Binny's Diwali: questions to ask and activities to try
Binny is excited to tell her class about Diwali, her favourite festival, but at first she can't find the words. A warm story about fireworks, sweets, diyas and the courage to share what you love.
What age is Binny's Diwali for?
Binny's Diwali is best for ages 4–8.
Binny's Diwali (Thrity Umrigar and Nidhi Chanani)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Sharing your family’s traditions at school
Only 50pBinny’s Diwali activity sheet3 printable pages: questions to talk about, a drawing and writing page, and notes for the grown-up. Instant PDF.
Just want the questions? Get the free question card ↓
Read it before Diwali, then help your child tell someone about a festival or tradition your family loves. Talk about how Binny felt before she started speaking.
Is this book right for your child?
- Age
- 4–8 (Reception to Year 3)
- What they'll enjoy
- Binny is excited to tell her class about Diwali, her favourite festival, but at first she can't find the words. A warm story about fireworks, sweets, diyas and the courage to share what you love.
- Helps with
- Sharing your family’s traditions at school
- Buy or borrow?
- Borrow it from the library first if you can. If your child asks for it again and again, it’s one worth owning, and the questions and activities on this page work best with the book open next to you.
What it helps with
- Learning about Diwali
- Confidence speaking in front of others
- Sharing family traditions
- Respecting different festivals
Comprehension and discussion questions for Binny's Diwali
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What did Binny want to tell her class about?”
- “Why was it hard for her to start?”
- “What did she tell them about Diwali?”
- “How did her classmates react?”
- “What festival or tradition would you tell your class about?”
- “What helps you feel brave when you have to speak?”
For the full list of questions and more, download the PDF below.
Print these questions: free question card for Binny's Diwali
All 6 questions for Binny's Diwali on one printable page, each marked with the reading skill it practises. Enter your email and download it straight away.
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5-minute activities to try together
Show and tell
Pick one thing that’s special in your family’s celebrations and practise telling a teddy or grown-up about it in three sentences.
Make a diya
Shape a small diya lamp from salt dough or clay and decorate it with patterns. (Use a battery tea light, never a real flame.)
Binny's Diwali activity sheet: printable worksheet and questions
All the questions and activities above on a ready-to-print activity sheet: questions tagged by reading skill with space to answer, a drawing and writing page with a self-check, and notes for the adult with curriculum links and a 20-minute session plan. Pay by card, PayPal or Payhip and download straight away.
- Page 1, talk about it: questions about the story, each tagged with the reading skill it practises, with space to answer or tick
- Page 2, my favourite part: a drawing box, a sentence starter and a “how did I do?” self-check
- Page 3, notes for the adult: curriculum links, a 20-minute session plan, extension activities, and support and challenge ideas
- Read it togetherEnjoy the story first.
- Ask 2 or 3 questionsFrom the list above, while everyone is calm.
- Print the activity sheetAn activity sheet with questions, a drawing page and notes for you.
Diwali bundleDiwali activity pack + 8 activity sheets, this one includedThe 8 books:Binny's DiwaliAmma, Tell Me About Diwali!The Best Diwali EverOne Little LampDiwali (Celebrate the World)First Festivals: DiwaliPeppa's DiwaliLittle Glow£6.99🛒 Shop · £1.25
3 sheets for £1.25Binny’s Diwali + The Lion Inside + Giraffes Can’t DanceThe 3 books:Binny’s DiwaliThe Lion InsideGiraffes Can’t Dance£1.25 Pick your own books: build a bundle with this one, up to 15% off →
Priced low on purpose. Every purchase helps keep the book guides, questions and the game free for everyone.
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Use it as a lesson plan
Children can listen to Binny's Diwali, answer questions about it and give a reason for their ideas, and talk about learning about Diwali.
A 20-minute session for ages 4–8 (Reception to Year 3), for a class, a small group or one child at home.
- Warm up (2 minutes). Show the cover and read the title. Ask: “What do you think this story will be about?”
- Read aloud (6 minutes). Read it all the way through. Tip: Read it before Diwali, then help your child tell someone about a festival or tradition your family loves. Talk about how Binny felt before she started speaking.
- Talk about it (4 minutes). Pick two or three of the comprehension and discussion questions above. “What did Binny want to tell her class about?” works well to start.
- Activity (6 minutes). Do Show and tell. Pick one thing that’s special in your family’s celebrations and practise telling a teddy or grown-up about it in three sentences. Children who finish early can try Make a diya.
- Wrap up (2 minutes). Ask each child for one thing they will remember from the story, and why.
Want to go further? The Binny's Diwali activity sheet has these questions with space to answer, a drawing and writing page, and notes for the adult.
If your child liked this, try
The Day You Begin (Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López)
- Best for
- Feeling different, and finding the courage to share your story
- Age
- 5-8
Dadaji's Paintbrush (Rashmi Sirdeshpande and Ruchi Mhasane)
- Best for
- Losing a grandparent, and finding a way forward
- Age
- 4-8
Little Glow (Katie Sahota and Harry Woodgate)
- Best for
- Festivals of light, seen by a shy little flame
- Age
- 3-7
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.