DANNA SMITH

Born and raised in Utah, DANNA SMITH was exposed to all sorts of creatures through her father who trained, bred, and rehabilitated animals. It was not uncommon to find bobcats, alligators, monkeys, hawks, or even vultures at her home. Her love of animals and nature spilled over to her love of writing stories. Her favorite toys as a child were a pen and notebook. Today her favorite thing is a keyboard. While her main focus is writing picture books for the very young, she enjoys writing creative non-fiction for older children as well. Danna now lives in Northern California and spends her time taking care of her family, writing, visiting schools, painting, and enjoying the outdoors whenever she can.

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SELECT AWARDS 🏅

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2018 - The Hawk of the Castle
Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Books of the Year 2018 - The Hawk of the Castle
Starred review Publisher’s Weekly- The Hawk of the Castle
A Junior Library Guild Selection - The Hawk of the Castle
SCBWI Crystal Kite Award Finalist 2017 - Arctic White
Starred Review School Library Journal - The Hawk of the Castle

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  Chicago Public Library's list of Best Informational Books for Younger Readers 2017The Hawk of the Castle
Starred Review Publishers Weekly - The Hawk of the Castle
The Best Children's Books of the Year by Bank Street College of Education 2017 - The Hawk of the Castle
Junior Library Guild Selection - The Hawk of the Castle
Missourian Baby Buzz Pick December 2015 - Mother Goose's Pajama Party
An Amazon Best Children's Book of the Month Selection - Mother Goose's Pajama Party
Scholastic Book Fair Selection - Mother Goose's Pajama Party
Nominee for the Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy 2016 Clel Bell Picture Book Award (Sing Catagory) - Mother Goose's Pajama Party
A Missourian Baby Buzz Pick - Two at the Zoo
Featured in Parenting: the Early Years Magazine - Two at the Zoo
A Raising Reader's Special Board Book Edition - Two at the Zoo
Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval - Two at the Zoo
Florida Authors and Publishers Association Presidents Book Award Gold Medal Winner - Balloon Trees
Finalist in Florida Reading Association Book Award - Balloon Trees
Alaska Association of School Librarians Battle of the Books Nominee -  Balloon Trees
New Books for Missouri Students Selection 2014 - Balloon Trees
The Missouri Building Block Picture Book Award Nominee - Mother Goose's Pajama Party
Creative Child Magazine Top Creative Toy Award- Seal of Excellence- A Wild Cowboy