About
HI! My name is Daniel.
For the last 10 years, I’ve been on a journey to write joy.
Yes, I am the author of the silly picture books One Day in the Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Tree and Gator, Gator, Gator! Yes, I have an MFA (Master of Fine Arts) in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University. And Yes, while attending Hamline University, I studied under great picture book writers such as national book honor winner Emily Jenkins, picture book great Phyllis Root, and Caldecott Award Winners Jacqueline Briggs Martin and Susan Marie Swanson. But, more than anything, I want to write books that offer joy. The kind of joy that happens when words tickle a child’s ear and a laugh barfs out! The kind of joy that happens a when a string of poetic words says what only a reader’s tear can. Yeah, that’s the kind of joy I’m talking about. If you want to join me in finding and reading joy-filled stories, the best way to do that is to sign up for the email list below. You won’t be disappointed.
Warmest wishes,
-daniel
Short Bio:
“Daniel Bernstrom is an accidental picture book writer. He repeated first grade because he could not read. Today, Daniel writes picture books that have been nominated for several state reading awards (Illinois, Iowa, Arizona), and he teaches as a full-time English instructor (Children’s Literature, College Writing, and developmental English) at Minnesota West Community and Technical College.”
Medium Bio:
"Daniel R. Bernstrom is the critically acclaimed author of seven picture books, including One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree. He won the Minnesota Book Award for Big Papa and the Time Machine, and his books have been on a number of notable lists, including the Banks Street College of Reading Best Books of the Year and the CCBC (Cooperative Children’s Book Center). He's won the Skipping Stones Award for Goodnight Little Man, boasts an NCTE Notables Award, and two Junior Library Guild books. His Book Song in the City was selected as an NEA Read Across America book selection and was nominated for the Minnesota Star of the North Award. He has also been nominated for the Cybils Award and several state awards, such as Iowa, Arizona, and Illinois. His book, Big Papa and the Time Machine was one of several books selected for the PBS virtual Let’s Learn program. Daniel currently works as an English Faculty member for Minnesota West Community and Technical College in Worthington Minnesota, teaching Literature and English Composition. He received his MFA (Master of Fine Arts) in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University. He currently lives in Worthington, Minnesota with his wife Heather and six children."
Bios
Articles & Interviews
Great Reads from Great Places
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDclZKYrgE8
Meet the Finalists: Children's Literature || 2021 Minnesota Book Awards
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z35crDkBocg
Great Reads from Great Places: 2021 Picture Book Author Panel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtxK4r-fNdg
"Big Papa & The Time Machine" by Daniel Bernstrom - 2020 MN Children's Book Festival
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAcWyZ-7nvY
Interview with Daniel Bernstrom
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuuRAz-R8Gc
Daniel Bernstrom Reads Big Papa and the Time Machine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kU179k_zUk
Meet the Author Daniel Bernstrom
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqUnOZeCCtQ
Bernstrom Brings the Jungle to Life
https://www.republicaneagle.com/news/bernstrom-brings-the-jungle-to-life/article_2326745e-8cc5-5da3-91fe-8478f6b30f4b.html
A New Vision for Life
https://www.dglobe.com/news/education/4649121-A-new-vision-on-life
A Heart to Heart with Daniel Bernstrom
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/news-and-features/articles/heart-heart-daniel-bernstrom/
Q & A With Daniel Bernstrom
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/82104-q-a-with-daniel-bernstrom.html
My Big Papa, African American Storytelling, and the Everyday Time Machine
https://harperstacks.harpercollins.com/blog/behind-the-book-daniel-bernstrom-author-of-big-papa-and-the-time-machine/?fbclid=IwAR0pz0hgvAkU9M0EaWDEVoqyDrcWkdvwsp-xEMwkW8-WVcMePa-h1kk3rkM
Daniel Bernstrom is Not Losing Sight of the Realities of Vision Loss
https://blindabilities.com/?p=1969
Daniel Bernstrom’s 3rd Book, Big Papa and the Time Machine, is Released. A Journey Through Being Scared, Bravery and Love
https://blindabilities.com/?p=5645