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“Nair’s jewel-toned illustrations, sprinkled with dots of light, reinforce the text’s essential themes and its core bond between two family members who share a special connection and light each other up.”

—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“Mehra and Nair are exhaustive in creating the atmosphere, providing: descriptions of the preparations for the festival; cute drawings of food, with accurate food names that provide instant appeal for snack-loving children and adults; illustrations of bazaars and buildings that could inspire classroom connections to geography and architecture; and more. There is a little something for all readers…”

—School Library Journal, Starred Review

The Light Within You

Written by Namita Moolani Mehra
Illustrated by Kamala Nair
Published by Two Lions

A celebration of family love and the light we share with the world.

Diya is excited to be going to India for Diwali, the Festival of Lights. That means she’ll get to spend time with Nani, her beloved grandma, who she hasn’t seen since her family moved from India. Now India is 7,850 miles away…

Once Diya arrives in India, she immediately feels at home with Nani. Together they go shopping at the bazaar and prepare for the festival. As Diya and Nani celebrate Diwali together, Diya’s heart soars. But all too soon, her trip will come to an end. Is there a way for Diya to take some of the light and magic of Diwali with her when she leaves?

Primary ISBN: 9781542039123
Publication Date: September 2023
Available As: Hardcover
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States, India

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant, Home Country

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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