FICTION

A Sweet Diwali

by Harshita Jerath (text) & illus. by Geeta Ladi
Random. (Step into Reading). Oct. 2024. 32p. Tr $14.99. ISBN 9780593706763; pap. $5.99. ISBN 9780593706756.
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PreS-Gr 1–A day in the life of a girl and her dog includes a special element: This day happens to be Diwali. For readers unaware of this festival of lights, the book is both a leveled reader and a serviceable introduction to the celebration. Choosing light over darkness, the theme of the holiday, is reinforced by the bright, cheerful illustrations and the warmth of the relationship between Raina and her best pal, Lion. The story line is slight, with Lion overeating and Raina nursing him back to health. However, the abundance of vocabulary surrounding Diwali will satisfy children familiar with these cultural traditions and broaden the understanding of others. A pronunciation guide is included, though a glossary is not. Most terms are nicely supported by context or picture clues.
VERDICT Purchase where there is a need for introductory readers or holiday resources for the younger crowd.
Reviewed by Gloria Koster , Jul 26, 2024

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