler.

I loved that each page showed a new bit of Diwali. From cleaning the home, to making food, to praying, to welcoming guests, to lighting all the lights, it was so beautiful.

I love the extras at the end, some more information on Diwali + a glossary!

The art, well, as I said it is gorgeous. I really love the style + the colours used.

I would HIGHLY recommend this book to all. I am so happy that more books about Diwali are being published, it is such a wonderful festival/tradition. 

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/