Lights in Autumn

Garland of Lights: A Diwali Story – written by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Amberin Huq
Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2024

Garland of Lights using a counting book format to inform readers about the essentials of Diwali, the Hindu celebration, shared by some other Asian religions, that commemorates the end of the summer harvest and the transition to a new season.  The intergenerational emphasis, lush colors by Amberin Huq, and enthusiastic text by Chitra Soundar, will resonate with young readers, whether they are already familiar with the festival or come to the book with little knowledge of Hindu observance.

Each two-page spread begins with a numeral and a number of lamps associated with one aspect of Diwali.  Italicized text emphasis an important concept in terms accessible to children.  The first lamp represents the goddess of wealth, and her significance in offering blessings of wisdom and health. Three lamps signal a personal and communal obligation to heal conflicts. Seven lamps remind readers of hospitality, and eight lamps correspond to the festive fireworks display lighting up the night.  The book’s backmatter includes and essential explanation of the festival and a glossary; adults might choose to share this with children before beginning to read the book.

Light is the central concept of the book, and the illustrations reflect this in bright jewel tones. Different skin and hair colors of the holiday’s celebrants, as well as the broad span of ages, make an appealing package. The overall effect of turning the pages, reading the words, and enjoying the images, adds up to immersion in the festival’s multifaceted practices.

In the scene for six lamps, the rangoli, floor decoration, crosses the book’s gutter, and displays the lamps. Each lamp is separated from the others by enough space to emphasize its difference.  Babies, children, and young and old adults span the picture in a semi-circle; like the lamps, each person’s clothing is a different bright color. The grandmother’s deep red dress is surrounded by emerald-green, sky blue, and magenta outfits of her family members.

The holiday of Diwali encompasses a number of seasonal, religious, and historical events and beliefs.  A Garland of Lights strings together and illuminates several of them with graceful words and pictures.