He grew up in Michigan and is a graduate of the University of Michigan for both undergraduate studies and medicine. He is an avid surfer and snow boarder and one day his wife asked him to write a story for his soon to be born daughter Elizabeth Rose. Just that day Daniel saw some of the characters depicted in this story. As the story unfolded Daniel realized that this story would be a gift not only for his daughter Elizabeth, but for all children who enjoy and dream about the ocean. This is just the first of many adventures of Belle, the sea otter pup.