mail	Vancouver, BC
e	wizbiz@leefodi.com
web	www.leefodi.com www.kendrakandlestar.com

Biography

Known as the "Wizard of Words" or simply as “Mr. Wiz”, Lee Edward Fodi has been writing and illustrating stories about magic, monsters, and mystery for as long as he can remember. He is the author and illustrator of chapter books for grades 2-6, most notably "The Chronicles of Kendra Kandlestar."

Growing up on a farm in the Okanagan valley, Fodi was subjected to many horrible chores such as cleaning up after chickens, ducks, geese, pigs, and younger siblings. There was a time when his father harboured hopes that his son would take over the family business, but these aspirations came to an abrupt end when the daydreaming boy accidentally ran the tractor over his dad's outhouse (thankfully, his dad was not inside at the time). As a result, the young wizard went on to pursue his love of art, mythology, and storytelling, all of which (luckily) do not require any skill in operating heavy machinery.

Fodi studied at the University of British Columbia and has a degree in English Literature and a diploma in Fine Arts. He works full time as an author, illustrator, and speaker, specializing in workshops and programs for elementary-aged children.

Book types: picture books, juvenile fiction

Guest speaker/presentation information

With his whimsical sense of humor and flare for caricature, Lee Edward Fodi (or "Mr. Wiz", as students call him) is an engaging public speaker, specializing in presentations and workshops for elementary-aged children. His presentations are designed to inspire and invigorate students of all reading and writing levels in grades K-8.

Fodi 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.

Fodi works full time as an author, illustrator, and educator. He is a founding member of the Creative Writing for Children Society (CWC), a Vancouver-based program in which he and other authors work with children aged 7-15 to help them write, illustrate, and desktop publish their own books. He has taught workshops for children in Canada, the United States, England, and South Korea.

At school visits, Fodi's enthusiasm brings children right out of their seats, especially during his rousing sessions of interactive drawing, in which he helps the students to design their very own characters. The students can then use these drawings as a spring board for writing their own, unique story.

Fodi offers a variety of presentation and workshop formats, including "Villains: the Art of Creating Characters that are Dreadful and Dastardly", "Monster Mash: Creating Creatures for Myths, Legends, and Fantasy stories," "How to be a Hero: The Art of Crafting Valiant Victors for Adventure Stories," and "Codes and Riddles: Injecting Mystery and Brain Teasers into Adventure Stories."

For more information about school workshops and presentations, be sure to visit http://www.leefodi.com/schoolvisits.html

Presentation geographic range: Vancouver, Coast, Lower Mainland, Gulf and Vancouver Islands, Thompson Okanagan, Northern British Columbia, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Kootenay Rockies, The Territories, Canada - beyond BC, USA

Presentation audience age groups: primary school, grades K-3, grades 4-6, grades 7-8, high school, college/university/adult

Published work

Written & Illustrated by Lee Edward Fodi:
Kendra Kandlestar and the Crack In Kazah (2011)
Kendra Kandlestar and the Shard from Greeve (2009)
Kendra Kandlestar and the Door to Unger (2007)
Kendra Kandlestar and the Box of Whispers (2005)
Corranda's Crown (2002)

Illustrated by Lee Edward Fodi:
The Chocolatier's Apprentice (2007)
Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria (2006)
Gwynne Fair & Shining (2006)
I'll Follow the Moon (2005)

Awards & recognition

2011: NOMINEE, Cybil, best children's fantasy/science fiction book - "Kendra Kandlestar and the Crack in Kazah"

2010: Best Book for Kids and Teens 2010, Canadian Children's Book Centre - "Kendra Kandlestar and the Shard from Greeve"

2009: GOLD RECIPIENT, Mom's Choice Award, best children's chapter book in the category of Fantasy, Myths, and Legends - "Kendra Kandlestar and the Door to Unger"

2007: NOMINEE, Cybil, best children's fantasy/science fiction book - "Kendra Kandlestar and the Shard from Greeve"

2008: FINALIST, children's fiction, USA Book News - "Kendra Kandlestar and the Door to Unger"

2008: HONOURABLE MENTION, Hollywood Book Festival (best book worthy of greater attention from the film, TV and multimedia industries) - "Kendra Kandlestar and the Door to Unger"

2007: NOMINEE, Cybil, best children's fantasy/science fiction book - "Kendra Kandlestar and the Door to Unger"

2007: WINNER, Mom's Choice Award, best children's chapter book, ages 8 & up - "Kendra Kandlestar and the Box of Whispers"

2007: Finalist, Mom's Choice Award for outstanding Environmental book - "I'll Follow the Moon"

2006-2007: Third Place, Chocolate Lily Nominee for Outstanding Picture Book - "I'll Follow the Moon"

2007: Surrey Book of the Year Nominee - "Kendra Kandlestar and the Box of Whispers"

2007: Canadian Toy Testing Council, Recommended Book - "Kendra Kandlestar and the Box of Whispers"