Douglas Wood (naturalist)

Douglas Wood is an American children's author, 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 in Sioux City, Iowa. 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. 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, Minnesota Naturalist's Association, Association of Interpretive Naturalists, World Wilderness Congress and Midwest Environmental Conference and others.

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

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