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Click here to book Lee Edward Födi for a school visit that is Educational, Imaginative, Inspirational...and Fun!

PRESENTATIONS AND PROGRAMS| RATES | TESTIMONIALS

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With his whimsical sense of humor and flare for caricature, Lee Edward Födi presents to audiences ranging from 20-500 at schools, libraries, bookstores, writing workshops, and other venues. He has taught programs in Canada, the US, and South Korea.

His enthusiasm brings his audiences right out of their seats, especially during his rousing sessions of Goblin Designing 101, in which he works with children to design their very own monsters—thereby inspiring them to tell and write their own, unique stories.

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Presentations and Programs

Meet the Wiz:
An introduction to Lee Edward Födi and his work

This is Lee Edward Födi’s standard school presentation, and is designed to inspire and invigorate students of all reading and writing levels in grades K-7. Using Powerpoint or overheads, Födi demonstrates how a single painting inspired his books The Chronicles of Kendra Kandlestar. By the end of the presentation, he has led students in an interactive drawing workshop, in which each participant creates a goblin or monster-like character. Finally, each student is encouraged to write a story based on the character he or she has created—and many teachers choose to follow up this idea with a formal writing assignment.

Each presentation typically lasts between 60 to 75 minutes and can include:

  • Presentation using Powerpoint or Overheads
  • Reading from The Chronicles of Kendra Kandlestar
  • Question and Answer Period
  • Goblin Designing 101 (an interactive drawing demonstration).

This format is suitable for groups as small as 20 and as large as 300—though the smaller the group, the more interactive the presentation will be.

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The Creative Carpenter:
How writing a story is like building a house

This writing workshop is designed for keen and focused writers aged 8-13. In this workshop, Födi explains how writing a story is like building a house, demonstrating how a story, just like a house, will fall down if it doesn't have all the essential parts (the formal elements of fiction). Födi will arm each of his creative carpenters with some tools and tips, then set them to work so that they can craft their own stories in class, making sure that they consider all of the formal elements of fiction and construct their stories accordingly. Afterwards, students present their work and are given feedback. The workshop typically runs 2-3 hours.

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The Writing Window:
Using art to inspire writing creativity

This writing workshop is designed for keen and focused writers aged 8-13. As both an author and illustrator, Födi believes that art can be a fantastic tool for shining the light of creativity and inspiration on writing. Using Powerpoint or overheads, Födi shows students how he uses this technique in his own writing. He then goes on to deliver exercises that will help participants view the world with a creative eye. Students will then craft their own short stories by examining specific pieces of artwork. Afterwards, students present their work and are given feedback. The workshop typically runs 2-3 hours.

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Think Inside the Box:
Opening the magic vessel to creativity

This writing workshop is designed for keen and focused writers aged 8-13. Building on the popularity of his book Kendra Kandlestar and the Box of Whispers, Födi leads a discussion on famous vessels (such as boxes, cauldrons, lamps, and shells) that appear throughout world mythology. Students are then asked to imagine a box of their own, one that contains its own secret power or treasure. Students will bring that box to life through words and pictures, or even through construction. The workshop typically runs 2-3 hours and requires drawing supplies and, depending on workshop time and desired deliverables, construction supplies such as pre-made craft boxes and decorations.

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Dream Workshop: Weaving Creativity into Writing

This workshop is a year-long program based in Vancouver, British Columbia, and is delivered through the Creative Writing for Children Society (CWC). In Dream Workshop, students learn the craft of creative writing through a series of 15 classes and by the end of the program produce their own desktop-published books. Enrollment in this program is limited and involves an application process. For more information, contact the CWC facilitator.

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Rates

The cost for a presentation or workshop depends on the format, the number of presentations in a given school or district, and required accommodation and travel time. For more information, send Lee Edward Födi an email by visiting the contact page.

If you are teacher based in British Columbia, you are eligible to apply for a grant from the BC Arts Council. Download information about this grant program by clicking here [PDF].

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Testimonials

Lee Edward Födi receives rave reviews for his presentations and workshops. Check out what these recent hosts have had to say:

“Of all the author visits I have hosted, Lee’s was by far the best. The students were actively engaged and eagerly participated in Goblin Designing 101. If you can only have one author this year, make sure it is with Lee Edward Födi.”

Rick Mulholland, Teacher-Librarian & Coordinator of
International School Library Day, Surrey, British Columbia

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“Thank you for providing OK Falls with the wonderful opportunity to connect with Lee Edward Fodi. The  presentation was absolutely wonderful — the students had a BLAST.”

Garry Sutherland, Principle, Okanagan Falls Elementary

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“Lee Edward Födi’s compelling presentations capture young audiences with his dynamic range of visuals, passion and theatrical talent.”

Ron Jobe, Professor, Department of Language & Literacy, University of British Columbia and Co-Chair, Vancouver Children’s Literature Roundtable

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“With the recent success of his books, Kendra Kandlestar and the Box of Whispers and Corranda’s Crown, it is clear that Födi—a.k.a the Wizard of Words—is a children’s author and illustrator with impressive talent, transporting readers into a world of mystery and wonder. But it is the rare authenticity with which Födi engages children that seems most magical.”

SharedVISION Magazine, Vancouver, BC

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“Stephanie Lisa Tara and Lee Edward Födi are not only both wonderfully talented children’s book creators, but they’re also a delight to have at the store! They charmed my customers and staff and were wonderfully engaged with the children who attended their event.”

Peter Glassman, President and Owner,
Books of Wonder, New York, NY

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“Lee Edward Födi is a magician when it comes to engaging young audiences with his brilliant presentations. Children love Lee’s creative energy and are inspired, not only by his stories and illustrations, but also by his exuberant storytelling.”

Phyllis Simon, Owner, Kidsbooks, Vancouver, British Columbia

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“Lee Edward Födi’s dynamic personality and whimsical charm make him a great candidate for in-store events and promotions. He has a unique ability to connect with young people and his magical books fly off the shelves, as his illustrations are as captivating as his stories.”

Don Shaw, District Marketing Manager for Washington, Idaho and Alaska — Borders Books & Music

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“Lee Edward Födi held nearly five hundred students (K-6) in rapt attention at Skyline Library during his well-paced and highly entertaining Author Visit. Lee’s energy never flagged as he performed four 60 minutes sessions to an audience of over 100 students each.

Students were treated to a behind-the-scenes peek at Lee’s beautiful art work in his powerpoint presentation and were mezmerized by his reading of a pivotal excerpt of his fantasy, Kendra Kandlestar and the Box of Whispers. There was never enough time for the students’ questions during the Q&A portion, so children warned Lee to expect a lot of email!

Each session ended with students drawing along during Lee’s Goblin Drawing 101 class, with howls and hoots of laughter at his creations as well as their own. Students who went home with autographed books were the object of much envy and the request list for our library copies is way too long!

“I heartily recommend Lee Edward Fodi to any school librarian looking for a motivating, captivating and memorable Author Visit.”

Julie Hunter, Teacher-Librarian,
Skyline Elementary School, Ferndale, Washington

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“Through Mr. Fodi's school visit and personable style, students at Woodland Elementary learned that real people are authors. They felt encouraged to write more and better stories, and to view themselves as real writers. Mr. Fodi answered their questions at their level. He was personable, approachable, enthusiastic, and creative. I highly recommend author and illustrator Lee Edward Fodi for school visits and school-wide assemblies!

My third grade students have greatly enjoyed the story of Kendra Kandlestar and the Box of Whispers! They were fascinated with the characters and the drawings and couldn’t wait to find out what happened next in each chapter. This enthusiasm has spilled over into their own creative writing. I see them writing more details and descriptions about the characters and settings. I have also noticed an increase in the details in their drawings.

Michele Bledsoe, Teacher,
Woodland Elementary School, Puyallup, Washington

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“Following are some of the comments I received from teacher-librarians on your tour:

I just want to thank you very much for organizing the Lee Fodi tour. He was GREAT! The students were so enthusiastic and involved—a real treat. He is such a personable and talented young man!

Had a lovely time with L.E.F. today. Kids loved him!

Hi Donna, just a note to let you know I enjoyed Lee's presentation very much. He was a pretty good speaker, but as an illustrator he really shone. The kids are very gung-ho to write stories and illustrate them, after spending time drawing their monsters on paper. The teachers were very thankful for an interactive presentation.

Lee's presentations to the 5's and 6's were fabulous. He really reached the kids through his drawings and characters in his Box of Whispers. Thank you for arranging his visit; it will be remembered for a long time.

Thanks so much for inviting Lee—he was great—the kids really enjoyed his visit.”

Donna Rubadeau, President, Central Okanagan Teacher-Librarians' Association, Kelowna, BC

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Find out more:

Star. Click here to book Födi for an appearance or to request more information.
Star. For a list of upcoming appearances by Lee Edward Födi, click here.
Star. For a complete list of Födi’s books, click here.

 

Lee Edward Fodi

Goblin Designing 101 at Madison Elementary.

Lee Edward Fodi during a session of Goblin Designing 101.

Lee Edward Fodi during a reading.

Lee Edward Fodi at a school presentation

Kids during a round of Goblin Designing 101.

Lee Edward Fodi on International School Library Day.

Lee Edward Fodi and Stephanie Lisa Tara at Books of Wonder in New York

Lee Edward Fodi with young fans.

Lee Edward Fodi drawing at Raymer Elementary.

Lee Edward Fodi at Davidson Road Elementary.

Lee Edward Fodi at Heffley Creek

Lee Edward Fodi at Cawston Elementary.

Lee Edward Fodi at Clayton Elementary School.

Lee Edward Fodi during a Dream Workshop class.

Lee Edward Fodi with Canoe Creek class.

Lee Edward Fodi at Anniedale Traditional School.

Kids at one of Lee Edward Fodi's presentations.

Lee Edward Fodi at Peter Glassman at Books of Wonder, New York.

Lee Edward Fodi teaching a workshop.

Lee Edward Fodi at Morgan Elementary.

Lee Edward Fodi at Hornby Elementary.

 
 
All material © 2008 Lee Edward Födi