David L. Harrison

• Name — David L. Harrison • Birth Name — David Lee Harrison • Born — 13 March 1937 • Occupation — * Author • poet • Education — Drury University (BA) Emory University (MS) • Genre — Children's literature • Spouse — Sandy • Children — 2

Harrison's poetry, fiction, and nonfiction for young readers have been anthologized in more than 200 books, translated into twelve languages, sandblasted into a library sidewalk, painted on a bookmobile, and presented on television, radio, podcast, and video stream. Eighteen of his 108 books are professional works for teachers. He is currently serving as State of Missouri Poet Laureate (July 2023-June 2025) and Drury University Poet Laureate (1983–present). David Harrison Elementary School in Springfield, Missouri, is named after him. He has given keynote talks, college commencement addresses, and been featured at hundreds of conferences, workshops, literature festivals, and schools across America. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Drury University in 1959, a Master of Science degree from Emory University in 1960, and two Honorary Doctor of Letters degrees. His poetry collections, Pirates (2003) and Crawly School for Bugs (2018), represented Missouri at the National Book Fair in Washington, D.C.

• 1953–58 Musician: Principal trombonist, symphony orchestra, Springfield, Missouri • 1959– Writer: stories for adult market; fiction, nonfiction, poetry for children; professional books for teachers • 1960–63 Pharmacologist: Mead Johnson, Evansville, Indiana • 1963–73 Editor/Editorial Manager: Hallmark Cards, Kansas City, Missouri • 1973–2008 Business owner: Glenstone Block Company, Glen Block Hardware stores; Springfield, Branson, Branson West, Camdenton, Kaiser, Missouri • 1984–2018 Co-owner: Gamble’s Gifts, Springfield, Missouri

Harrison and his wife Sandy live in Springfield, Missouri. They have two grown children, Robin (husband Tim and children Kris and Tyler) and Jeff.