BIPOC Narratives, Culture & Traditions, Global Community, Indian Culture and Traditions, Indian Family & Culture, Religion & Spiritual Practices

Shubh Diwali!

Posted by lockehardy on

Written by: Chitra Soundar

Illustrated by: Charlene Chua

For ages: 3-5 years

Language: English & some Hindi (more is in the Diwali information after the story)

Topics Covered: Culture & Traditions, Celebration, Global Community, Hindu, Religion, India, Indian Culture, POC-Centric Narratives.

Summary: Shubh Diwali is a short rhyming book introducing Diwali and the celebrations that accompany the 5 day festival.  The plot follows the preparations of a family getting ready for Diwali, and then celebrating with their friends and neighbors.

The family cleans the house, make beautiful Rangoli art on the floors, and get new clothes.  The adorable illustrations show a diverse neighborhood celebrating together, gathering in the streets to share treats and watch fireworks.  In the back is an author’s note talking about her own experience celebrating Diwali while growing up in southern India.  There are also more detailed explanations of each of the 5 days of Diwali, and a short glossary of the Hindi words used throughout the book. This book is super cute, and I love the illustration style. A great introduction to the holiday for young readers unfamiliar with Diwali!

About the Author & the Illustrator:

IMG_7719-768x512Chitra Soundar is a closet clown, consummate liar, writer, teacher and storyteller. As a kid, she has danced in a Bollywood movie, acted on stage with her neighbourhood friends and disliked Maths because it never added up. Chitra grew up on a wholesome diet of stories from Indian myths and epics. Born in the coastal city Chennai, in India, she now lives in London, England. She has over 30 books in print worldwide. In the UK she’s published by Lantana Publishing, Otter-Barry Books, Walker Books and Red Robin Books. In the US, she’s published by Candlewick Press and her other books are distributed by Karadi Tales USA and Lerner Publishing.

e75c0979-c3c5-44cf-b469-7a5f0d88c782_rw_1200Charlene Chua (pronounced: CHOO-ah)  has illustrated many things over the years for kids of all ages.  Her illustration work has won several awards, while books she has illustrated have been nominated for the Shining Willow Award, Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards, and Kirkus Best Middle-Grade books. 
Charlene is also working on her author/illustrator debut, Hug?, which will be published by Kids Can Press in 2020.
Charlene was born and grew up in Singapore, and moved to Canada in 2007. She started work in 1998 as a web designer, and went on to become a senior designer, web producer and interactive project manager.  However, what she really wanted to do was draw pictures all day. In 2003, she decided to give it a go, and after a few years, she became a full-time illustrator.
When she is not making art, she enjoys cooking, reading, and playing with her cats. She now lives with her husband (and cats!) in Hamilton, Ontario.

Leave a Reply