Author Visits
Ilana R. Wieder
As a playwright and an actor/director, I bring my theatrical background to my school visits. When I share my picture book with kids, I’ll get them up and moving. We’ll have fun reading the book together singing Shabbat and Havdalah songs and howling like Shira, the singing puppy!
Below you will find some of the programs I offer. Each presentation offers time for Q&A. Each presentation will be 30min to 1hour.
- Story time and activity (ages 0-5)
An interactive reading followed by singing Havdalah songs. Then, we have a choice of decorating a spice box or coloring pages drawn by the brilliant illustrator, Alexandra Colombo.
- Tot Shabbat (ages 1-6):
We will sing Shabbat songs, read SHIRA THE SINGING PUPPY, pause to set the table for Shabbat and sing Havdalah songs at the end of the presentation. Kids can enjoy Challah and grape juice as part of a Shabbat celebration.
- Havdalah Event (ages 2-7):
Interactive Havdalah event for the entire family. We’ll learn about Havdalah ritual, sing Havdalah blessings and howl like Shira, the singing puppy as we sing Havdalah songs. Then, we’ll enjoy Havdalah arts and crafts and coloring pages.
- Zoom visits (30 minutes):
Slides and reading of my book over zoom, singing Shabbat & Havdalah songs and Q&A.
Images with the permission of Kar-Ben Publishing. Illustrations © 2025 by Alexandra Colombo. All rights reserved.
Buy your copy of ‘Shira, the Singing Puppy’ here!
