Douglas Wood is an American
children's author
Children's literature or juvenile literature includes stories, books, magazines, and poems that are created for children. Modern children's literature is classified in two different ways: genre or the intended age of the reader.
Children's ...
, author, singer, songwriter, speaker, and musician. One of Wood's children's books, Old Turtle and the Broken Truth, won the International Reading Association Book of the Year Award.
Education
Wood received his Bachelors of Music Education Degree from
Morningside College
Morningside University is a private university affiliated with the United Methodist Church and located in Sioux City, Iowa. Founded in 1894 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, Morningside University has 21 buildings on a campus in Sioux City (ar ...
in
Sioux City, Iowa
Sioux City () is a city in Woodbury and Plymouth counties in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 85,797 in the 2020 census, making it the fourth-largest city in Iowa. The bulk of the city is in Woodbury County, ...
. Thereafter he completed graduate course studies for a master's degree in psychology from
St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN.
Biography
Douglas Wood is an American writer of many books for children and adults, with over two and one half million copies in print. ''
Old Turtle'' and ''Grandad's Prayers of the Earth'' are among his best known works. Among Wood's honors and awards are the Christopher Medal, American Booksellers Book of the Year, International Reading Association Book of the Year, and Parent's Choice Award. His book, ''Miss Little's Gift'', was recognized as a Notable Book by the
Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution ( ), or simply the Smithsonian, is a group of museums and education and research centers, the largest such complex in the world, created by the U.S. government "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge". Founded ...
. Much of Douglas Wood's thematic material comes from a lifelong interest in the outdoors, particularly the relationship between the human spirit and the natural world. In 2011 Douglas Wood narrated the symphonic setting of ''Old Turtle'' at the Lincoln Center.
In addition to his work as an author, Douglas Wood is also a musician, who composes and performs music for 12 string guitar, banjo, mandolin, and keyboards. He often performs with his band, WildSpirit. As with his books, much of his music is inspired by the world of nature.
Public speaking
Wood speaks frequently at literary, environmental, and wellness conferences and conventions on the topics wilderness, personal growth, spiritual health, and the outdoors.
He has appeared at the National Wellness Conference, American Booksellers Convention,
International Reading Association
The International Literacy Association (ILA), formerly the International Reading Association (IRA), is an international global advocacy and member professional organization that was created in 1956 to improve reading instruction, facilitate dialo ...
, Minnesota Naturalist's Association, Association of Interpretive Naturalists, World Wilderness Congress and Midwest Environmental Conference and others.
Selected books
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Discography
Major awards and achievements
*1992: Minnesota Book Award
*1993: ABBY Award – American Booksellers Book of the Year
*1993: International Reading Association Book of the Year
*1994: Who's Who in America, 48th Edition
*1999: The Christopher Medal
*2000: Parents Choice Award
*2009: Alumni Educator of the Year – Morningside College
*2009: Smithsonian Notable Book
*2011: Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Book Award
*2013: Lifetime Achievement Award, MN Association for Environmental Ed
External links
douglaswood.comofficial website
biography and complete booklist
*Douglas Wood talks about ''Old Turtle'' and ''EarthSongs'' with Julaine Heit, Northern Lights Minnesota Author Interview TV Series #230 (1992):
Video
Birthday We're Sending Love Your Way" written and performed by Douglas Wood December 18, 2012
of Nature” written and presented by Douglas Wood'' October 1999
Our Hands” written and performed by Douglas Wood'' March 2013
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wood, Douglas
American male singers
Living people
American children's writers
1951 births