Svetlana Fadeeva is a writer, essayist, publicist, visual artist, illustrator, translator, linguist, researcher, and educator based in British Columbia, Canada.
She is the author of approximately 30 published works, including children's books, philosophical fairy tales, essays, travel writing, nature and adventure stories, popular science literature, educational resources for parents, and an academic monograph. Her work explores human relationships, identity, emotional development, the natural world, and the deeper philosophical questions of everyday life.
The Wind and the Baobab (2026) — Written and illustrated by Svetlana Fadeeva. Winner of the 2026 Walt Whitman International Literary Competition.
With over 20 years of teaching experience, Svetlana has developed numerous psychological and educational programmes for children and parents, including There's No Shame in Being Afraid (Бояться не стыдно). Based on a series of children's books, the programme follows characters who face their deepest fears, learn to overcome them, and ultimately turn what once frightened them into a source of strength and a personal advantage.
Her academic interests include pedagogy, linguistics, literary onomastics, and translation studies. Her research monograph, The Character's Name in a Child's Worldview, examines the role of literary names in children's perception of the world.
Her books and literary works have been published in Russia, Belarus, Germany, France, Austria, Serbia, and Bulgaria. She has received numerous national and international literary awards, including recognition at the Walt Whitman International Literary Competition, and has been awarded government-funded literary scholarships.
Svetlana is a member of The Writers' Union of Canada (TWUC), CANSCAIP, the Russian PEN Centre, the Union of Russian Writers, the Writers' Union of Russia, the Writers' Union of Belarus, the Writers' Union of the Union State (Belarus–Russia), and several international literary associations. She has participated in literary festivals, book fairs, author readings, and cultural events across Europe. She also directed the children's programme at the Russkaya Literatura Book Salon in Paris.
The Secret Life of Nature — Solo exhibition, Minsk, 2026. | 
Wonder in a Glass of Water — Watercolour by Svetlana Fadeeva. |
As a visual artist, Svetlana works primarily in watercolour and stained glass. She has written and illustrated the seven-book Nature Tales series, as well as the English and Russian editions of The Wind and the Baobab. Her solo exhibition, The Secret Life of Nature, was held in Minsk in 2026. She has also participated in art history conferences, receiving awards for her contributions.
Svetlana Fadeeva on the summit of Mount Elbrus (5,642 m), following her solo ascent.
An experienced mountaineer and rock climber, Svetlana completed a solo ascent of Mount Elbrus (5,642 metres), Europe's highest peak. Her passion for mountains, climbing, nature, travel, and art continues to inspire her literary and creative work.
She currently develops literary, artistic, and educational projects for international audiences.
Stories, Nature & Imagination: A Journey Through Words and Watercolours
Award-winning children's author, illustrator, and educator Svetlana Fadeeva invites audiences into a world where stories, nature, and visual art come together.
Drawing on her books, including The Wind and the Baobab and the seven-book Nature Tales series, Svetlana explores how ordinary natural phenomena can become extraordinary literary characters and how fairy tales can introduce readers to deeper questions about kindness, courage, friendship, and self-discovery.
Through original watercolour illustrations, selected readings, and behind-the-scenes insights into her creative process, she shares how an idea develops into a story and how words and images work together to bring fictional worlds to life.
Presentations can be adapted for children, families, educators, and adult audiences, with opportunities for questions and discussion.
Available in person or online, subject to scheduling and mutually agreed arrangements.
There's No Shame in Being Afraid
Turning Fear into Strength Through Stories and Creativity
What if the very thing we fear could one day become our greatest strength?
Drawing on Svetlana Fadeeva's original series of children's books, There's No Shame in Being Afraid is an interactive literary and educational workshop that explores fear, courage, self-confidence, and personal growth.
Through imaginative stories, children meet characters who are deeply afraid of something — water, heights, storms, or even being themselves. As the stories unfold, these characters discover that overcoming fear is not simply about becoming fearless. It is about understanding what frightens them and learning to transform their fears into strengths and unexpected advantages.
Depending on the age group, participants engage in storytelling, guided discussions, creative writing, drawing, and imaginative activities. They are encouraged to explore emotions, discover their own strengths, and create characters who find courage in unexpected places.
The workshop combines children's literature, creativity, and educational approaches developed through Svetlana's more than 20 years of teaching experience.
Workshop themes: Fear and courage, emotional awareness, self-confidence, imagination, storytelling, and creative expression.
Sessions can be adapted for children, families, parents, and educators. Available in person or online, subject to scheduling and prior arrangements.
Nature Tales: Discovering the World Through Stories and Art
What if the sun could wake us up, the rain could play music, or a tiny dewdrop could tell a story?
Award-winning children's author and illustrator Svetlana Fadeeva invites students to explore the wonders of nature through storytelling, imagination, and original watercolour illustrations.
Drawing on her seven-book Nature Tales series and other children's works, Svetlana introduces young readers to memorable characters inspired by natural phenomena. Her stories encourage curiosity, observation, kindness, creative thinking, and an appreciation of the natural world.
Depending on the age group, school visits may include:
- Interactive storytelling and selected readings.
- Exploring how natural phenomena become literary characters.
- Discovering the relationship between words and illustrations.
- Creative activities involving storytelling, character development, and drawing.
- Questions and discussion about books, nature, and the creative process.
Sessions can also explore courage, friendship, self-confidence, and overcoming fears through characters from Svetlana's children's books, including those featured in her educational programme There's No Shame in Being Afraid.
With over 20 years of teaching experience, Svetlana adapts each visit to the students' ages, interests, and educational needs.
Available for in-person and virtual school visits, subject to scheduling and prior arrangements.
