The Wonky Donkey author and global storytelling phenomenon

Overview

Craig Smith is the Kiwi songwriter and author behind The Wonky Donkey, the international hit that has sold more than 11 million copies worldwide. A musician at heart who became one of the bestselling children's authors on the planet, Craig brings audiences a uniquely Kiwi story of creativity, persistence and viral global success.

Who is Craig Smith? Craig was born in Clyde, Central Otago, in 1972 and grew up in Queenstown. Originally a folk musician, he wrote The Wonky Donkey as a children's song and turned it into a picture book with illustrator Katz Cowley. It became a worldwide phenomenon after a viral grandmother read-aloud video and an endorsement from former US President Barack Obama. He has since written a stable of much-loved follow-ups including The Dinky Donkey, The Grinny Granny Donkey, The Drizzly Bear and Willbee the Bumblebee.

Career Highlights

• Author of The Wonky Donkey, with over 11 million copies sold worldwide

• #1 selling children's author in the world (2019)

• #1 selling author worldwide across all genres for three weeks in November 2018

• #1 selling New Zealand author across all genres in 2019 (AC Nielsen)

• Two-time APRA NZ Children's Song of the Year winner (2008, 2018)

• 2019 Tui Award – NZ Children's Music Album of the Year

• 2009 NZ Post Children's Book Award, Children's Choice

• #1 selling NZ children's author for the past 15 years

• Performer for schools, libraries and festivals across New Zealand and internationally

Key Speaking Themes

• Creativity, songwriting and the craft of storytelling

• How an unlikely Kiwi children's book became a global hit

• Music, performance and engaging young audiences

• Children's literacy and the power of reading aloud

• Resilience, persistence and the long road to "overnight" success

What Your Audience Will Gain Craig brings stories to life with music, humour and warmth. Audiences leave entertained, inspired about the power of creativity, and with a fresh appreciation for how a New Zealand idea can travel the world.

Ideal For

• Schools, libraries and education events

• Literacy and reading programmes

• Family festivals and community events

• Creative industries and arts conferences

• After-dinner and feel-good corporate keynotes

Frequently Asked Questions...

Who is Craig Smith? Craig Smith is the New Zealand author and musician behind The Wonky Donkey, one of the world's bestselling children's books, with more than 11 million copies sold.

What books has Craig Smith written? The Wonky Donkey, The Dinky Donkey, The Grinny Granny Donkey, The Drizzly Bear and Willbee the Bumblebee, among others.

Why did The Wonky Donkey become so famous? A viral video of a Scottish grandmother reading the book, plus a high-profile read-aloud by former US President Barack Obama, drove global sales.

What awards has Craig Smith won? APRA NZ Children's Song of the Year in 2008 and 2018, the 2019 Tui Award for NZ Children's Music Album of the Year, and the 2009 NZ Post Children's Choice Book Award.

Does Craig Smith perform live? Yes. He regularly performs at schools, libraries, festivals and family events in New Zealand and overseas, combining music and storytelling.

How long is a typical performance or keynote? Standard school and family performances run 30 to 45 minutes. Keynotes and creativity talks are also tailored to corporate and conference audiences.