Raaga's Song: A Diwali Story
by Navina Chhabria (Author)
For fans of Sugar in Milk and Festival of Colors, this celebration of the Diwali holiday is interwoven with an empowering folktale that teaches the importance of being true to oneself.
Raaga has always dreamed of singing at the annual Diwali mela at the Royal Place. Ever since she was a little girl, her grandfather would tell her the story of how Lord Rama and his army slew the ten-headed demon Ravana (the story for which Diwali is celebrated today). While young Raaga has always suffered from stage fright, the more Raaga practices with her grandfather, the larger her audience grows, like her own little army.
When the day of the audition comes, Raaga takes to the stage in front of her family and friends. But the ten judges tower over her like Ravana and taunt her: "You are the color of a moonless night," one says. "Can you really sing?" It will take all of Raaga's courage and the support of her "army" to summon the strength of Lord Rama and prove them wrong.
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School Library Journal
K-Gr 4--This picture book begins with a retelling of a story from the Ramayana, one of the two important epic poems of Hinduism. Raaga's grandfather tells the story of how Lord Rama bravely battled the ten-headed demon Ravana, and then how the people heralded his victorious return home with celebratory lights. Raaga loves to sing and is thinking about auditioning to perform in the Diwali mela (festival) at the palace. With the support of her grandfather, Raaga is inspired by the messages of hard work and bravery in Lord Rama's tale to face her own modern demons as she strives to win a place performing in the mela. This gentle yet powerful picture book is suitable for early childhood listeners, but also for older elementary students who will be able to catch the references to colorism. The art is brightly hued, with detailed characters and appropriately abstract backgrounds, architectural lines, and forest scenes heightening the mythological atmosphere. VERDICT Recommended purchase for libraries with readers who want to learn more about the origins of Diwali and make a connection to modern-day issues.--Evelyn Khoo Schwartz
Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
JUV012020 - Juvenile Fiction | Fairy Tales & Folklore | Country & Ethnic - General
JUV017090 - Juvenile Fiction | Holidays & Celebrations | Other, Religious
Folklore
Folk tales
