BUSINESS | MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS
Craig Smith
Craig Smith - Author, Musician, and Entertainer
Topics: Creativity & Innovation, Storytelling, Music & Arts, Children’s Education, Resilience & Adaptation
Craig Smith is the Kiwi behind the global hit The Wonky Donkey, a book that’s delighted millions with its catchy rhythm, humour, and heartwarming tale. Starting as a folk musician, Craig’s journey to becoming an international author is a story of creativity and determination.
Born and raised in New Zealand, Craig’s love for music and storytelling led to the creation of The Wonky Donkey, which began as a song and quickly became a worldwide sensation. The book’s success was amplified when it was read aloud by former US President Barack Obama, catapulting it into the global spotlight.
Craig is known for his lively performances that bring his stories to life, combining music and humour to engage audiences of all ages. His talks are a mix of entertainment and insight, perfect for events focused on creativity, education, and the arts.
As a speaker, Craig shares his creative process, the importance of resilience, and the power of storytelling. His presentations are ideal for educators, parents, and anyone looking to spark creativity in their own lives.
Key Highlights:
Author of The Wonky Donkey, an international best-seller
#1 selling Children's author in the world 2019
#1 selling author in the world across ALL genres for 3 weeks November 2018
#1 selling NZ children's author for the past 15 years in NZ
#1 selling children's musician Aust/NZ Itunes 2010
Over 11 million copies sold worldwide
Acclaimed and multi award winning musician rooted in New Zealand children's music. 2x winner NZ Childrens song of the year winner. {2008, 2018}. 1 x "Tui" award NZ Childrens music album of the year. {2019}
NZ Post Children's book award winner, Children's choice.{2009}
NZ Children's book award winner Retailer's choice {2010}
Known for engaging live performances that entertain and inspire
Finalist APRA New Zealand Children's Song Of The Year 2024 for "The Stinky Wonky Donkey"
Semi finalist ISC International Children's Song Of The Year 2024 for "The Stinky Wonky Donkey"
#1 Sales status achieved NZ children's book category on AC Neilson RETAIL 2024 for "The Stinky Wonky Donkey"
#1 Sales status achieved NZ children's book category on AC Neilson RETAIL 2021 for "Wonky Donkey's Big Surprise"
Semi finalist ISC International Children's Song Of The Year 2021 for "The Grinny Granny Donkey"
#1 selling New Zealand Children's author in New Zealand for 2020 AC Neilson.
#1 selling children’s paperback backlist title in the USA for 2020 "The Wonky Donkey"
#1 Sales status achieved NZ children's book category on AC Neilson RETAIL 2020 for "The Grinny Granny Donkey"
Finalist & honerable mention. ISC International Children's Song Of The Year 2020 for "Toothless"
#1 Selling New Zealand author in New Zealand across ALL genres for 2019 AC Neilson.
#1 selling New Zealand Children's author in New Zealand for 2019 AC Neilson.
#1 Sales statu achieved NZ children's book category on AC Neilson RETAIL 2019 for "The Dinky Donkey"
Recorded music, NZ children's artist/album of the year "Tui" Winner 2019
#1 Sales status achieved across ALL genres on USA TODAY RETAIL Oct 2018 for "The Wonky Donkey"
#1 Sales status achieved across ALL genres on AMAZON books global sales Oct 2018 for "The Wonky Donkey"
Winner. APRA New Zealand Childrens Song Of The Year 2018 for "The Scariest Things in the Garden"
Book written by Craig Smith & illustrated by Scott Tulloch
Finalist & honerable mention. ISC International Children's Song Of The Year 2014 {Top 5 } for "Size doesn't matter"
RIANZ GOLD CD/Album Status Achieved. 2007-2012 for "Not just for kids"
#1 Sales status achieved children's songs iTunes download AUS/NZ Nov 2010 for "The Wonky Donkey"
#1 Sales status achieved NZ children's book category on AC Neilson RETAIL Nov 2010 for "Willbee The Bumblebee", 2011 "Kaha The Kea" , 2012 "My Daddy Ate An Apple" , 2013 "Square Eyes"
#1 Sales status achieved for the year, children's book category, AUS and NZ 2010 for "The Wonky Donkey"
#1 Sales status achieved across all genres on AC Neilson RETAIL 2009 for "The Wonky Donkey"
Winner. What Now New Zealand Childrens Music Video of the year 2010 "The Wonky Donkey"
Winner. Book Retailers Choice Of The Year 2010 for "The Wonky Donkey"
Finalist & honerable mention. ISC International Children's Song Of The Year 2009 {Top 5 } for "The Wonky Donkey"
Winner. New Zealand Post Book Award "Childrens Choice" 2009 for "The Wonky Donkey"
Winner. APRA New Zealand Childrens Song of the year 2008 for "The Wonky Donkey"
Book written by Craig Smith & Illustrated by Katz Cowley
