Phyllis Odi wrote “Zee for President” to encourage children to use their imagination and to dream big dreams. (CONTRIBUTED)

Phyllis Odi’s hero, six-year-old Zee, wants to be elected U.S. President so he can change the world. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Phyllis Odi hopes her new book, “Zee for President,” will encourage children to use their imagination and to dream big dreams.

Odi, a lifelong Madison County resident, engages people she meets with her personality. An avid storyteller, she understands the art of capturing people’s attention.

“Her passion for educating and inspiring children led her to work in early childhood education,” her son Shamond Hardin said. “During this phase of her career, she learned the importance of nurturing every child’s active imagination.”

Hardin serves as a volunteer firefighter in Triana.

Odi wanted to write a fun and exciting book for her grandchildren to read. “I want to inspire kids to dream big and nurture a creative imagination,” she said. “It only takes a moment in time to change someone’s frown to a smile.”

In Odi’s book, six-year-old Zee has plenty of determination to become the President of the United States. “He thinks by becoming the president that he could change the world for the better, especially for kids,” Odi said.

Zee’s platform has planks such as “No Homework for Kids Forever.” However, during his campaign Zee learns that a person doesn’t have to reach the exalted rank of U.S. president to make a difference.

“Just be your kind self,” Zee states in the book. “Zee’s childlike innocence brings his solutions to real everyday challenges, such as food, shelter and kindness for the whole world,” Odi said.

Odi wants want to strengthen children, teens and adults with her music, poems and colorful stories. “I believe in encouraging people through their spirit, which gives them the opportunity to fulfill their destiny,” she said.

Odi has earned college degrees in business and theology. “She is always learning,” Hardin said. “She believes life is beautiful through God’s promises.”

Due out in January 2015, Odi’s second book, “The Zoo in Berryville,” will focus on bullying.

“Zee for President” is available on Amazon. For more information, visit zeestories.com or Facebook/The Wonderful World of Zee.