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) |
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| Children | 3 |
Donald Davis (born in 1944) is an American storyteller, author, and minister. He worked as a minister for 20 years. After that, he became a professional storyteller. He has made over 25 storytelling albums. He has also written many books. Because of his long career and his work to share the importance of storytelling, people call him the "dean of storytelling."
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Donald Davis's Early Life and Education
Donald Davis was born in Waynesville, North Carolina. This is a small town in the mountains of Western North Carolina. When he was a child, storytelling was a big part of his family's daily life. Davis remembers his grandmother telling many stories. He started telling these stories to other kids in school when he was in second grade.
He went to Davidson College and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1966. Then, he studied at Duke University Divinity School. He received a Master of Divinity degree in 1969. Davis served as a Methodist minister for more than 20 years. He worked in several cities in North Carolina. After that, he retired to become a full-time professional storyteller.
Donald Davis: A Master Storyteller
Today, Donald Davis performs at many places. He tells stories at storytelling festivals, schools, and libraries. He has been a featured storyteller at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee. He also performs at other festivals across the country.
In 1996, Davis received the Circle of Excellence award. This award is from the National Storytelling Network. His fellow storytellers recognized him as a master. He used to be the head of the board for the National Storytelling Association. He has also told stories at the Smithsonian Institution and the World's Fair.
Donald Davis has appeared on TV and radio. You might have seen him on National Public Radio, CNN, or ABC's Nightline. He also teaches classes about storytelling. He travels all over the United States to share his knowledge.
Why Storytelling Matters to Donald Davis
Davis strongly believes in the power of storytelling. He thinks it's important not just for performers, but for everyone. He feels that people connect with each other through stories. These are the stories we share at the dinner table or with friends. He believes stories help us understand who we are. They pass down wisdom from one generation to the next.
Donald Davis has recorded over two dozen storytelling albums. He has done this over about 20 years. He sees himself mostly as a storyteller. But he has also written many books. Most of his books are based on his recorded stories. He has also written a novel, a memoir, and two educational books. These books are about storytelling and language.
Awards for Donald Davis's Works
His books and albums have won many awards. Some of 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 and the Publishers Weekly Listen Up Award. He has also received the AudioFile Earphones Award, the Parents' Choice Award (Gold Title), and several Storytelling World Awards.
Donald Davis's Personal Life
Donald Davis lives on Ocracoke Island. This island is part of the Outer Banks in North Carolina. He has three sons. He is often seen wearing a bow tie.
See also
- Storytelling
- Storytelling festival
