Tag: ramadan

Presley, Nadine (Oakville, ON)

Writer’s Union member. CANSCAIP.

Rates:

For in-person visits within the Greater Toronto Area, the rate is $300 + HST for the first session and $150 + HST for each additional session on the same day and at the same location. Each session runs 45 minutes to one hour, with a maximum of four sessions per day. Travel fees may apply.

For virtual visits, the rate is $150 + HST per session, with the same session length and daily maximum of four.

About Nadine Presley’s School Visits
Poetry | Picture Books | Memory | Identity | Belonging | Home | Ramadan

Nadine Presley is a Syrian Canadian picture book author passionate about storytelling and the healing power of poetry to preserve memory and identity. She brings a warm, empathetic, and flexible approach to her presentations, adapting to each group’s energy and interests. Drawing from her own experiences, growing up bilingual (English/ Arabic), rediscovering poetry after displacement, and her writing journey, Nadine creates engaging, sensory-rich sessions that invite students to explore their voices, connect deeply with stories, and develop empathy through creative self-expression.

Sample Sessions by Grade:

JK to Grade 1
Using The City of Jasmine and A Ramadan Night, Nadine brings picture books to life with expressive reading, sensory language, and a gentle conversational style. These sessions are joyful, warm, and often filled with laughter, the laughter of family and cousins, the smell of jasmine in the air, and maybe even a surprise sound effect or two. Nadine also brings custom coloring pages to help students reflect through art. Rooted in rhythm, repetition, and inclusive conversation, these sessions are designed to spark curiosity, empathy, and joy.

Grades 2 to 4
Nadine encourages students to step into someone else’s shoes through her stories, while also reflecting on their own identity and emotions. With joy, energy, and a touch of the unexpected, she keeps students engaged while introducing them to rich sensory language and poetic imagery. Sessions often include simple, open-ended writing or drawing prompts that invite students to explore who they are and where they come from in creative, playful ways. Sessions can focus on a particular book or theme (e.g., Ramadan, memory, family, displacement), and are easily adapted for different classroom needs.

Grades 5 to 8
Nadine shares her journey from growing up bilingual to finding her voice as a poet. Students are invited to explore how stories carry memory, shape identity, and build empathy. Using guided sensory exercises and powerful writing prompts—such as “I come from…”—she helps students peel back the layers of their own experience and express themselves with authenticity and emotion. These sessions focus on creating immersive, layered writing that connects with readers. Includes Q&A and discussion around writing, publishing, and the creative process.

Note: Nadine also has a deep passion for working with classes with students with special needs. Her inclusive, flexible sessions use tools like visual supports, sensory-friendly activities, and differentiated approaches to ensure every child can engage meaningfully and feel seen through storytelling.

Contact Nadine 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: