Evelyn DeBenning Storybook Trail
Evelyn DeBenning Storybook Trail
The Evelyn DeBenning Storybook Trail was gifted to The Botanic Garden at OSU by Annawyn Shamas in 2026 in memory of her mother, Evelyn DeBenning.
We hope the sculptures inspire you to explore The Botanic Garden at OSU and all the natural wonders to be found there, and the world of children’s literature. Enjoy!
Meet Annawyn Shamas
Annawyn Shamas has been the driving force behind the Evelyn DeBenning Storybook Trail. Annawyn has long wanted to honor the memory of her mother, Evelyn DeBenning, and had the idea to create a storybook trail at The Botanic Garden where children can immerse themselves in the wonder of nature and explore the varied worlds of children’s literature. Annawyn has donated not only all the statues but has also established an endowment to assist with maintenance and programming.
Annawyn Shamas has enjoyed a nearly 70-year career in community theatre and received her theatre degrees from OSU (B.A. ’56, M.S. ’73). She is an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation, and has three children, Laura, Jimmy, and Ellen.
Thank you, Annawyn, for your vision and generosity! We look forward to families and young readers enjoying the storybook trail and to where that inspiration takes them!
Meet Evelyn DeBenning
Evelyn DeBenning was born in Stonewall, Oklahoma. Stonewall schooling prepared her for enrollment at Ada's East Central State Teacher's College. There she married fellow student M.J. DeBenning.
After graduation the couple taught in Oklahoma towns, including Seminole, birthplace of their daughter and son. Although accredited to teach Latin and Algebra, Evelyn was drawn to elementary ages. The family's 1944 Stillwater move gave her teaching opportunities at Lincoln and Westwood Elementary Schools.
In the 1950s she earned her master's degree in English from Oklahoma A&M. She loved sharing her passion for books and the Oklahoma countryside with her beloved students.
Visit the Evelyn DeBenning Storybook Trail!
Get swept away on a brand-new adventure where literature and nature collide! The Evelyn DeBenning Story Book Trail at the Botanic Garden brings your favorite childhood classics to life.