Every Visit Includes

What to Expect

Dr. Serene brings warmth, energy, and genuine connection to every visit. Each session is an interactive experience that goes beyond a simple reading — it's a shared moment of storytelling, discussion, and celebration.

Interactive read-aloud of Countdown to Eid
Author presentation about the creative process
Age-appropriate Q&A and discussion
Audiobook read-along experience (with projected text)
Free activity pack for every classroom (Moon-watching Log, Kindness Bingo, Countdown Chain)
Author photo for your newsletter or website
Signed bookplates for students who purchase books
30-minute book signing session

Visit Packages

How We Can Come to You

School Half-Day

2–3 reading sessions
Up to 300 students
2.5–3 hours on-site
Pre-visit planning call
Activity pack for every class
Book signing session

Best Value

School Full Day

4–6 reading sessions
Up to 500+ students
Full school day
Pre-visit planning call
Activity pack for every class
Extended book signing

Library & Community

1 reading session, 45–75 min
Any audience size
Audiobook read-along option
Activity sheets provided
Book signing session

Library Branch Tour

Multiple events across different branches within the same library system. Discounted multi-visit packages available.

Community & Mosque

Short-format sessions perfect for family events, iftars, and community gatherings.

Virtual Visit

Live video session with audiobook read-along. Available on Zoom, Meet, or Teams.

Request a Quote

Custom packages available — we’ll work with your budget and schedule.

Ontario Curriculum

Curriculum Connections

Every visit is designed to support classroom learning. Here's how Countdown to Eid connects to the Ontario curriculum:

Subject	Focus Areas
Language Arts	Oral communication, rhythm and pattern in language, sequencing, retelling, read-aloud comprehension
Social-Emotional Learning	Perspective-taking, collaboration, empathy, gratitude, community responsibility
Science & Technology	Lunar observation, tracking change over time, scientific journaling (Moon-watching Log activity)
The Arts	Visual pattern and symmetry, textile motifs, creative response to literature
Social Studies	Cultural celebrations and traditions, community belonging, diversity and inclusion

Unique Offering

Multi-Sensory Learning

Audiobook Read-Along Sessions

In addition to live readings, Dr. Serene offers interactive audiobook read-along sessions — where students follow along with the streaming audiobook while the text is projected on screen.

This multi-sensory approach supports:

Developing listening skills and reading fluency
Engaging auditory and visual learners together
Creating a shared, immersive storytime experience
Accessibility for students with diverse learning needs

The audiobook read-along can be incorporated into any visit package or offered as a standalone virtual session.

🎧

Listen & Follow Along

Available in English & French

Learn More

Getting Started

Ready to Book?

We'd love to bring Countdown to Eid to your students, library patrons, or community members. Here's how to get started:

1. Get in Touch

Email us at contact@siroccopublishing.com with your preferred dates, audience size, and age range.

2. We'll Plan Together

We'll confirm details, send a booking agreement, and arrange a pre-visit planning call with Dr. Serene.

3. Day of Magic

Dr. Serene arrives with books, activity packs, and the energy to make the visit unforgettable.

Email Us to Book

contact@siroccopublishing.com · (289) 318-0808 · We typically respond within 24 hours

Prefer to reach Dr. Serene directly? drserene@siroccopublishing.com

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages is the visit best suited for?

The core reading is designed for ages 4–8 (Junior Kindergarten through Grade 3), but Dr. Serene adapts her presentation for audiences up to Grade 5. Older students can engage with the creative writing and illustration process discussion.

How far in advance should we book?

We recommend booking at least 2 weeks ahead for school visits. For Ramadan and Eid-season events, earlier is better as dates fill quickly. For library and community events, 3–4 weeks is ideal.

Can students purchase books at the visit?

Yes! We can coordinate with your school or library to arrange book orders through Amazon.ca or directly from the publisher. Bulk order pricing is available for schools. The author will sign all purchased books at no extra charge.

Do you offer virtual visits?

Absolutely. Virtual visits are conducted via Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams and include the audiobook read-along experience. They work well for classrooms that can't accommodate an in-person visit or for schools outside the GTA.

Is the visit available in French?

Yes — Countdown to Eid is published in both English and French (Compte à rebours pour l'Aïd). Dr. Serene can incorporate the French edition into bilingual or French-immersion visits.

What are your payment terms?

A 50% deposit by e-transfer confirms the booking. The remaining balance is due on the day of the visit or within 7 business days. Cancellation policy: full refund with 7+ days' notice; 50% refund with 3–6 days; no refund under 3 days.

What do you need from our end?

A quiet space suitable for reading aloud, a chair, and a table for book display and signing. For audiences over 50, a microphone/PA system is helpful. For virtual visits, a stable internet connection and a screen visible to all students.

Author Visits