About MeI'm a children's author, illustrator, and educator—or, as I like to think of myself, a daydreaming expert.

When I'm not daydreaming myself, I teach + read more kids how to do it. Sure, they might seem pretty good at it already, but in my experience, most of them haven't learned how to put it to good use . . . yet.

I'm the author of Spell Sweeper, The Secret of Zoone, The Guardians of Zoone, and the Kendra Kandlestar series. I have illustrated books for other authors and was the official illustrator for the BC Library Association 2016 summer reading club.

I enjoy mythology, history, and the mysteries of the universe. During my free time, I'm a traveler, adventurer, and maker of dragon eggs. I especially love to visit exotic places where I can find tombs, mazes, castles, and crypts.

I live in Vancouver with my wife, Marcie, and my son, Hiro. Show Less

My Work Speaker Info Contact Me

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You May Know Me For:

Literature Types
• Picture Books
• Chapter Books
• Middle Grade Fiction

Published WorksSpell Sweeper
HarperCollins Children's Books, 2021
ISBN: 978-0062845320

The Guardians of Zoone
HarperCollins Children's Books, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-06284-528-3

The Secret of Zoone
HarperCollins Children's Books, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-06284-526-9

Kendra Kandlestar: Legends & Lore
Simply Read Books, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-772290134

Kendra Kandlestar and the Search for Arazeen
Simply Read Books, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-927018293

Kendra Kandlestar and the Crack in Kazah
Simply Read Books, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-927018286

Kendra Kandlestar and the Shard from Greeve Simply Read Books, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-927018279

Kendra Kandlestar and the Door to Unger
Simply Read Books, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-927018262

Kendra Kandlestar and the Box of Whispers
Simply Read Books, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-927018255

Corranda's Crown
Royal Fireworks Press, 2002
ISBN: 978-0-880925730

The Chocolatier's Apprentice
Echo Memoirs, 2007
ISBN: 978-0-978181130

Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria
Brown Books Publishing Group, 2006
ISBN: 978-0-982479681

Gwynne Fair & Shining
Brown Books Publishing Group, 2006
ISBN: 978-0-989433426

I'll Follow the Moon
Brown Books Publishing Group, 2005
ISBN: 978-0-989433402

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Speaking InformationI've worked with literally thousands of kids, having delivered presentations and workshops for kids in Canada, the United States, England, South Korea, + read more Thailand, and China. My audiences range from 20-500 in venues as varied as classrooms, gymnasiums, libraries, bookstores, and conference centers—and virtual meeting rooms using platforms such as Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet. No matter the situation, I enjoy sharing and working with young imaginations.

I've worked as a writer/artist-in-residence at numerous schools, including leading art therapy sessions for at-risk teens. In addition, I've presented at the Vancouver Writers' Fest, the Richmond Children's Art Festival, the Nanaimo Children's Book Festival, and the MASC conference in Ottawa. I've toured as part of CCBC's Children's Book Week and have presented many times to teachers on the topic of creative writing, including at the National Council of English Teachers Conference in Philadelphia and Chicago.

My workshops inspire and invigorate students of all reading and writing levels in grades K-8. Using engaging visuals, I demonstrate how I find inspiration for my books through drawing, map-making, prop-building, travel, and research.

My workshops are 50-75 minutes long (depending on the age group) and always include an interactive brainstorming session, so that each participant leaves with a visual output—and a broader understanding of such concepts as character, plot, setting, point of view, imagery, and style.

My format is suitable for groups as small as 20 and as large as 300—though groups between 60 and 120 seem to be the best.

I have many other specific writing workshops and formats; please contact me for specifics. Show Less

I will visit:
• Vancouver
• Coast
• Lower Mainland
• Gulf and Vancouver Islands
• Thompson Okanagan
• Northern British Columbia
• Cariboo Chilcotin Coast
• Kootenay Rockies
• The Territories
• Canada - beyond BC
• USA
• International
• Virtually

I Present to Age Groups:
• Grades K-3
• Grades 4-6
• Grades 7-8
• High School
• College / University / Adult

Request Booking Info

TestimonialsLee has worked with two groups of my students (in a district program for highly able learners) over + read more the last two years. A natural educator, Lee’s warm and playful style engages kids and creates community instantly. His thoughtful presentations and hands-on learning projects spark genuine curiosity and are perfectly calibrated to the needs and interests of gifted learners. Students remember him for his energy, creativity, and deep knowledge of the writing process. Above all, Lee makes writing fun. I hope to collaborate with him every year!

Ahmed Rahim, District Resource Teacher
– Gifted Outreach/Seminars
Vancouver School District, BC, Canada Show Less Lee is a very engaging speaker, and was able to keep everyone from K-7 engaged all the way through. + read more He was happy to speak to large groups in the gym, so we were able to include all 460ish students in 3 sessions. Even with these large groups, he did a writing/drawing/brainstorming activity with all grades which everyone was engaged in and many students collaborated on. Students all walked away with either a character, an idea, or a mapped out story plan which they were so excited about and could bring back to the classroom to use for a writing activity. Both teachers and students left the gym telling me how much they enjoyed the sessions.

He talked about his books as well, which students were very interested in, but his focus was very much on the creative process, on the patience and practice it takes to get good at writing and illustrating, and on where his ideas come from. I left the sessions inspired to write stories, and I wasn't the only one! ​

Kyla Macdonald, Teacher Librarian
Lord Kitchener Elementary
Vancouver, BC, Canada Show Less Thank you so much for helping Central plant the seeds of writing. So many kids are now excited + read more about journaling their ideas and sketches. This never happened before . . . everyone at the staff meeting yesterday was so impressed by your work with our kids

Elaine McEachern, Learning Support Teacher
École Central Elementary
Fort St. John, BC, Canada Show Less

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Awards and Recognition:2021: CBC's 35 middle-grade books to watch for - Spell Sweeper

2015: Best Book for Kids + show more and Teens, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Kendra Kandlestar and the Search for Arazeen

2014: NOMINEE, Chocolate Lily Award, best children's chapter book
- Kendra Kandlestar and the Box of Whispers

2012: Best Book for Kids and Teens, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Kendra Kandlestar and the Crack in Kazah

2012: WINNER, Best Children's Book of the Year, Reader Views Literary Awards - Kendra Kandlestar and the Crack in Kazah

2012: WINNER, GOLD RECIPIENT, Mom's Choice Award, best children's chapter book in the category of Fantasy, Myths, and Legends
- Kendra Kandlestar and the Crack in Kazah

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

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

2009: NOMINEE, Cybil, best children's fantasy/science fiction book
- 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"

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

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
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