Known as the “Wizard of Words” or simply as “Mr. Wiz,” Lee Edward Födi has been writing and illustrating stories about magic, monsters, and mystery for as long as he can remember. Growing up on a farm, he was subjected to various horrible chores such as cleaning up after chickens, pigs, geese, and younger siblings. He was often in trouble for his constant daydreaming. There was a time when his father harbored hopes that his son would take over the family business—but these aspirations came to an abrupt end when the young author accidentally ran the tractor over his dad’s outhouse (thankfully, his dad was not inside at the time). As a result, Födi went on to pursue his love of art, mythology, and storytelling, all of which (luckily) do not require any skill in operating heavy machinery.
Födi is the author and illustrator of The Chronicles of Kendra Kandlestar, which include The Box of Whispers, The Door to Unger, The Shard from Greeve, and the forthcoming The Crack in Kazah. He has also illustrated several picture books for other authors, including The Chocolatier's Apprentice, a national bestseller.
Födi is an engaging public speaker, specializing in presentations and workshops for elementary-aged children. He has taught programs in Canada, the United States, England, and South Korea. In addition, he is a co-founder of Dream Workshop, a Vancouver-based not-for-profit program in which children's authors, illustrators, and performers help kids publish their own books. As the lead mentor for Dream Workshop, Födi finds continual inspiration in the enthusiasm, ingenuity, and talent of his students.
Födi studied at the University of British Columbia and has a degree in English Literature and a diploma in Fine Arts. He is a member of several organizations dedicated to children's literature, including the Children’s Writers & Illustrators of British Columbia (CWILL) and the Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC).
Födi works full-time as an author, illustrator, and speaker and lives in Vancouver, the beautiful Canadian city nestled between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who are your books for?
I write and illustrate fantasy adventure chapter books aimed at kids anywhere from six and up. It seems to me that most of my readers are 6-11 years old, but I receive lots of correspondence from readers of all ages. My most popular books are The Chronicles of Kendra Kandlestar, which you can explore in detail at the Kendra Kandlestar website.
I have also illustrated books for picture books authors. These books are generally aimed at younger kids, from newborns to five years old.
2. Where do you get your ideas?
I am inspired by mythology and world folklore. Since I was a small boy, I have always been fascinated by the tales and mysteries of the ancient world. Now, as an adult, one of my greatest joys is to travel to ancient sites around the world. Some of the places I have visited include the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Stonehenge in England, Chitzeniza in Mexico, the Mayan ruins of Tikal in Gautemala, the Great Wall of China, the Suwon wall in Korea, the Alhambra palace complex in Spain, and of course many other temples, castles and extravagant examples of architecture in Europe and Asia. Such visits help connect me to the magic of the worlds I create.
3. Will your books ever be made into movies?
I’m a writer and illustrator, so I concentrate on telling my stories through books. However, I do think some of my books, such as The Chronicles of Kendra Kandlestar, would be interesting movies. However, if any of my books are ever made into movies, it won’t be by me.
4. How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. In fact, I wrote my first book when I was five or six years old. Most of my stories that I wrote as a kid were similar to the books I write now, filled with magic, monsters, and mystery.
5. Do you visit schools?
Yes, I love to visit schools and tell children about my books and how I came to be an author and illustrator. Just visit the School Visits page for more information.
6. Do you have study guides for teachers?
Yes, I have free teacher guides for The Chronicles of Kendra Kandlestar. You can download them by visiting the Kendra Kandlestar website. If you have any additional questions, send me an e-mail by visiting the contact page and I’ll answer as soon as possible!
7. Where can I buy your books?
Most of my books are available at retailers in Canada and the US, or through Amazon. For The Chronicles of Kendra Kandlestar, please visit the Kendra Kandlestar website for helpful purchasing links. I also offer book sales directly from me as part of an author visit to a school. For more information about booking me at your school and arranging a direct book sale, send me an e-mail by visiting the contact page.
8. Have your books won any awards?
Happily, yes! Kendra Kandlestar and the Box of Whispers and Kendra Kandlestar and the Door to Unger have both won the Mom’s Choice Award®. Kendar Kandlestar and the Shard from Greeve was listed as one of the 2010 best books for kids by the Canadian Children's Book Centre. The picture book I illustrated for Stephanie Lisa Tara, I’ll Follow the Moon, won third prize in the Chocolate Lily Awards. And my brand new book, Kendra Kandlestar and the Crack in Kazah is nominated for a Cybil.
9. Which do you like better, writing or illustrating?
Honestly, it depends on the day and what mood I’m in. I really love to do both, but sometimes I feel frustrated with one or the other and need to take a break.
10. What are you working on right now?
I've just finished Kendra Kandlestar and the Crack in Kazah and am now working on the fifth installment in the series. And no, I don't have a title yet! But you can get the latest updates my visiting my blog.
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