Appearances

Aine loves reading at schools, bookstores, and community events. She is also open to virtual visits.

Aine has lived in three countries, England, Pakistan, and Canada, giving her a unique perspective on the immigration journey. This personal experience is reflected in her writing, particularly in her O Canada Series, which follows a young boy’s journey into Canada.

Children learn about:

Canada

In the first book in the series, O Canada Here I Come, young readers explore Canada. They travel on an exhilarating journey to Canada’s Nunavut Territory in a dog sled, where they meet the locals, Inuit, and sit inside an igloo. They learn about Canada’s diverse provinces and foods. They discover Canadian wildlife, including grizzly bears, Canada geese, polar bears, reindeer, and whales.

Family Ties/Community

Along with the adventures, readers discover Zayd’s personal story, including a heartfelt scene of his grandparents bidding him farewell at Karachi airport. Themes of identity, resilience, family, and community are woven throughout the narrative.

Power of Diversity

With the growing number of immigrants entering Canada every year, Aine’s books are timely and relevant. They highlight the beauty of our differences and the strength we gain when we come together as a diverse and inclusive society.

Empathy and Kindness

Her stories encourage empathy and kindness, providing a window into the challenges newcomers experience.

Maple Syrup Industry

In the second book in the series, O Canada I Love Maple Syrup, Zayd takes children into a Sugar Bush where they discover the fascinating process involved in making maple syrup, one of Canada’s leading industries.

Environment

The third book in the series, O Canada I Vow to Protect the Planet, follows Zayd’s passion to become an Earth Ninja and reduce his environmental footprint. Children learn about recycling, reusing, and reducing.

Interactive Workshops and Activities

Besides book readings, Aine’s author visits can include small group interactive workshops. Through creative writing exercises, art projects, and Q&As, students can reflect on their experiences, express their emotions, and better understand the challenges others face while celebrating their differences.

Books Available in Libraries Across Canada

O Canada Here I Come, the first book in the O Canada Series, is available in public libraries across Canada, including the Toronto Public Library, the Ottawa Public Library, the Milton Public Library, the Mississauga Public Library, the Brampton Public Library, among others.

The books are also available in libraries in other provinces including the Vancouver Public Library in British Columbia and the Regina Public Library in Saskatchewan. Aine’s books are also listed in the Halton District School Board Library Catalogue.

O Canada Here I Come made it to the staff picks for Canadian Picture Books at the Markham Public Library and among the Asian Heritage Month in Canada – Children list at Ottawa Public Library.