School Visits & Workshops
For daycares, schools, libraries, and community organizations

Social-Emotional Learning + Literacy WorkshopsAttention all educators!
Attention all educators!
Book your next author reading or workshop
Work with Marlee to create engaging activities for kids that foster social-emotional awareness and communication skills. Customized program development available.
Here are some workshop ideas:
Daycare, K4 and K5
Interactive book reading with yoga activity and Q&A.
Grades 1-3
Creative writing and social-emotional expression workshop.
Grades 4-6 and beyond
Self-publishing workshop. How to publish your very own book.
Reach out for more information and to find out whether your school is eligible for a free visit.
Reading to Grades 3 & 4 at Clearpoint Elementary School

Reading to Kindergarten at Clearpoint Elementary School

NaMOOste Launch Party: Reading with the help of my 2 kids

Children’s Book Publishing Presentation for Grade 4 Students at Solomon Schechter Academy

Reviews for NaMOOste + Marlee’s school visits
Delightfully funny and adorable! This exquisitely illustrated book, which features a menagerie of animals in various yoga poses, introduces young people to the practice of yoga. Helpful notes and discussion points are also included. The rhymes are a delight to read aloud, and it’s totally aMOOsing!
Janet PerlmanOscar® nominated animator
and award-winning children’s book author/illustrator
and award-winning children’s book author/illustrator
Charming, witty and clever from start to finish! NaMOOste takes you on a journey through different situations, and how to deal with them. The benefits of yoga and the social and emotional learning weaved through the story make this an excellent read for everyone. A must for the bookshelves of parents and therapists alike.
Stefanie DembergSocial Worker and mom of two
NaMOOste is a book that I will definitely use both professionally and personally; social-emotional learning is so very relevant and needed right now. The illustrations, font, and layouts are extremely pleasing to the eye, and the animals are adorable. I could imagine children copying the animal sounds and loving the pictures. The useful social-emotional concepts scattered throughout the book are easy to find and spark conversation with children. It was a pleasant surprise to find amazing content at the end with which adults could guide children through a debrief of the book, and a section that explains all the key terms. NAMOOSTE is a great tool for children of all ages, whether in a professional setting or home environment!
Adrienne Frank MSW, Social Worker
I adore this book!! It is fun and easy to read and exposes the reader to all sorts of social emotional skills that are so important for kids (and adults) to learn about. The book also made my kids giggle, which is also a bonus! I will definitely recommend this book to my peers, both in the mommy world and Social Work world.
Shira LevittMSW, Child Behaviour Specialist
Marlee Kostiner has written a delightful book that is both informative and fascinating. With clear explanations and beautiful illustrations, readers will learn about the many benefits of yoga, from improving your flexibility and strength to reducing anxiety and depression. You’ll also discover how to develop a daily practice that fits your lifestyle, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi.
Midwest Book Review
Marlee Kostiner’s interactive reading of “NaMOOste” was an absolute delight for our daycare classrooms. With boundless energy and enthusiasm, she seamlessly integrated storytelling and yoga, captivating children aged 1 to 5 in a world of movement and mindfulness.
Through dynamic storytelling and expressive gestures, Marlee invited the children to join her on a journey of exploration and discovery. Her interactive approach fostered cooperation, empathy, and self-expression, while promoting values of inclusivity and kindness.
Beyond the physical benefits, Marlee’s reading nurtured emotional well-being and self-confidence in the children. Her passion for sharing the joys of yoga created a lasting impact on both children and educators alike, leaving us grateful for the memories and inspiration she provided.
Amanda OttoniDirector at La Perle de L’Enfance Daycare
I recently had the pleasure of attending a reading of Marlee’s delightful book, “Namooste,” and it was a truly wonderful experience. As she read the book, the kids were captivated not only by the enchanting story but also by the beautiful illustrations, which Marlee expertly highlighted. What made the experience even more special was the way she incorporated yoga poses into the reading. The children loved following along, stretching and moving in sync with her, which added a fun and interactive element to the session.
Nicole AcocaDirector at CPE Maimonide Daycare
Marlee’s visit to our Grade 5 classroom was a great experience. Her reading of her book, NaMOOste, captivated the students, and the yoga session afterward was a perfect way to unwind and connect. Marlee’s warmth and organization made the event seamless and highly enjoyable for everyone involved.
Erika MatthewsTeacher at Westpark Elementary School
Namooste is the perfect book for a young audience. The yoga references, rhyming and predictable nature of the story, provide opportunity for movement and full engagement. A truly delightful story.
Frances LaPortaTeacher at Clearpoint Elementary
Namooste is a hopelessly adorable picture book that depicts animals practicing yoga poses in an effort to show young readers the different ways yoga can help care for your body and mind. It’s spectacular!
Librairie ClioBookstore in Pointe Claire Plaza
The playful exploration of yoga and animals, and the clever twist on the term “namaste” had me thoroughly entertained. I can only imagine how a child will react! The interactive elements, coupled with your offering of parental support for meaningful conversations and the inclusion of interactive sticker fun, were all so well-executed. I am truly impressed by how you seamlessly addressed the aspects of children’s global development, spanning language and physical development, social and emotional growth, and cognition. What sets NaMOOste apart for me is its flexibility. It can be utilized by parents in a variety of ways, making it suitable for a broad age range—from 2-3-year-olds to 8 or 9-year-olds.
Dr. Sheryl Smith-Gilman, PhDAssociate Dean of Academic Programs
in the Faculty of Education at McGill University
in the Faculty of Education at McGill University
