Review by Booklist Review
This new addition to the Orca Origins series on global traditions provides a remarkably comprehensive look at the origins of the Hindu festival of lights, integrating personal narratives, immigration histories, recipes, and activism. Diwali is celebrated around the world with routines that include decorating the home, praying, visiting friends and family, sharing specially prepared sweets (ladoo, burfi, mithai), and finally, lighting lamps to signify the prevalence of light over darkness. Readers will learn that Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs all over India and across the globe, and that holiday traditions have been modified in amazing ways. For example, there are parades in New York City, mango-covered donuts sold at Dunkin' Donuts, and art projects organized from the children in the slums of Mumbai. The intimate tone and vibrant photographs make this book an enjoyable and informative read from start to finish. Younger readers will love the photographs, and older ones will appreciate the joy and concept of a celebration of light.--Chaudhri, Amina Copyright 2016 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-6-A standout volume on Diwali, the Festival of Lights. In simple, clear sentences, Singh recounts the mythic origins of Diwali, while conveying the fun and values behind it. She describes how the holiday is celebrated around the world (even explaining where it's not observed) and recent trends like the westernization of mithai sweets by companies like Dunkin' Donuts. Personal stories from Singh and others emphasize the holiday's emotional resonance. Every page has one or more photos, bright with light and color. Singh explains that while there are no specific dishes that are served on Diwali, most meals are vegetarian and filling. Recipes for saffron coconut burfi, cucumber raita, and more are included. Most vocabulary words (avatar) are explained parenthetically on first use, though no pronunciation help is offered. In addition, Singh also explores how the Indian diaspora celebrates Diwali, including a chapter on the history of Indian immigration to North America. VERDICT An excellent introduction to Diwali and Indian culture, highly recommended for all geography collections.-Patricia D. Lothrop, formerly at St. George's School, Newport, RI © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
This book successfully expresses that Diwali is celebrated differently around the world. Hindu, Jain, and Sikh Diwali traditions are represented through photographs of celebrations, related legends, included recipes, and anecdotal narratives about real people. Though losing focus as it attempts to cover related topics such as Indian immigration, the book offers in-depth depictions of cultural and religious practices. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2017. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
