Diwali in My New Home

by Shachi Kaushik, Aishwarya Tandon (Illustrator)

Overview

Priya loves being with family and friends to watch fireworks and celebrate Diwali. But this year Priya and her parents are living in the United States, and no one seems to know about the holiday. Priya misses the traditions in India. But as she strings lights outside and creates rangoli art, Priya introduces the festival of lights to her neighbors. And even though the celebration is different this year, it's still Diwali.

A heartwarming story of celebrating in a new place and sharing the Hindu festival of lights with those unfamiliar with the holiday.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781506484075
Publisher:	Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
Publication date:	09/27/2022
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	414,108
Product dimensions:	8.30(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	AD730L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Shachi Kaushik is a children's media enthusiast, writer, and storyteller. Part of the Children's Media Industry, she creates content for children that is entertaining, enlightening, and educational. Raised in India, Shachi currently lives in Vancouver with her husband.

Aishwarya Tandon is an illustrator and cartoonist. She holds a bachelor of science and an Honors degree in animation and multimedia from the Birla Institute of Technology. Aishwarya lives in India.

Editorial Reviews

"From drawing colorful rangolis to cleaning the house to welcome the goddess Lakshmi to lighting the clay lamps, the book offers an easy-to-understand explanation of the festival. The text is simple and unfussy, complemented by illustrations in a similar vein." —Kirkus

"Joyful and heart-warming, Diwali In My New Home is sure to be a favorite for all ages. It is full of vibrant colors and skillful illustrations that will have you captivated by every page. It is the perfect choice for beginner readers and especially for immigrant children who are missing home." —Indo American News

"This book is a great representation of the power of sharing your family's cultural with new friends." —Common Sense Media

"This charming picture book deftly introduces the various rituals of Diwali in an appropriate way for young readers . . . Although there are few words on the page, which is perfect for beginners, the illustrated background of her bedroom has plenty of visual cues about Priya's identity that close readers will notice and enjoy. . . . the author introduces a diverse cast of characters into what becomes a blended Indian-American celebration that highlights the way difference doesn't have to be less or more, just different." —School Library Journal

From the Publisher

10/28/2022

PreS-Gr 2—This charming picture book deftly introduces the various rituals of Diwali in an appropriate way for young readers, while touching only briefly upon the religious aspects of the festival. The book opens with a view of Priya, a smiling South Asian American girl, holding up a colorful beaded fabric. Although there are few words on the page, which is perfect for beginners, the illustrated background of her bedroom has plenty of visual cues about Priya's identity that close readers will notice and enjoy. For instance, there is a South Asian doll on Priya's bed, a Taj Mahal poster on her wall, and her traditional dress hangs from her closet door. Readers will also enjoy the sly nod to Priya's new American lifestyle—her name in rainbow sticker decals, a floral backpack on the floor, sneakers discarded, and bedroom slippers on her feet. This opening image sets the stage for the story: Priya's confusion about her new bicultural identity and, for the first time, having to live away from India for Diwali, while trying to maintain that connection. Throughout the story, the author introduces a diverse cast of characters into what becomes a blended Indian-American celebration that highlights the way difference doesn't have to be less or more, just different. Back matter includes a glossary and an author's note describing the holiday. VERDICT An excellent recommendation for a class read-aloud, with frequent pauses or second reading to analyze the detailed pictures.—Evelyn Khoo Schwartz

School Library Journal

2022-06-22
A girl finds new ways to celebrate a beloved festival.

Diwali is Priya’s favorite holiday, but things feel different now that she’s no longer in India. It’s quiet, and as she looks out the window, she reminisces about past celebrations of Diwali, which were infused with color and noise. But as her mother gets ready for the festival in their new home, Priya feels her spirits rise. The preparations attract the attention of neighbors, whom Priya and her family welcome into their home to join in the celebrations. From drawing colorful rangolis to cleaning the house to welcome the goddess Lakshmi to lighting the clay lamps, the book offers an easy-to-understand explanation of the festival. The text is simple and unfussy, complemented by illustrations in a similar vein. Though the ending, with Priya’s family celebrating in their new community, is sweet, it feels abrupt; there’s little context about the new neighborhood, and readers aren’t introduced to the guests. The result is a gentle yet pat tale. Priya and her family are Indian; their neighbors vary in terms of ethnicity, ability, and body type. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A book about Diwali that doesn’t quite crackle. (information about Diwali, glossary) (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews