THE BEST DIWALI EVER

A South Asian older sister comes to appreciate her little brother.

Ariana’s 3-year-old brother, Rafi, seems to ruin everything...will he spoil Diwali? Rafi spills flour on the floor while Ariana and her grandmother make sweets, gets messy handprints on Ariana’s new clothes, and interrupts the traditional dancers with his silly moves. While the adults explain Rafi’s antics away, Ariana focuses on the rangoli contest, which she is determined to win. After she completes her artwork, though, Rafi trips and spills powder all over what Ariana considered her perfect creation. Infuriated, Ariana bursts into tears only to discover that Rafi’s mistake was actually just what she needed to take her art—and her maturity—to the next level. The book’s gorgeous illustrations and chatty, feisty narratorial voice form a brightly colored canvas for Ariana’s realization about the traps of perfectionism. Shah includes helpful details for readers unfamiliar with Diwali, such as an explanation of how Ariana makes rangoli and backmatter with an overview of the holiday. The book wraps up with Ariana and Rafi watching fireworks, which are increasingly eschewed in Diwali celebrations because they cause pollution. Overall, though, this delightful book offers valuable lessons about flexibility and acceptance without ever becoming preachy. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A joyful Diwali celebration laced with messages that are important all year-round.