Q&A with Annie Agarwal

 

 

 

Annie Agarwal is the author of the children's picture book The Magic of Diwali with Saara. She lives in Virginia.

 

Q: What inspired you to write The Magic of Diwali with Saara?

 

A: The Magic of Diwali with Saara was inspired by my own experience as a South Asian parent raising a child in the U.S. I wanted my daughter to grow up feeling proud of her cultural roots and traditions, and I noticed there were very few picture books that explained Diwali in a gentle, joyful, and child-friendly way—especially for young children who are just beginning to ask “why” questions.

The story grew out of our own Diwali celebrations at home, filled with lights, sweets, family stories, and curiosity. I wanted to capture that sense of wonder and create a book that could help children—both South Asian and non-South Asian—experience the warmth, meaning, and magic of the festival.

 

Q: How did you create your character Saara?

 

A: Saara is inspired not only by my daughter, but also by a younger version of myself. As a child, I experienced Diwali as a time of pure magic—the lights, the stories, the excitement, and the feeling that something special was unfolding each year. I wanted Saara to carry that same sense of wonder and curiosity.

She asks questions, observes quietly, and feels deeply, much like I did growing up. Through Saara, I’m able to honor both generations—the child I once was and the child I am raising now—while inviting young readers to experience the festival through eyes full of curiosity and joy.

 

Q: Did you need to do any research to write the book, and if so, did you learn anything that especially surprised you?

 

A: While Diwali is something I’ve celebrated all my life, writing the book made me pause and reflect more deeply on how to explain its meaning to very young children. I revisited traditional stories, symbolism, and cultural practices to make sure they were presented accurately but simply.

What surprised me was how powerful it can be to strip a story down to its essence. When you focus on themes like light over darkness, kindness, courage, and togetherness, you realize how universal Diwali’s message really is—across cultures and belief systems.

 

Q: What do you hope readers take away from the book--about Diwali and in general?

 

A: I hope readers come away with an understanding that Diwali is not just about lights and sweets, but about hope, goodness, and connection.

 

More broadly, I hope the book encourages curiosity about other cultures and traditions, and helps children see diversity as something beautiful and welcoming. For South Asian children, I hope it offers a sense of pride and belonging. For others, I hope it opens a door to learning, empathy, and celebration.

 

Q: What are you working on now? 

 

A: I’m currently working on my next children’s book, which features Saara again—this time alongside a very curious little goldfish. The story explores themes of imagination, observation, and gentle emotional awareness through everyday moments that young children can easily relate to.

It’s a playful, tender book that invites children to slow down, notice small details, and see the magic in ordinary experiences.

 

I’ve already begun sharing sneak-peek reels from this upcoming book on social media, giving readers a glimpse into the illustrations, characters, and creative process. It’s been wonderful to see children and parents engage with Saara’s next adventure even before the book is released.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: One of my biggest hopes as an author is to create stories that feel like a warm conversation—stories that families can read together, talk about, and return to year after year.

The Magic of Diwali with Saara is just the beginning of a larger journey to create inclusive, heart-centered children’s books that reflect the diverse world our children are growing up in. “Stories are how we pass light from one generation to the next, and Saara is my way of keeping that light alive for today’s children.”

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb