Once Upon a Diwali

Name: Once Upon a Diwali
Brand: Dreamscape Media
Availability: InStock
Author: Anita Mishra
ISBN: 9781666673265

Author: Anita Mishra

Series: Holidays in Our Home

Narrator: Sneha Mathan

Unabridged: 14 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Dreamscape Media

Published: 09/17/2024

Categories: Children's Fiction, Holiday Stories, Religious Stories, Fairy Tales

Synopsis

Riya loves Diwali for the tasty treats but not the darkness and loud fireworks. Can Riya be brave and find a way to celebrate Diwali with her family without being scared? Presented as a 'Once Upon a Time' bedtime story, children will learn the origin of Diwali and how it came to be a celebration of light over darkness and good over evil. Diwali is a five-day long celebration beginning from purchasing silver and gold items, to decorating the home with lights and candles, to preparing baked goods and visiting friends and family, to ending the holiday with fireworks and a celebration of siblings. Anita Mishra and Diah Chakraborty join together to represent their respective cultures as Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is celebrated around the world and across various religions including Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists.

About Anita Mishra

Anita Mishra was born in India, experiencing the diverse culture and traditions celebrated. As a kindergarten teacher, Anita is passionate about writing stories to entertain children and spark their imaginations.

About Diah Chakraborty

Diah Chakraborty calls charming Assam, India home. Diah paints vivid scenes bursting with colors and takes inspiration from childhood innocence, whimsical fantasies, and the comforting nostalgia that warms the soul.

About Sneha Mathan

Sneha Mathan is a voice actor and audiobook narrator. Her audiobook work has received several Earphones awards, and she is a two-time Audie Award finalist. Although she spent much of her childhood traveling and living in other parts of the world (including India and Africa), she is now based in Seattle.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Saty on August 25, 2024

Once Upon a Diwali is written in an engaging manner. It introduces the background of Diwali and also tells the reader the way it is celebrated now. Such a beautiful book. The illustrations are colorful and lively. Children will appreciate different traditions through this lovely book.......more

Goodreads review by Bailey on October 03, 2024

Once Upon A Diwali is a captivating, informative, cute, relatable, and brilliant book! This lovely story focuses on Riya who enjoys certain aspects of celebrating, especially the food, but doesn't want to watch fireworks or do anything in the dark. With a bit of compassionate understanding, reassura......more

Goodreads review by V on August 06, 2024

When Riya is not too keen on being outside after dark and would rather celebrate solely by eating her favorite trats, her mother explains the reasons for celebrating Diwali as they do. Readers experience the days of Diwali through Riya's eyes, learning different practices. Once Upon a Diwali is perf......more

Goodreads review by Stephanie on March 03, 2025

From Soaring Kite Books' Holidays in Our Home series of books, this one explains the origins and traditions associated with Diwali, or the Festival of Lights. It is celebrated by several religiopis groups including Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists. When Riya's family begins to observe each day of......more

Goodreads review by Our Weekend on October 12, 2024

Once Upon a Diwali is a beautiful picture book that teaches readers the customs and history of Diwali. Riya is a young girl excited to celebrate Diwali with her family. There are many traditions associated with the Festival of Lights, including eating sweet treats. One tradition that Riya is afraid......more

Quotes

[N]arrator [Sneha] Mathan perfectly embodies anxious young Riya with a sweet, higher pitch; imbues Mama with soft, patient kindness . . . [W]ith plenty of room for page-turns, libraries should offer both print and audio for an enlightening read-along.