Tag: picture book

Bandali, Zain. (Milton, Ontario)

Writers Union Member. Author of Early Reader Chapter Book Mehndi Boy. A Silver Birch Express nominee, and New York Public Library Best Book for Kids joint winner in 2023. All ages & grade levels. Ideal for schools commemorating South Asian, Islamic Heritage, & LGBT Pride month festivities.

Rates: $300 plus HST for one session, $450 for two, $675 for three, $900 for a full day (four sessions). Plus a travel fee of $0.68 cents per kilometer if school is more than 30 km away from my home. A virtual visit is $150 plus HST per session.

Zain Bandali (he/they) is an unapologetic storyteller who uses the beautiful South Asian tradition of henna to push stubborn gender norms in a kid friendly way. Zain is a versatile public speaker that can engage the entire school, providing fully customizable sessions for primary, junior, and intermediate students that meet your school’s needs. From packed gymnasiums to intimate classrooms or libraries, any audience will leave being engaged by Zain’s author visits. Zain has led over 80 talks for his debut Mehndi Boy, and has presented across Canada, the Northeastern United States, India, and Dubai. Zain also enjoys presenting to intermediate and high school students on his experiences being Queer & Muslim too. 

“Zain’s sharing of his book “Mehndi Boy” with The Sterling Hall Schools grade 3-5 students was one we will never forget! Zain was incredibly personable and connected with the students immediately! We were all hooked as he read us the first 2 chapters of Mehndi Boy and explained the art of mehndi. Zain’s ability to bond with the students and make a big presentation feel like a cozy chat was fantastic to witness. It is wonderful to see teachers and students so enthused with a new book, they could hardly wait to get hold of “Mehndi Boy”and continue reading about Tehzeeb. We can’t wait to see what books Zain writes in the future and to have him back!” 

– Gillian Younger, Teacher Librarian
The Sterling Hall School

Mehndi Boy Session (45 – 60 min)

Mehndi Boy is a heartfelt story that celebrates identity, culture, creativity, and inclusivity. Learn about the inspiration behind Mehndi Boy, discover more about henna traditions and artistry, and engage in an interactive storytelling with the author himself!

  • Introduction to henna and its cultural significance in South Asian culture 
  • Discussion on the journey behind publishing Mehndi Boy
  • Interactive read aloud storytelling of two chapters
  • Q&A session for students to ask their burning questions
  • Fun colouring & activity sheets for educators

Grades: 1-3, 4-6, 7-8, 9-12

Audience: Any size 

No caps, preference for students in related ages and grades to be grouped together so that I may tailor my presentation that is best suited to them.

Tech Requirements: I’ll need a projector or screen to display visuals from the book, and a small table and chair at the front of the space for me. If we are in a larger space, I will also need a mic and mic stand, as well as a handheld mic for student questions ideally. 

Purchasing Books: Happy to arrange for the purchase of signed copies of Mehndi Boy to students and staff, or coordinate with school administration if there is interest in ordering classroom sets. 

Being Queer & Muslim Session (60 min)* Intermediate & High School ONLY

An engaging conversation about the LGBT community and Islam, drawn from my own personal experiences coming out as gay to my family, how I found comfort in my queer Muslim identity, and the ways in which it has impacted my writing. Perfect for GSA (gender and sexuality alliance) clubs or for Pride Month. 

  • Introduction to being LGBT in the context of Islam 
  • Dispelling the misconception “you can’t be Gay and Muslim” 
  • Coming out at 19, my own personal journey
  • Joy, writing, and finding community 
  • Q&A session for students to ask their burning questions
  • Resources and literature for educators

Rates: $500 plus HST for one session. Plus a travel fee of $0.68 cents per kilometer if school is more than 30 km away from my home. A virtual visit is $300 plus HST per session.

Grades: 7-8, 9-12

Audience: Preference for 10-60 students per session

Tech Requirements: Projector or screen. If we are in a larger space, I will also need a mic and mic stand, as well as a handheld mic for student questions ideally. 

Contact Zain to book a visit:

    Dobson, Jillian (Richmond Hill, ON)

    Photo credit: Dorothy Puddester

    Jillian is a member of The Writers Union of Canada (TWUC), the Canadian Society of Children’s Authors Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP), the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and the CCBC.

    Jillian is the author of GIRL TAKES DRASTIC STEP!: How Molly Lamb Bobak Became Canada’s First Official Woman War Artist with artwork by Genevieve Simms. This is an inspirational story of perseverance through art with the title drawn directly from the first page of Molly Lamb Bobak’s World War II war diary.

    In Person Rates: $200 for one session (45 mins) Plus a travel fee of $0.50/km if outside of Greater Toronto Area. Virtual visits (30 mins) $150 (All visits subject to HST).

    This book and presentation would support the following subjects and themes:

    Canadian History/World War II History/Art History/Art/English/Remembrance Day/International Women’s Day/Women’s History Month

    Jillian is an experienced presenter and will engage young readers in the story of hard work and determination of how Molly Lamb Bobak followed her dream and became Canada’s first official woman war artist. Jillian will highlight how author and illustrator work together and the research process for this book including a glimpse of pages of Molly’s war diary.

    A live reading of the book followed by an introductory discussion and visual presentation about how women enlisted in the Canadian Women’s Army Corp during WWII and what that experience was like for them based on Molly Lamb Bobak’s headline style journal.

    An engaging hands-on activity will encourage students to document, through writing and various mediums of art including sketching, doodling and drawing what goes on in their lives and classrooms in a unique way. Students will work on activity sheets to write their own headlines and then work as reporters to create a shared classroom headline journal.

    For older grades there will be a discussion about perseverance and following your dreams based on the story with art prompts for creating a dream journal.

    English language presentations for grades K-6 with a maximum per group of 30 with teacher or librarian present. Jillian will gladly collaborate with teachers or librarians to tailor the presentation to the interests and needs of the participants. Personalized and signed books may be ordered in advance and information will be provided to the organizer.

    Virtual Presentations:

    Reading and interactive online activity of building a classroom headline journal page or guided instruction through activity sheet shared with teacher/librarian in advance. Grades 1-6 – 45 minutes.

    Library Visits: (Pre-school to grade 6)

    Interactive reading followed by guided multi-media worksheet activity to create a headline journal page.

    Technology required: Screen or area to project, table and chair or stool

    Contact Jillian to book a visit:

      Ludwig, Sidura (Thornhill, ON)

      Membership: Writers’ Union of Canada, SCBWI, CANSCAIP, Association Jewish Libraries.

      Awards: Vine Award for Fiction, 2021 (You Are Not What We Expected); Danuta Gleed Award, finalist, 2021; Carol Shields Winnipeg Book Award, finalist, 2008.

      Presentation rates, in person:  $325 for one session, $500 for half day (two sessions), $1000 for full day (four sessions, max). For outside of GTA, $.50/km. Presentation rates, virtual: $200 per session.

      RISING is the recipient of the Canadian Jewish Literary Award for children and youth

      Sidura is an internationally published writer of books for children and adults. She has over 30 years experience leading creative writing workshops to students of all ages. She loves nothing more than being in front of the classroom and sharing her life-long love of writing and books. She is the author of the picture book RISING (Candlewick, 2024), the middle grade novel SWAN (Nimbus, 2024), the adult short story collection YOU ARE NOT WHAT WE EXPECTED (House of Anansi, 2020) and the adult novel HOLDING MY BREATH (Key Porter Books, 2007).

      Presentations

      Middle Grade (4-8) (one hour)

      Rejection is Your Best Friend – my journey on how I became a full-time working writer, including the year I tried to get rejected as many times as possible, and what I learnt along the way. Includes reading from SWAN, question and answer and short writing prompt.

      Writing Historical Fiction – learn the background to writing SWAN, from idea, to research, to deciding why to write in verse. Includes photos from research in Nova Scotia. Writing workshop on how to get started when writing historical fiction and the importance of curiosity and asking questions (I WONDER poem).

      Grades 1-3 (one hour)

      How I became a picture book writer – presentation includes how I became a writer (with images from childhood), and how picture books get made. I read from RISING and include a lot of interactive questions with students. Art workshop on making a picture book, using an unpublished manuscript, where students get to be the illustrators. All art supplies included.

      JK-SK (45 minutes)

      Let’s Eat! – interactive song and storytime about making challah and celebrating Shabbat. Discussion on what foods do you eat when you are celebrating something? Read from RISING. Two station art workshop afterwards: 1) drawing picture of what you eat when you’re celebrating 2) learn to “braid challah” with Play Doh. All art supplies are included.

      Maximum number of students: Grade 1-3, 50; JK/SK, 30; grade 4-8, 100

      Preferred location: library or classroom, but am fine with anywhere that allows students room to both my presentation and art workshop (for JK-Grade 3).

      Equipment: (Grades 1-3) projector, screen, glass of water, tables with enough seating for students for art workshop; (JK-SK) chair and table for circle time, tables and seating for students for two-station art workshop; (Grades 4-8), projector, screen, microphone for large groups

      Contact Sidura to book a visit:

        Cutler, Marcus Tecumseh, ON)

        A member of The Writers’ Union of Canada, SCBWI, and CANSCAIP.

        Rates: $250 for a single session, $200 per each additional session. For Kindergarten classes, two half sessions can be substituted for a full one. Plus a travel fee of $0.50/km outside of Essex County, Ontario. Virtual: $180 per session.

        Marcus began his career as an illustrator, and has since established himself as a writer, and presenter. He is the author and illustrator of the hilarious picture book I Do Not Eat Children, and is the illustrator of The Three Canadian Pigs: A Hockey Story, The Monster’s Travel Guide Part Deux: A Canadian Adventure, the Lark Ba detective series, and many, many more!

        WORDS VS. PICTURES – WHO WILL WIN?!?

        Grades K-6

        50-60 Minutes, or two 30-minute presentations for kindergarten groups

        What’s more important in a picture book, the words or the pictures? Marcus fearlessly tackles this controversial debate head-on in this fun and enlightening presentation that pulls from his unique perspective as both an illustrator and author. Focusing on how artwork can support, expand, and even contradict the text, Marcus will read and discuss a book he illustrated, The Three Canadian Pigs by Jocelyn Watkinson as well as his own book, I Do Not Eat Children. Students will then participate in a lively improvisational art and caption game that will finally determine who reigns supreme, the words… or the pictures?

        MAKING MONSTROSITIES

        Grades K-5

        50-60 Minutes, or two 30-minute presentations for kindergarten groups

        What happens to all the books that don’t get made? Prepare yourself as Marcus opens his Vault of Monstrosities, and discover that what lies inside is not just monstrous… but also wonderful! Focusing on the themes of creativity and resilience, Marcus will take students on a behind the scenes tour – from manuscript, to artwork, to printed copy, and all the parts in-between, to see how books sometimes do, and sometimes don’t, get made. The presentation will include readings  and discussions of Travel Guide for Monsters Part Deux: A Canadian Adventure, and I Do Not Eat Children, as well as a raucous call and response monster-drawing game that will teach students how fun it can be to make monstrosities!

        Virtual Visits:

        The classroom must have access to a camera and Google Meet or Zoom, and drawing materials for the students.

        In-Person Visits:

        The classroom will need a smart board or presentation screen, a pad of chart paper, and drawing materials for the students. Additional activity sheets will be provided. Marcus prefers a maximum group size of 35 to allow for higher personal engagement.

        Contact Marcus to book a visit:

          Zaman, Farida (Ontario)

          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

          Contact Farida to book a visit:

            Narsimhan, Mahtab (BC)

            Writers’ Union Member. Silver Birch winning author available for school, public library, and conference visits. Member of The Writers’ Union of Canada.

            Mahtab, in Persian, means moonlight. She won the Silver Birch award for her debut novel, The Third Eye. Many of her other novels have garnered critical acclaim. Mahtab loves connecting with her readers and encourages discussions about diversity. She’s comfortable with an adult audience as well as grades 4-8. As Writer-In-Residence at the Toronto District School Board and presenter at the Toronto Public Library, she has given numerous writing workshops and loves it!

            Mahtab Narsimhan
            Mahtab Narsimhan
            Mahtab Narsimhan

            Currently, due to travel constraints, she is focusing on Skype visits for Grades 4-8. Starting April 2020 when her latest picture book will be released, she will also include Grades 1-3, and will be able to present to the entire school in a day.

            Skype Presentations:
            Duration: 30 Minutes each
            Cost: $200 plus HST for one session, $350 plus HST for two back-to-back sessions, $450 plus HST for three back to back sessions and $500 plus HST for four back-to-back sessions.

            Equipment:

            • A PC or MAC with webcam, and a wired Internet connection
            • Skype Software and Skype ID

            Other Details:

            Questions will be written down in advance after having read at least one book. Each student will come up to the webcam and read out the question.
            For Skype visits, payment is due in advance.

            Mahtab’s books include a strong element of her Indian roots and she encourages discussions and questions on world cultures, and especially diversity. She immigrated to Canada in 1997 and is happy to share the struggles she faced while trying to fit into Canada.

            Format: Here is what we will cover in the 30 minute session:

            • Where I come from and how I became a writer
            • Diversity in Writing: How to use what you know, and your background in your books. The life of an immigrant in Canada and how I worked to fit in.
            • My latest book and how it came about: the process of writing it, where I got the inspiration for it.
            • 15 Minutes of Q&A. Students will have read at least one book of mine and come prepared with questions.

            Mahtab tailors her presentations to the age of her audience and makes them fun and interactive. Her talk is peppered with personal anecdotes about the challenges she faces when she writes, as well as tips and tricks she uses to meet her daily writing goals.

            I also conduct Writing Workshops for grades 7-8 where I will give writing exercises and provide tips for writing creative fiction.

            In-Person Presentations:

            Duration: 1 hour
            Cost: $300 plus HST for one session, $500 plus HST for two sessions, $750 plus HST for three sessions and $1000 plus HST for four sessions, plus travel per Canada Council mileage rates.

            Equipment: A microphone, table, projector screen and multi-plug power socket. Flip-chart and markers for workshops.
            Venue: All, though libraries and classrooms preferred.
            Maximum number of students per session:  100 for presentations and 16 for workshops. This is slightly flexible so please contact her to discuss.

            Email to contact Mahtab Narsimhan