menu
About MeI am Christina Leist, a writer/illustrator and graphic designer living in the beautiful city of Vancouver, Canada.


With a distant past in the + read more advertising world, over the last decade and a bit I have been working as a graphic designer and most importantly as a (writer/) illustrator, focussing on creating imaginative adventures for youthful spirits. I have published several books as a (writer) illustrator and my writing and illustrations have been featured in publications such as Chirp magazine.


I’d love to hear from you, if you’d like to inquire regarding Illustration, wish to collaborate on a fun and exciting project or are interested in licensing or commissioning art.


I can be booked to visit your classroom as a speaker – in person or virtually! If you are interested, please connect and I will be happy to send you information about my program and fees.


Thanks for stopping by! Show Less


My Work Speaker Info Contact Me
You May Know Me For:
    Literature Types
  • Board Books
  • Picture Books
  • Middle Grade Fiction
  • Poetry
  • Educational & Information Books
  • Games & Apps

Published WorksON MY SWIM
Christina Leist (illustrator) Kari-Lynn Winters (author)
Tradewind Books, June 2018
Ages 2-5
Hardcover, 24 pages
English language
ISBN: 978-1926890-16-6

ON MY SKIS
Christina Leist (illustrator) Kari-Lynn Winters (author)
Tradewind Books, June 2017
Ages 2-5
Hardcover, 24 pages
English language
ISBN: 978-1926890-03-6

ON MY BIKE
Christina Leist (illustrator) Kari-Lynn Winters (author)
Tradewind Books, June 2016
Ages 2-5
Hardcover, 24 pages
English language
ISBN: 978-1926890-13-5

PRINZESSIN PIEPENBRINCK UND DER FÜRCHTERLICH NETTE DRACHE
Christina Leist (illustrator), Karin M. Anders (author)
Arena Verlag, January, 2016
Ages 6 and up
Hardcover, 56 pages
German language
ISBN: 978-3-401-70666-5

I LOVE YOU ONE TO TEN
Christina Leist (illustrator), Caroline Adderson (author)
Groundwood Books, September 15. 2015
Ages 2 – 5
Hardcover, 32 pages
English language
ISBN: 9781554987085

NUTZ!
Christina Leist (Illustrator), Virginia Schwartz (Author)
Tradewind Books, 2011
Ages 8-11
Paperback
ISBN: 9781896580876

ON MY WALK
Christina Leist (illustrator) Kari-Lynn Winters (author)
Tradewind Books, 2010
Ages 2-5
Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-896580-61-6

JACK THE BEAR
Christina Leist (Author/Illustrator)
Simply Read Books, 2009
40 pp, Hardcover
Preschool-grade 2 / Ages 3-7
ISBN 978-1-894965-97-2

THE GRAVEYARD HOUNDS
Vi Hughes (Author), Christina Leist (Illustrator)
Tradewind Books
Ages 8-12
978-1-896580-27-2 · Hardcover · 2008
978-1-896580-49-4 · Paperback · 2009

BAAAAD ANIMALS
Tiffany Stone (Author), Christina Leist (Illustrator)
Tradewind Books, 2006
Ages 6-9
Paperback
ISBN: 1-896580-36-X

Speaking InformationI want to engage and inspire.

Preschool to Grade 5: Fun with words and images
These 50 minute presentations include: readings and projections from + read more my books and magazine stories, imagination and doodling exercises, costumes and drawing, requests from the audience. I will answer questions at the end of my presentation and the kids get to talk about their creative endeavours. Afterwards I will sign books.

Grades 6 to12: Creative storytelling with words and images
These 50 minute presentations include: readings and projections from my books and magazine stories, character and story development tips, creating for a target audience, creativity exercises, the beauty of making mistakes and a look behind the scenes at my work. I will answer questions and sign books after the presentation. 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
  • International
  • Virtually

    I Present to Age Groups:
  • Primary School
  • Grades K-3
  • Grades 4-6
  • Grades 7-8
  • High School

Request Booking Info

Testimonials“Christina brought the poetry alive for the students in my kindergarten classroom through her + read more illustrations and entertaining. Would have her back in a heartbeat!”

—Jessie Wilkes, Champlain Heights Elemantary School Show Less
“Christina was one of the most inspiring presenters we have had at our school… . Our students + read more especially enjoyed the interactive activities that both got their creative juices flowing and also helped solidify the concept of character development… . She has a natural ability to connect to teens and her genuine passion for her craft shines through all she does.”

—Sarah Evans, ESL Teacher, Byrne Creek Secondary School Show Less
“Christina’s presentation was super exciting, engaging, and unforgettable.
It was a great + read more pleasure working with her to deliver the event. Her effort, punctuality, and thoughtful preparation was very much appreciated. … – it really made each and every (student) … feel special”

— Misha Mazur, Deloitte Show Less

Awards and Recognition: Included on CCBC Best Books for Children List 2017

Jury Member for the 2014 Governor + show more General Literary Award for Children’s Illustration

Nominated for the 2013 Rainforest of Reading Award (Jack The Bear)

Nominated for the 2012-2013 Red Cedar Award (Nutz!)

Silver Medalist BC Bookprize 2010 (On My Walk)

Silver Medalist Chocolate Lily Award 2010/2011 (On My Walk)

Selected as a Top 2010 Canadian Children’s Book by the Toronto Public Library for building reading readiness (On My Walk)

Selected as the Year’s Best Picture Books by Resource Links magazine 2010 (On My Walk)

Silver Medalist 2011 Blue Spruce Award (Jack The Bear)

Nominated for ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Award (Jack The Bear)

Winner of the Canadian Children’s Book Centre ‘Our Choice’ Award 1998-1999 (Baaaad Animals)

Chosen for Vancouver Translink’s Poetry in Transit 2008 (Baaaad Animals) Show Less