The Coleen Salley Storytelling Award

The Coleen Salley Storytelling Award was established in 2010 to honor the memory of Children's Book Festival supporter, storyteller, and children's literature advocate Coleen Salley.  Throughout her career, Ms. Salley worked tirelessly to promote quality children's literature and reading.  Each year the award recognizes a storyteller whose mission reflects the ideals and dedication to the field that Ms. Salley personified.  The session is supported by the family of Coleen Salley, the Coleen Salley Storytelling Endowment, and The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation.  If you are interested in contributing to the endowment, contact The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation.  

 

Recipients of the Coleen Salley Storytelling Award

2010- Walter Mayes AKA Walter the Giant Storyteller

2011- Carmen Agra Deedy

2012- Caroline Herring 

2013- Trout Fishing in America

2014- Mary Hamilton

2015- Rita Auerbach

2016- Tim Tingle

2017- Pat Mora

2018- Wanda Johnson

2019- William Joyce

2020- Michael Fry

2021 - Elizabeth Ellis

2022- Donna Washington

2023- Amy Bluemel