Donald Davis (storyteller) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Donald Davis
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Davis at the Provo Utah Public Library April, 2016
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| Born | 1944 (age 80–81) |
| Education | Davidson College (BA) Duke Divinity School (MDiv) |
| Occupation | |
| Children | 3 |
Donald Davis, born in 1944, is a well-known American storyteller, author, and minister. He spent 20 years as a minister before becoming a full-time storyteller. Donald Davis has created over 25 storytelling albums and written many books. Because of his long career and his efforts to share the importance of storytelling, people call him the "dean of storytelling."
Contents
Early Life and Education
Donald Davis was born in Waynesville, North Carolina. This is a small town in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Growing up, storytelling was a big part of his family's daily life.
Davis remembered his grandmother telling many stories. He said he heard these stories often. By the time he was in second grade, he was already telling them to other kids at school.
He went to Davidson College and earned a bachelor's degree in 1966. Later, he studied at Duke University Divinity School. He received a Master of Divinity degree in 1969. For over 20 years, Davis worked as a Methodist minister. He then retired to become a professional storyteller.
Becoming a Storyteller
Today, Donald Davis performs at many storytelling festivals. He also visits schools and libraries all over the United States. He has performed at festivals like the Village of Tales in Ojai. He has also been at the Hoosier Storytelling Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Davis is a regular performer at the National Storytelling Festival. This popular event takes place in Jonesborough, Tennessee. In 1996, he received the Circle of Excellence award. His fellow storytellers recognized him as a master.
He used to be the head of the National Storytelling Association's board. Davis has also been a featured teller at the Smithsonian Institution. He even performed at the World’s Fair.
Sharing Stories with the World
Donald Davis has appeared on National Public Radio and CNN. He was also on ABC's Nightline. He often teaches classes and workshops about storytelling. These classes help people learn how to tell their own stories.
Davis strongly believes that storytelling is important for everyone. He thinks we connect with each other through the stories we share. This can happen at the dinner table or with friends. He feels that stories help us understand who we are. He believes that while technology shares information, stories pass down wisdom.
Davis has recorded more than 25 storytelling albums. He has done this over about 20 years. He sees himself mainly as a storyteller. However, he has also written many books. Most of his books are based on his recorded stories. He has also written a novel and a memoir. He wrote two educational books about storytelling and language too.
Awards and Recognition
Donald Davis's books and albums have won many awards. These include the South Carolina Middle-School Young Reader's Award. He also won YALSA's Popular Paperback for Young Adults Award. Other awards include the Anne Izard Storyteller's Choice Award.
He has also received the Publishers Weekly Listen Up Award. The AudioFile Earphones Award and the Parents' Choice Award (Gold Title) are among his honors. He has won several Storytelling World Awards as well.
About His Life
Donald Davis lives on Ocracoke Island. This island is part of the Outer Banks in North Carolina. He has three sons. You will often see him wearing a bow tie.
See also
- Storytelling
- Storytelling festival
