Toni Simmons

Toni Simmons is an award winning, dynamic, and engaging storyteller and author who brings new life to her stories with songs, rhythms, chants and audience participation. Toni is a former librarian and drama teacher who has presented her multicultural tales throughout the US and internationally. She has captivated audiences at many festivals, community events, schools, museums and libraries. She has performed at the National Storytelling Festival Exchange Place, the National Black Storytelling Festival, the Texas Storytelling Festival, and the American Library Association Conference. Her interactive sessions also use creative drama with a variety of age-appropriate folklore. The audience is taken on an imaginary story trip to different continents while helping to tell the stories. Her programs are designed to motivate, inspire and educate while being entertaining. These programs include library summer reading events, Black History Month and multicultural events, and Read Across America activities. Young and old listeners are enchanted by Toni Simmons' stories. Toni is the recipient of the National Storytelling Network ORACLE Award and the Tejas Storytelling Association John Henry Faulk Award for outstanding contributions to the art of storytelling. Photo by Rex Nash.