by Giselle Onanian

THE CHILDREN'S BOOK SERIES FOR
THE LITTLEST EXPATS!

Heartfelt rhyming stories that celebrate family and friendship, explore belonging and resilience, and spark conversations about life in our home away from home.

Discover the Series

Book a Visit

Meet the Author

THE ALFIE & OAK SERIES

"It’s ok to be scared, my boy.

You don’t have to feel all alone.

As long as we are all together.

We can make anywhere our home."

ALFIE & OAK IS GREAT FOR

• New, or soon-to-be, little expats and parents

• Those who’ve just moved, or are moving abroad

• Keeping connected between visits from family who live far away

• Understanding why friends sometimes leave and move to new countries

Daddy Has Got a New Job

Daddy has got a new job, how exciting! But, Alfie's world is about to change with a big move to a new country.

With a bit of help from Oak and some comforting words from Mum and Dad, Alfie learns to embrace the adventure.

Can We Go and See Nana?

Alfie loves spending time with his Nana, but living far away means he can't just pop over for a visit.

This warm rhyming tale explores the challenges of long-distance family relationships.

Where Did My Friend Go?

Alfie is excited to see his friends after the school holidays, but is soon heartbroken to find out his best friend has moved overseas.

This story helps young expats understand the emotions of transient expat life, including saying goodbye to friends.

NARRATIVE THEMES

• Family and Friendship

• Anxiety and Belonging

• Moving and Living Abroad

• Transient Lifestyles

Alfie & Oak is printed and published in the UAE by The Dreamwork Collective.

AUTHOR VISITS + WRITERS WORKSHOPS

Conversational | Interactive | Imaginative | Flexible

Alfie & Oak was written to be shared. If you would love an author visit but don’t see anything that fits your needs or budget, please get in touch. We’ll find a way that works for you!

NOTES: Please contact Giselle directly for pricing. | For workshops, max. 45 children is preferable to ensure focus + participation. | All sessions are adaptable to current curriculum themes. | Fees inclusive of materials + transportation. | Discount available for multiple sessions bookings. | Books available through The Dreamwork Collective at AED 35 per book and can be signed by the author.

FROM IDEA

TO IMPACT

For those who love working with words, drawing on my personal and professional experience to explore what it truly means to think like a writer.

Classroom | Collaborative

| Add-on Challenge

Workshop

Ages 10-13 | Year 5+

1 class at a time

40-80 minutes

AUTHOR VISIT

& READING

Interactive reading of the Alfie & Oak series with open conversation and mini-Q&A sessions about expat life in between.

Conversational | Interactive Adaptable | Flexible

Reading Session

Ages 4-8 | Year 1+

2-5 classes per session

1-2 hours

FINDING, FINESSING

& FINISHING YOUR STORY

A lively discussion on what it means to be an author, and an active brainstorming session building a story together.

Classroom | Interactive & Imaginative | Worksheet

Workshop

Ages 6-10 | Year 2+

1 class per session

1-2 hours

THE ADVENTURE SO FAR...

Giselle
Onanian

Born to British and Lebanese-Armenian parents, when writing Alfie & Oak, Giselle drew inspiration from her 30+ years of expat life in Dubai; reflecting on how she once felt as a child moving abroad, missing family and saying goodbye to friends.

Now, raising her own little expats, Frankie and Izzy, Giselle hopes to share comforting words and conversation starters with other families worldwide to help them embrace living in their homes away from home.

By day, Giselle is a creative strategist, copywriter and pitch producer for local and international brands. When she isn't working with words, she loves adventures with rascals (including the real-life Oak!), playing in the sunshine, and travelling the world.