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 (or "Mr. Wiz," as he is called by his students) presents to audiences ranging from 20-500 at schools, libraries, bookstores, writing workshops, and other venues. He has taught programs in Canada, the United States, England, and South Korea.

Mr. Wiz has worked as a writer-in-residence at schools in Canada and the US, taught at the Vancouver Public Library Camp, the Youth Write Camp in Penticton (sponsored in part by Raise a Reader), and the MASC conference in Ottawa. He has also been a featured presenter at the Surrey International Writers' Conference and and spoken at the National Council of English Teachers Conference in Philadelphia.

Mr. Wiz believes in using the imaginative arts (music, drama and especially illustration) to inspire students to become stronger readers and writers and to specifically create a broader understanding of such concepts as character, plot, setting, point of view, imagery, and style.

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Presentations and Writing Workshops

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

This is Lee Edward Födi’s most popular school presentation, designed to inspire and invigorate students of all reading and writing levels in grades K-7. Using Powerpoint, Mr. Wiz demonstrates how the process of illustration inspired his series of fantasy 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:

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So You Think You're a Villain:
The art of crafting characters that are dreadful and dastardly

In this workshop, Mr. Wiz delivers a presentation featuring some of the best known and most classic villains, discussing the common elements in literature and film that make us feel that icy chill down our spines. Mr. Wiz will explain how he draws on these archetypes to create his own villains, and inspire students to show (rather than tell about) their characters' personalities. Each student will draw a picture of his or her villain, and think about important elements such as secret lairs, henchmen, and diabolical gadgets. Students will also consider the villain's reaction to different scenarios. This workshop serves as a great springboard for young writers who want to begin crafting an adventure or fantasy story—or want to improve an existing story. At the end of the workshop, time permitting, students present their work and are given feedback. This writing workshop is designed for keen and focused writers aged 8-13 and typically runs 1-3 hours.

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How to be a Hero:
The art of crafting valiant victors for adventure stories

In this workshop, Mr. Wiz delivers a presentation featuring famous and beloved heroes from literature and film, discussing the common elements that make us root for their success. Mr. Wiz will explain how he draws on these archetypes to create his own protagonists, and inspire students to show (rather than tell about) their characters' heroic personalities. Each student will draw a picture of his or her hero, and think about important elements such as costumes, sidekicks, and gadgets. Students will also consider the hero's reaction to different scenarios. This workshop serves as a great springboard for young writers who want to begin crafting an adventure or fantasy story—or want to improve an existing story. At the end of the workshop, time permitting, students present their work and are given feedback. This writing workshop is designed for keen and focused writers aged 8-13 and typically runs 1-3 hours.

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Monster Mash:
Creating creatures for myths, legends, and fantasy stories

This writing workshop is designed for keen and focused writers aged 8-13. In this workshop, Mr. Wiz discusses the history of monsters in literature and legend and demonstrates how he creates creatures for use in his own fantasy series, The Chronicles of Kendra Kandlestar. Afterwards, Mr. Wiz leads an interactive drawing session in which each student designs his or her own creature, along with a "data sheet". Afterwards, time permitting, students present their work and are given feedback. This workshop typically runs 1-3 hours.

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Costume Makes the Character:
Dressing your characters for story success

This writing workshop is designed for storytellers, artists, and writers in grades K-7. In this workshop, Mr. Wiz leads students in an examination of different characters and how their clothes help express their personalities. Students then take a template character—a tiny mouse—and create at least two different outfits for this character. Students will then use these drawings as a springboard to write a story describing how this mouse went on an adventure and grew as a character, changing from one costume to another. This workshop typically runs 1-2 hours.

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Riddles and Codes:
Injecting mystery and brain teasers into adventure stories

In this workshop, Mr. Wiz discusses the use of riddles, ciphers, and brainteasers in books and movies and draws on examples from his own fantasy series, The Chronicles of Kendra Kandlestar. He demonstrates several methods of cipher writing, including writing messages with invisible ink, which students will try, first hand. Afterwards, time permitting, students present their work and are given feedback. This writing workshop is designed for keen and focused writers aged 8-13 and typically runs 1-3 hours.

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Get Incited:
Story starters to propel your plot

In this workshop, Mr. Wiz presents an overview of the standard plot structure, breaking it down visually and with some examples from movie clipos. Using a Powerpoint presentation, he will discuss some of the most common ways to begin fantasy-adventure stories, giving examples from famous books and movies to describe each technique. Afterwards, students will be invited to create their own inciting incident with the help of a proclamation or wanted poster. This writing workshop is designed for keen and focused writers aged 8-13 and typically runs 1-3 hours.

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The Writing Rumble:
How to write a battle that is exciting and dramatic

Many young writers—especially boys—are told to not write with violence, even though it can be a natural and instinctive impulse to do so. Drawing on his own book, Kendra Kandlestar and the Shard from Greeve, and other books and movies, Mr. Wiz explains the difference between violence and action and delivers meaningful tips, tools, and hints that help young writers craft battles and fight scenes that are exciting, compelling, and perhaps even funny—but not gory. Students will design their own warriors and think about interesting ways to write a battle scene. Afterwards, students present their work and are given feedback. This writing workshop is designed for keen and focused writers aged 8-13 and typically runs 1-3 hours.

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Think Inside the Box:
Opening the magic vessel to creativity

Building on the popularity of his book Kendra Kandlestar and the Box of Whispers, Mr. Wiz 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 requires drawing supplies and, depending on workshop time and desired deliverables, construction supplies such as pre-made craft boxes and decorations. This writing workshop is designed for keen and focused writers aged 8-13 and typically runs 1-3 hours.

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Dream Workshop: Weaving Creativity into Writing

This workshop is a four-month 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, visit the CWC website.

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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

“On behalf of the Writing & Book Camp team at Vancouver Public Library, we would like to thank you for inspiring this year's young readers and writers at the tenth annual camp. Thanks to you, our campers had the opportunity to explore the creation of vindictive villains in a welcoming and inclusive environment. We are especially grateful for the good humour and wonderful energy that you brought to our program. Camper feedback revealed that your workshop was one of the top 10 highlights of the week!”

Meghan Radomske
Writing & Book Camp Coordinator
Vancouver Public Library

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“Lee Edward Födi has been a truly fantastic workshop presenter to young writers at the British Columbia Youth Write Camp. He engages the young writers to challenge themselves and their abitily in honing their talents to become better storytellers. During his visits to schools and classrooms with the Raise a Reader program, his telling and showing about his personal journey to become a writer and illustrator adds tremendous passion to inspire young minds to go for their dreams. As an author, his fantasy stories and illustrations offer readers, young and old, an escape into 'Een', a magical world of wonder!”

Yasmin John-Thorpe
Coordinator, Raise a Reader, South Okanagan
Organizer, British Columbia Youth Write Camp

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“I’m still hearing rave reviews from teachers and students about your visit! As I told you on Tuesday, I heard quite a few of the teachers say that you are their favorite author visit!  Thank you for a great time and for teaching our students how fun it can be to write and use their imaginations.”

Alycen Creigh, Teacher-Librarian
Dieringer Heights Elementary, Lake Tapps, Washington

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“The students (and teachers!) thoroughly enjoyed your presentation about where the imagination can lead you. You showed the kids that you were once in their shoes and easily connected with all of them—whether they loved to draw, loved to write or both. From a teaching perspective, I appreciated that you showed them how your stories and pictures evolved—with hard work—through the writing process. It helped them see the connection between what they are learning at school and what they can do in the real world. They were truly inspired.”

Dalya Goldberger
ETFI Teacher, First Avenue Public School, Ottawa, Ontario

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“I want to extend an enormous wizard's cauldron of thanks for your terrific presentation at Maple Lawn Elementary. You managed to teach such terrific technique by focusing on one element, character, and extend the learnings to your life as an author. The students are loving the books and the ideas are tucked in their writing folders as starter and reminders of a great way to begin a piece of writing. Thank you so much for your flexibility to work with us as we selected from your myriad of choices. Your presentation was perfectly directed to our 4th graders as you engaged their thinking.”

Rae McDonald
Librarian, Maple Lawn Elementary, Sumner, Washington

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“Thank you SO much for greatly inspiring us with your presentation last week! The teachers loved it, and my whole class is totally stoked about creating unique and interesting characters. We’ve already created fabulous goblins, and thought extensively about their characteristics and powers. We even made 'trading cards' based on the ones you have on your website of your characters. I think we’ll have to write a short story based on the creatures we’ve created because we’re having so much fun! Perhaps I’ll encourage them to include another classmate’s character in their story . . . that could be interesting, and give them motivation to write a good story.”

Sherilyn Henschell, Teacher
Heritage Mountain Elementary, Port Moody, British Columbia

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“Mr. Fodi delivered a very dynamic and engaging workshop. It was a very diverse group of students from grades 1 to 6 and all were incredibly engaged! His stories, pictures and humour kept everyone hanging on each word and the entire audience came away feeling completely inspired. Mr. Fodi was down to earth and accessible – he made each of us feel that we could accomplish anything we set our minds to!”

Lesley Kathnelson, Teacher
Hopewell Public School, Ottawa

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“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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“As part of the CanWest Raise a Reader Program, author Lee Edward Födi spoke to all the Okanagan Falls students (135 students), describing his childhood and inspiration for his Kendra Kandlestar series. By leading the students through a drawing exercise, he explained how a single drawing or illustration can spark the imagination and lead to the development of a short story or even a complete chapter book.”

Garry Sutherland, Principle, Okanagan Falls Elementary, BC

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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

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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, BC

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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:

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