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The Diwali Gift
1 2 3 Whatever Could It Be? Join the 3 Curious Monkeys Suno, Dekho and Jaano as they discover the most auspicious, wonderful Diwali Gift! When a mysterious package arrives just in time for Diwali, the three friends can hardly contain their excitement! Sparklers? Bangles? Diyas? Whatever could it be? Discover the most special gift of all in this tale of tradition, curiosity, and fun!
48 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
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85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 4, 2018
Diwali is a Holiday on November 7th this year with the new moon.
I found this little book about it. 3 little monkeys get a gift from their grandmother or Dadima as they call her. It is a surprised addressed to all 3 friends, not just the owner of the house. The monkeys try and decide what the gift is. Turns out, it is coins to make their wishes come true on Diwali when placed on the sacred food tray or Pooja Thali.
The art was bright and cheerful and the monkeys were energetic like my niblings. I teased them about being in the story. They didn't think it was funny. The kids were curious about this book and why the differences.
In the note from the author they do talk about the ceremony which I shared with the kids. This is about the "victory of light over darkness, knowledge of ignorance (we desperately need this right now.), good over evil, and hope over despair"( I could use a large helping of this currently). It is held on the full moon. This is also the end of their financial year and the hopes for a new prosperous beginning. It "commemorates the last harvest of the year before winter". It's a 'Thanksgiving'.
The kids thought it was a fun story and they were interested in the different culture. They both gave it 4 stars. I thought it was a fun little story for beginners who are curious about other cultures or children who practice this festival. I learned something about it too.
I found this little book about it. 3 little monkeys get a gift from their grandmother or Dadima as they call her. It is a surprised addressed to all 3 friends, not just the owner of the house. The monkeys try and decide what the gift is. Turns out, it is coins to make their wishes come true on Diwali when placed on the sacred food tray or Pooja Thali.
The art was bright and cheerful and the monkeys were energetic like my niblings. I teased them about being in the story. They didn't think it was funny. The kids were curious about this book and why the differences.
In the note from the author they do talk about the ceremony which I shared with the kids. This is about the "victory of light over darkness, knowledge of ignorance (we desperately need this right now.), good over evil, and hope over despair"( I could use a large helping of this currently). It is held on the full moon. This is also the end of their financial year and the hopes for a new prosperous beginning. It "commemorates the last harvest of the year before winter". It's a 'Thanksgiving'.
The kids thought it was a fun story and they were interested in the different culture. They both gave it 4 stars. I thought it was a fun little story for beginners who are curious about other cultures or children who practice this festival. I learned something about it too.
November 2, 2019
I didn't really know anything about Diwali before reading this book. I know a little more now, but I still feel like I couldn't really explain it to someone else, unfortunately.
Three little monkeys (Suno, Dekho, and Jaano) find a package from Suno's grandmother. They speculate about what could be inside. At the end, the secret is revealed and the holiday is celebrated.
The illustrations are really cute (I especially like the monkeys' iBanana laptop). There is one part of the book that did give me pause, though, and that was with the bangles. It comes across as a little bit of a gender stereotype (probably because I don't understand the significance of the bangles, or why boys wouldn't want them). I wish that had been explained, or at least included in the glossary stating that they're traditionally for women. There is a decent glossary at the back, along with some information about Diwali. I thought that info was a little too necessary, however; I would've liked to see more of it included in the story itself so that the book wouldn't need any endnotes.
Overall, though, this is a fairly cute book that depicts three excited kids getting ready for their favourite holiday. It's hard not to get a little bit excited right along with them.
Three little monkeys (Suno, Dekho, and Jaano) find a package from Suno's grandmother. They speculate about what could be inside. At the end, the secret is revealed and the holiday is celebrated.
The illustrations are really cute (I especially like the monkeys' iBanana laptop). There is one part of the book that did give me pause, though, and that was with the bangles. It comes across as a little bit of a gender stereotype (probably because I don't understand the significance of the bangles, or why boys wouldn't want them). I wish that had been explained, or at least included in the glossary stating that they're traditionally for women. There is a decent glossary at the back, along with some information about Diwali. I thought that info was a little too necessary, however; I would've liked to see more of it included in the story itself so that the book wouldn't need any endnotes.
Overall, though, this is a fairly cute book that depicts three excited kids getting ready for their favourite holiday. It's hard not to get a little bit excited right along with them.
January 7, 2016
Super cute introduction to Diwali and many related traditions. I appreciated the authors note at the back that explains all the terms that may not be known to people outside the Diwali tradition.
September 12, 2016
A great picture book explanation of some of the background and celebrations surrounding the Diwali holiday. One on one or preschool for length. Loved the monkey kids.
August 3, 2017
I might have given this three stars. It's an okay book, and there's not that many books out there for Hindu festivals. It gives a good overview of what the holiday is about, and the traditions associated with it, from the entertaining to the decorative to the spiritual.
But my copy has this bog medallion on the front proclaiming the book won the "Mom's Choice Award," which is just so badly SCREAMING at me that the book should be considered good that my opinion is harshly tarnished. Look, if it was the Caldecott, yes, advertise that. But something so minor that I, as a librarian, have NEVER heard of it? That just makes it look like the author created their own award and gave it to themselves, to try and drum up purchases. Without the medallion, it's a book about Diwali. With the medallion, it's a cry for help.
Still, if you're looking to teach your kids about Hindu holidays, this is still an okay pick. In that I've not really seen any other books, actually. So it is a need which should be filled. Just...maybe with a bit less advertising?
But my copy has this bog medallion on the front proclaiming the book won the "Mom's Choice Award," which is just so badly SCREAMING at me that the book should be considered good that my opinion is harshly tarnished. Look, if it was the Caldecott, yes, advertise that. But something so minor that I, as a librarian, have NEVER heard of it? That just makes it look like the author created their own award and gave it to themselves, to try and drum up purchases. Without the medallion, it's a book about Diwali. With the medallion, it's a cry for help.
Still, if you're looking to teach your kids about Hindu holidays, this is still an okay pick. In that I've not really seen any other books, actually. So it is a need which should be filled. Just...maybe with a bit less advertising?
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August 12, 2017The illustrations are bright and colorful and really draw you in. I also really enjoyed how the characters' imaginations enable introduction and repetition of various elements of the Diwali celebration without the narrative feeling didactic.
I was not a fan of the gender-normative bit (when they're guessing what a present is) where one of the ~boy monkeys says, "if these are bangles then we can't all use them" (accompanied by an illustration of the two boy monkeys wearing bangle bracelets and looking confused) :/
(I find it interesting that each book I read offers a slightly different explanation of the origins/meaning of the holiday. It's a neat experience, coming in as someone who know almost nothing about Diwali.)
I was not a fan of the gender-normative bit (when they're guessing what a present is) where one of the ~boy monkeys says, "if these are bangles then we can't all use them" (accompanied by an illustration of the two boy monkeys wearing bangle bracelets and looking confused) :/
(I find it interesting that each book I read offers a slightly different explanation of the origins/meaning of the holiday. It's a neat experience, coming in as someone who know almost nothing about Diwali.)
July 24, 2017
nice narration and illustrations
August 2, 2017
I really liked this book. I learned about Diwali gifts and the celebration. I highly recommend this title as a first look at this holiday.
August 2, 2017
3 little monkey friends receive a gift for Diwali and they enjoy talking about the holiday and guessing what it might be. Very cute!
September 18, 2017
Cute little book about Diwali. I enjoy fun cultural books for kids :-) And I loved all the Hindi words in the text!
July 17, 2025
The story is okay. I like the back of the book where they have a glossary and a detailed explanation of Diwali.
names: Suno (f), Dekho (m), Jaano (m)
dadima - grandmother
lehenga - form of long skirt
auspicious - an object that brings luck
diya - oil lamps -- oil based candle
coin with Laxmi and Ganesh on one side and name engraved on the other side -- when you place it on the Pooja Thali (this is a plate with flowers, diyas and other things) on Diwali night it makes all your wishes come true
rangoli - traditional indian art form drawn on the floor using materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals
decorated the rangoli with lots of diyas
bindi - decorative mark worn in the middle of the forehead by Indian women
pooja - religious ritual performed by Hindus as an offering to various deities, distinguished persons, or special guests
pooja thali - plate used to hold items for the pooja
Laxmi - goddess of wealth
Ganesh - elephant god of auspicious beginnings and remover of obstacles
Diwali / Deepavali --> row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes
- celebrated during the month of Karthik (October or November) on Amavasya (the new moon day)
- "to commemorate the last harvest of the year before winter. India was an agricultural society where people would seek the divine blessing of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Ganesh, the god of auspicious beginnings and remover of obstacles. The people would pray to the gods for success at the outset of a new financial year. Today, this practice extends to businesses all over India which have established the day after Diwali as the first day of the new financial year.
Some believe that Lakshmi wanders the Earth looking for homes where she will be welcomed. The light from the diyas illuminates the dark skies on this "no moon light" and is believed to direct her into their homes to bring prosperity and happiness.
Diwali is celebrated by Indians all over the world by practicing different rituals and cu7ltural traditions. but most importantly Diwali signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair. Diwali is celebrated with family gatherings, glittering divas, festive fireworks, drawing rangolis, and sharing of sweets and prayers."
names: Suno (f), Dekho (m), Jaano (m)
dadima - grandmother
lehenga - form of long skirt
auspicious - an object that brings luck
diya - oil lamps -- oil based candle
coin with Laxmi and Ganesh on one side and name engraved on the other side -- when you place it on the Pooja Thali (this is a plate with flowers, diyas and other things) on Diwali night it makes all your wishes come true
rangoli - traditional indian art form drawn on the floor using materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals
decorated the rangoli with lots of diyas
bindi - decorative mark worn in the middle of the forehead by Indian women
pooja - religious ritual performed by Hindus as an offering to various deities, distinguished persons, or special guests
pooja thali - plate used to hold items for the pooja
Laxmi - goddess of wealth
Ganesh - elephant god of auspicious beginnings and remover of obstacles
Diwali / Deepavali --> row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes
- celebrated during the month of Karthik (October or November) on Amavasya (the new moon day)
- "to commemorate the last harvest of the year before winter. India was an agricultural society where people would seek the divine blessing of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Ganesh, the god of auspicious beginnings and remover of obstacles. The people would pray to the gods for success at the outset of a new financial year. Today, this practice extends to businesses all over India which have established the day after Diwali as the first day of the new financial year.
Some believe that Lakshmi wanders the Earth looking for homes where she will be welcomed. The light from the diyas illuminates the dark skies on this "no moon light" and is believed to direct her into their homes to bring prosperity and happiness.
Diwali is celebrated by Indians all over the world by practicing different rituals and cu7ltural traditions. but most importantly Diwali signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair. Diwali is celebrated with family gatherings, glittering divas, festive fireworks, drawing rangolis, and sharing of sweets and prayers."
August 11, 2023
Suno, Dekho and Jaano receive a wonderful package, containing a gift for Diwali.
TWO POINTS FOR BACKGROUND, BEFORE MY REVIEW GETS UNDERWAY
1. What Is DIWALI?
According to kids.nationalgeographic.com:
The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. This festival is as important to Hindus as the Christmas holiday is to Christians.
But Hindus aren't alone in celebrating this religious holiday: Jains, Sikhs, and also Buddhists (in India) celebrate this holiday as well. For Hindus, this festival of lights is consecrated to the Goddess Laxmi, bringing prosperity.
And yes, a "Note from the Authors" at the end of this book can tell you more about this holiday.
2. WHAT Are the Three Kids in the Story?
Monkeys. And, amazingly!, just like human children, they are very curious about the Diwali gift that arrives at their home, along with a mysterious note.
THIS STORY CENTERS AROUND THREE RIDDLE
What is in the box containing their present? What could it be?
According to that note, the children are told, "I am round and shiny, so keep me in a safe place."
Another clue, found later, goes, "I am very auspicious. I am to be used on Diwali night, so keep me in a safe place."
Of course, all three monkeys guess away -- when they're not bouncing or whirling or dancing for joy. Kids!
WILL THE KIDS'S GUESSES BE CORRECT?
Of course I'm not going to tell you and perpetrate a spoiler, no no!
At least I can tell you this: The Diwali gift is lovely, absolutely magnificent.
Just as, to me, this gorgeous book is a gift, bringing FIVE STARS of inspiration.
* Thank you, authors Shweta Chopra and Shuchi Mehta.
* Thank you, illustrator Anna Koan.
* I find this book lovely, lovely, lovely.
TWO POINTS FOR BACKGROUND, BEFORE MY REVIEW GETS UNDERWAY
1. What Is DIWALI?
According to kids.nationalgeographic.com:
The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. This festival is as important to Hindus as the Christmas holiday is to Christians.
But Hindus aren't alone in celebrating this religious holiday: Jains, Sikhs, and also Buddhists (in India) celebrate this holiday as well. For Hindus, this festival of lights is consecrated to the Goddess Laxmi, bringing prosperity.
And yes, a "Note from the Authors" at the end of this book can tell you more about this holiday.
2. WHAT Are the Three Kids in the Story?
Monkeys. And, amazingly!, just like human children, they are very curious about the Diwali gift that arrives at their home, along with a mysterious note.
THIS STORY CENTERS AROUND THREE RIDDLE
What is in the box containing their present? What could it be?
According to that note, the children are told, "I am round and shiny, so keep me in a safe place."
Another clue, found later, goes, "I am very auspicious. I am to be used on Diwali night, so keep me in a safe place."
Of course, all three monkeys guess away -- when they're not bouncing or whirling or dancing for joy. Kids!
WILL THE KIDS'S GUESSES BE CORRECT?
Of course I'm not going to tell you and perpetrate a spoiler, no no!
At least I can tell you this: The Diwali gift is lovely, absolutely magnificent.
Just as, to me, this gorgeous book is a gift, bringing FIVE STARS of inspiration.
* Thank you, authors Shweta Chopra and Shuchi Mehta.
* Thank you, illustrator Anna Koan.
* I find this book lovely, lovely, lovely.
December 30, 2020
Diwali is India’s largest festival and a National holiday.
It falls in the Hindu month of Kartik, which is usually sometime in October or November. Divali means rows of lighted lamps, and it’s a festival of light and joy: people often celebrate by decorating their houses or shops with colorful lamps or lights.
The festival worships Lord Ganesh for welfare and prosperity, and the goddess Lakshmi for wealth and wisdom.
During Diwali, people wear the finest clothes, illuminate the interior and exterior of their homes with diyas (oil lamp usually made from clay) and rangoli (is an art form, patterns are created on the floor using coloured rice, sand, or flower petals), perform Lakshi Puja (worship ceremonies of Laskshi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth, light fireworks, and partake in family feasts.
Diwali is a five day long festival that symbolizes the spiritual victory of light and darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
My favourite part of the celebrations are the flowers, candles and lights and of course the food.
Samosas, Aloo Bonda and Murukko are some of the foods I’ve tried in the past when visiting different places in India.
Book 📚 The Diwali Gift is a lovely children’s story about three monkeys. Suno, Dekho and Jaano who have been sent a gift to celebrate.
“A sparkly gift for Diwali” by Shweta Chopra
Inside they discover Diyas and a silver coin each with Lakshmi and Ganesh engraved on.
It’s a lovely story that tells them about Diwali and that they will be meeting their Dadima (Grandmother) and celebrating.
For preschool children.
Adorable book with illustrations guiding our young generations about India’s greatest festival.
It falls in the Hindu month of Kartik, which is usually sometime in October or November. Divali means rows of lighted lamps, and it’s a festival of light and joy: people often celebrate by decorating their houses or shops with colorful lamps or lights.
The festival worships Lord Ganesh for welfare and prosperity, and the goddess Lakshmi for wealth and wisdom.
During Diwali, people wear the finest clothes, illuminate the interior and exterior of their homes with diyas (oil lamp usually made from clay) and rangoli (is an art form, patterns are created on the floor using coloured rice, sand, or flower petals), perform Lakshi Puja (worship ceremonies of Laskshi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth, light fireworks, and partake in family feasts.
Diwali is a five day long festival that symbolizes the spiritual victory of light and darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
My favourite part of the celebrations are the flowers, candles and lights and of course the food.
Samosas, Aloo Bonda and Murukko are some of the foods I’ve tried in the past when visiting different places in India.
Book 📚 The Diwali Gift is a lovely children’s story about three monkeys. Suno, Dekho and Jaano who have been sent a gift to celebrate.
“A sparkly gift for Diwali” by Shweta Chopra
Inside they discover Diyas and a silver coin each with Lakshmi and Ganesh engraved on.
It’s a lovely story that tells them about Diwali and that they will be meeting their Dadima (Grandmother) and celebrating.
For preschool children.
Adorable book with illustrations guiding our young generations about India’s greatest festival.
October 23, 2019
3 stars from ME, 5 *shining stars* from my 7 y.o.
This book essentially covers one aspect of Diwali - the GIFTS!!
Now admittedly, in the grand scheme of things - gifts are among the more frivolous things associated with Diwali. But if you are a kid - it's probably your #1 THING. And understandably so. And this book captures the kids excitement for Diwali gifts really well.
Suno, Dekho & Jaano are 3 monkeys (kids) who are eagerly waiting to open the mysterious present grandma sent them. Throughout the book, they take turns guessing about what it could be, and day dreaming about what they want it to be, until they finally get to open their present on Diwali day.
And it's this grand reveal that me and my son have contradictory feelings about. He loved it, and I.. was underwhelmed. I mean the present itself was great, especially from an adult's point of view. It's just that in the context of this story - it felt OFF, and the story itself needed something more - to give context and/or closure.
And since the whole point of this book was to indulge the kids excitement for gifts (at-least that's what it felt like to me), I don't know how most of the kids would feel about this particular gift. But then again, the kid in MY house LOVED it, so who am I to complain? Maybe I am just old & grumpy now. 😛
Oh and I have to mention that this book has fantastic illustrations. My favorite was the Indian grandma monkey! Too cute!
All in all: Cute & fun book for kids, but don't let this be the only Diwali book in your collection. Because while it's fun to indulge the kids with gifts during Diwali, it's important for them to know that Diwali is so much more than the gifts they receive.
The best book for that is - Amma, Tell Me About Diwali!
Find More Diwali Book Recommendations shared on Shanaya Tales.
This book essentially covers one aspect of Diwali - the GIFTS!!
Now admittedly, in the grand scheme of things - gifts are among the more frivolous things associated with Diwali. But if you are a kid - it's probably your #1 THING. And understandably so. And this book captures the kids excitement for Diwali gifts really well.
Suno, Dekho & Jaano are 3 monkeys (kids) who are eagerly waiting to open the mysterious present grandma sent them. Throughout the book, they take turns guessing about what it could be, and day dreaming about what they want it to be, until they finally get to open their present on Diwali day.
And it's this grand reveal that me and my son have contradictory feelings about. He loved it, and I.. was underwhelmed. I mean the present itself was great, especially from an adult's point of view. It's just that in the context of this story - it felt OFF, and the story itself needed something more - to give context and/or closure.
And since the whole point of this book was to indulge the kids excitement for gifts (at-least that's what it felt like to me), I don't know how most of the kids would feel about this particular gift. But then again, the kid in MY house LOVED it, so who am I to complain? Maybe I am just old & grumpy now. 😛
Oh and I have to mention that this book has fantastic illustrations. My favorite was the Indian grandma monkey! Too cute!
All in all: Cute & fun book for kids, but don't let this be the only Diwali book in your collection. Because while it's fun to indulge the kids with gifts during Diwali, it's important for them to know that Diwali is so much more than the gifts they receive.
The best book for that is - Amma, Tell Me About Diwali!
Find More Diwali Book Recommendations shared on Shanaya Tales.
January 1, 2019
This strikes me as one of those books that kids love and adults hate reading...like a book adaptation of a TV show. If children are unfamiliar with Diwali, there will be a slight learning curve in order to understand the plot. I had to stop multiple times and check the glossary to figure out what was what.
January 9, 2021
I can't get over the art on this. It's super uncanny valley. Which is wild because I looked up the artist and liked her other stuff. There's just something about these characters that feels really off.
November 26, 2021
It’s fine, but it assumes you already know about Diwali and the vocabulary associated with it. There’s a glossary at the end, but I think by then I’d have lost her attention. Maybe not for someone who’s just learning about this holiday and culture.
September 15, 2019
This book is about 3 monkeys who received a package and note filled with gifts around Diwali. The curious monkeys predicted what was the box, such as bangles, sparklers, and diyas. Instead, they received engraved silver coins that would make all their wishes come true if they placed it in the Pooja Thali on the night of Diwali. I like this book because it is about another culture and because on the last page of the book, it contains additional information about Diwali. I would use this book as a read-aloud in kindergarten or 1st grade because the plot is a short book. Because the book is about Diwali, I would have students compare and contrast it to another holiday using a Venn diagram in small groups. Then I would have the whole class discuss the similarities and differences.
December 2, 2014
An authors note at the end explains the cultural context of Diwali. A glossary defines Indian terms associated with the holiday. A simple story explores the traditions associated with the Indian holiday that celebrates the victory of light over dark. The big eyed monkeys read as slightly plastic and computer generated but are likely to hold young children's interest. Not the most inspiring book, but one of the few that goes beyond a dry rendition of the origin of Diwali.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews