Information about Bergman’s books is online at www.thepediatricplace.com.
David Bergman already has an impressive biography. The 45-year-old pediatrician has competed in two Ironman triathlons, worked on health initiatives for the Peace Corps in Papua, New Guinea, attended Johns Hopkins and Yale, earned a medical degree in Tel Aviv and enjoyed a bit of success as the concert master of a youth symphony. But he’s particularly proud of his latest role: teaching children through his story books.
“They’re written to a child’s level of understanding, but there’s also a message about the fundamental ethics of life,” said Bergman, who lives in Johns Creek where he’s raising three children. “I modeled them after Aesop’s fables to teach a core lesson. I think that’s my driving motivation: As a pediatrician, I think I can teach a certain sense of ethics for raising a child using my own personal experience as a child and my own philosophy in life.”
Bergman’s first book, “Jonah Giraffe Has a Too-Long Tail,”debuted last May with the underlying message that everyone has a gift. “We just need to learn what it is and to take it and make something of your life,” said Bergman.
A few weeks ago, he published “Owl Learns to Fly” about a blind owl who finds the inner strength to overcome her disability and to learn how to navigate through the world.
“It talks about the resiliency we need to overcome any vulnerability or weakness we might be born with and to survive,” said the Long Island native. “A disability won’t necessarily interfere with what you want to accomplish.”
Though he’s had ideas for and started other books in the past, the children’s stories are the only ones he’s finished.
“Over the years, I’ve always had a series of ideas I wanted to write about, but novels require more time and energy than I have,” he said. “I’m not getting any younger, and I came to a point where I felt I needed to do this while I’m at a peak, both physically and mentally.”
Writing the books took considerable effort, said Bergman, who worked with an illustrator to add artistic touches.
“Writing for children is an art; I start with a draft then whittle it down to the correct language for a child’s level of understanding,” he said. “These are no mass-produced, dumbed-down books without a message.”
The books also provide Bergman with a way to make contributions to nature organizations. Proceeds from the books are going to National Audubon Society and the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. They are natural fits for such an avid outdoorsman who has visited 50 countries and is currently wrapping up a 1,500-mile cycling trip through Nova Scotia.
“My inspiration comes from within, often when I’m taking a walk through the woods,” said Bergman, who keeps in shape by swimming, biking and running year round. “And there are still a lot of beautiful places around the world I’d like to get to.”
Every other Wednesday, H.M. Cauley brings you positive stories from our community. To suggest a story idea, call 770-744-3042 or e-mail hm_cauley@yahoo.com.
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