Learn more about Diwali and Halloween as Malar reunites with her cousins in Seattle
As warm and engaging as its prequels, this third V. Malar story takes place in Seattle during Malar’s first trip to America. Excited to sightsee and spend fun-filled time with her cousins Priya and Kamal, Malar is especially eager to celebrate the Festival of Lights with family—bursting firecrackers, making kolams, and snacking on delicious sweets. But Malar soon discovers that Priya and Kamal are more interested in Halloween than Diwali, which happens to fall in the same week. The family decides to try out a new celebration: Hallowali, a combination of both holidays. At first, she and her cousins are reluctant, but as Malar learns new traditions like pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating, she sees there is always fun to be had when you celebrate with loved ones. As much an ode to patience, creativity, and negotiating bonds as a ticket to the Greatest Hallowali of All Time, this festive new story from Suma Subramaniam and Archana Sreenivasan champions the rich adaptability of family love. Lively back matter—including a glossary, information on the holidays, and a Hallowali cookie recipe—extends the cross-cultural themes.
