Farida is a Canadian-South Asian Writer and illustrator of picture books and other works. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and the Canadian Society of Authors, Illustrators and Performers.
Rates are as follows: Virtual Visits: $150 School visits: $250 plus travel expenses outside GTA.
For school visits Farida can provide an introductory slideshow showing what Farida does and how Farida works as an author and illustrator, adapting it to the age of the audience.
Farida likes to get children involved, asking them questions and getting them doing hands-on activities as much as possible. Farida is an Ontario based presenter and a member of Writers Union. Farida does virtual and school visits. Teachers guide PDFs available by email request
Samina Goes to a Wedding
Written and illustrated by Farida Zaman
A young girl travels to Bangladesh and experiences vibrant Bangladeshi marriage customs
Samina travels from North America all the way to Bangladesh to attend her first traditional Bangladeshi wedding. Anticipation for the big day builds as she meets family she’s only ever seen on video calls and participates in various wedding traditions—like the family gift exchanges, the holud ceremony, and henna painting. A sidebar on each spread provides additional context for the depicted custom.
Sensory writing and colorful, detailed illustrations invite readers to be a guest alongside Samina in this informational picture book about the tastes and traditions of a Bangladeshi marriage.
Description of the book reading and workshop for Samina Foes to a Wedding
This interactive workshop combines a picture book reading of Samina Goes to a Wedding with a hands-on collage art activity inspired by the book’s illustrations, patterns, and cultural details. Designed for children and families, the session introduces young readers to visual storytelling, textile patterns, and collage as a creative art form.
The program is especially well suited for South Asian Heritage Month in May, offering an engaging way to celebrate South Asian culture through story, art, clothing, and design. Through reading, discussion, and art-making, participants will explore how stories are told not only through words, but through clothing, color, texture, and repeated visual details.
Aliya’s Secret- A Ramadan Secret
Written and illustrated by Farida Zaman
Ramadan is coming, and as Abba and Ammi prepare for their month-long fast, Aliya hugs a secret to her chest: she’s going to fast too! Ammi says she’s still too young to fast, but Aliya is determined. At school, she refuses her snack, her lunch—even the cupcakes Sanjay’s mom drops off for his birthday. But when she gets home, she can’t resist Ammi’s sweet, syrupy baklava. Before Aliya can stop herself, she reaches out and takes a big bite. Aliya is disappointed in herself, but Ammi explains that there are many other ways to celebrate Ramadan besides fasting, like performing acts of kindness! Together, Aliya and her parents spend the month preparing and delivering meals to people in need. This joyful look at Ramadan is based on the author’s own childhood experiences and is rich with facts and details about the holiday. Readers familiar and unfamiliar with the holiest month in the Islamic calendar will get swept up in the festivities, and perhaps be inspired to share a meal with their community.
Recently Farida wrote and illustrated her first picture book called “I Want to Be” A Gutsy Girls ABC. She has worked with a variety of mediums on the project – watercolour, gouache, acrylics, and Procreate.
Farida’s workshops will consist of the following:
- Intro
- Reading my book (Picture Book)
- Art/ creative workshop
- Sharing the art
