Meet Stephanie Crane: A Teacher, Nature Enthusiast, and Children’s Author
Stephanie Crane is a Minnesota-based elementary teacher and mother who has dedicated her life to inspiring curiosity and a love of learning in young minds. With a Bachelor’s degree from the College of Saint Benedict and a Master’s from the University of Saint Thomas, Stephanie brings a wealth of experience to her work, holding a Minnesota K-6 teaching license and having worked as a teacher, paraprofessional, special education aide, substitute, and, most recently, a children’s author. Stephanie’s multifaceted career in education has shaped her understanding of young readers, allowing her to craft stories that resonate deeply with children’s imaginations.
While raising her three sons, Stephanie was inspired to write a book that celebrates the beauty and wonder of the Minnesota Northwoods—a place dear to her family’s heart. Her book is a love letter to the outdoors, filled with themes of friendship, teamwork, and the joy of exploration. Through her writing, Stephanie invites children and their families to dive into Minnesota’s wilderness, sparking a sense of wonder and appreciation for nature.
What Inspired Stephanie to Write for Children?
Stephanie’s journey to becoming an author started with the many hours she spent reading to her own children. She developed a love for children’s books through shared story times with her boys, now ages seven and younger. “Reading didn’t come easy to me as a kid,” she shares, “but as an adult, it’s one of my favorite pastimes.” Today, teaching children how to read is her favorite part of being an educator, and she brings that passion for literacy into every book she writes.
Favorite Books and Influences
Some of Stephanie’s favorite stories are household classics, like Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson and The Mitten by Jan Brett. These books have helped shape her storytelling, and the warmth and adventure found in their pages reflect the same joy and exploration she aims to bring to her own readers.
Finding Story Inspiration in the Great Outdoors
Stephanie’s love for Minnesota’s wilderness is at the heart of her stories. Her family is passionate about exploring the northern landscapes, from its forests and lakes to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. The characters in her stories often reflect the wildlife and adventure found in the region, with characters like Cody Bear, named after her oldest son, Cody, who shares his mother’s curiosity and love for the outdoors.
Connecting with Young Readers
Stephanie primarily writes for preschool and early elementary-age children, a group she knows well as a mom and educator. Her books explore themes of friendship and teamwork, inviting readers to learn about cooperation and connection while sparking an interest in nature.
Upcoming Event
Stephanie loves connecting with readers and will be appearing at an upcoming event on November 23rd from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Burn Bootcamp in Maple Grove. It’s a perfect chance to meet Stephanie, hear more about her work, and celebrate a shared love for children’s stories.
Stay tuned as Stephanie continues to bring new adventures to life on the page, inviting young readers to step into stories that celebrate nature, friendship, and the magic of exploration.
