Douglas Berry
From the Farm to Fiction—and Beyond the Stars: The Inspiring Journey of Douglas Berry
Douglas Berry’s life story reads like a tale from one of his children’s books—a mix of adventure, perseverance, and heartwarming lessons. Born in Washington, NJ, Doug enjoyed a carefree childhood filled with outdoor adventures. He developed an early love for nature and animals, a passion that would later become a cornerstone of his literary works.
In 1979, at the age of 15, his family relocated to Maryland to start a new chapter as poultry farmers. The move marked a significant change for young Douglas, who spent his teenage years helping his parents build a thriving farm business. These formative experiences with farm life would later inspire one of his most anticipated books, Farmer Jasper.
After graduating from high school, Doug sought a different kind of adventure and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1985. As an Armament System Specialist, he served his country for 20 years, traveling the world, experiencing diverse cultures, and meeting people who profoundly influenced his
outlook on life.
When Doug retired from the Air Force, he turned his focus to a lifelong dream—writing children's books. Inspired by the joy of reading to his own children, he wanted to create stories that would captivate young minds and ignite their imaginations. At the age of 56, he published his first book. Inspired by his son catching a rabbit, naming it Jasper, and letting it spend a night in the house, The Night I Spent in a People House was born and published in 2020.
Adventures with Jasper
Doug's stories follow Jasper, a curious and adventurous rabbit whose escapades teach children valuable lessons about friendship, teamwork, and the wonders of the world around them. His debut book introduces readers to Jasper’s unexpected adventure inside a human home. Filled with humor and delightful surprises, the book became an instant favorite among young readers and parents alike.
In 2021, Doug followed up with A Day at the Beach with Jasper and Friends. This sunny tale takes Jasper and his animal companions to the seaside, where they enjoy playful activities like building sandcastles and meeting new friends. The story’s
lively illustrations and engaging narrative solidified Jasper’s place as a beloved character in children’s literature.
Doug's upcoming release, Farmer Jasper, takes a deeper dive into farm life. In this story, Jasper and his friends visit their pal Mouse at his farm and learn about planting gardens, caring for animals, and the joys of harvesting vegetables. Brimming with vibrant illustrations, the book promises to teach children about hard work, teamwork, and the beauty of nature.
Boldly Venturing into Science Fiction
As much as Doug enjoys writing for children, his creative energy extends far beyond the world of talking animals. His passion for storytelling took an interstellar leap with the release of his first sci-fi novel, Guardians of the Unknown. The book introduces readers to Jack “Orbit” Callahan, an easygoing Air Force pilot with a dry sense of humor and a taste for adventure. After training on the F-22, surviving capture and escape, and rescuing fellow soldiers, Orbit transitions into the Space Force and eventually becomes an astronaut. Alongside his best friend, Dax “Torch” Ramirez, Orbit stumbles upon a UFO that catapults them into
a battle for the fate of planets—and ultimately, the galaxy.
With gripping action, space travel, alien races, and heroism rooted in deep humanity, Guardians of the Unknown showcases Doug’s ability to craft rich, imaginative stories that appeal to older readers while still maintaining his signature heart and sense of wonder.
A Musical Mission of Faith
Not one to be confined to a single medium, Doug recently ventured into the world of music with the release of his Christian demo album, Send Me. Teaming up with talented friend and collaborator Matt Clark, Doug provided the heartfelt lyrics while Matt used an advanced AI program to generate vocals and musical arrangements. The result is a soul-stirring collection of songs that reflect Doug’s personal faith journey, his dedication to uplifting others, and his unwavering belief in answering God's call—wherever it leads.
The album has been steadily gaining streams on Spotify and other platforms, resonating with listeners seeking encouragement, reflection, and a reminder of purpose. It’s yet another example of Doug’s creative versatility and his commitment to
touching hearts in every form of expression.
Inspiring Generations
Douglas Berry’s books are crafted for children aged 0–6, but their themes resonate with readers of all ages. His stories are more than entertaining—they’re opportunities for parents and educators to teach children about kindness, curiosity, and the value of working together.
Doug's journey from farmhand to Air Force veteran to acclaimed author and music creator is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. “It’s never too late to chase your dreams,” he says. His works—whether stories about Jasper the rabbit, spacefaring heroes, or worshipful melodies—remind us that with dedication and belief in oneself, anything is possible.
And as Douglas Berry continues to dream, write, and create, one thing is certain: he’s far from done inspiring the world.
