Varada's Nine Little Lamps

Nine nights. Nine lamps. Nine bright ways to live.

Why are there nine little lamps, Nani?

When Varada asks her grandmother this question, a magical Navratri begins. Each night, she lights one lamp and learns one new way to shine. On the way she finds hope, patience, joy, sharing, care, courage, calm, gentleness and thankfulness. She untangles a stubborn garland, dances with a shy new friend, rescues a puppy in the rain, and finds a small light that chases away the dark.

Alongside her adventures, Nani tells the stories behind the festival. Children meet the nine forms of Goddess Durga, hear how Rama, Sita and Hanuman won the day, and find out why Dussehra is called the Day of Victory. Along the way they see how families across India celebrate, from garba and dandiya to Durga Puja, Ramlila, Golu dolls and Kanya Pujan.

Varada's Nine Little Lamps is a warm, colourful read-aloud for ages 2 to 10, with:

• a gentle story for each of the nine nights, with sounds little ones can join in with
• "Nani's Story Corner" pages that explain the goddess, the tradition and a simple "Try this!" kindness activity
• festival traditions from around India, plus a colour-in lamp activity page
• a note for grown-ups with conversation prompts for different ages and a glossary

Perfect for families, grandparents, teachers and anyone who wants to pass the meaning of Navratri and Dussehra to the next generation, so that goodness, kindness and courage shine year after year.