Janell Cannon facts for kids

Janell Cannon is a talented American children's author and illustrator. She is best known for her first book, Stellaluna, published in 1993. This heartwarming story is about a baby fruit bat. Stellaluna became very popular and was even included in a list of the 100 best children's books of all time by important education groups. It has been translated into 30 different languages, showing how much people around the world love her work.

Who is Janell Cannon?

Janell Cannon creates wonderful books for young readers. She not only writes the stories but also draws the beautiful pictures. Her books often feature animals and teach important lessons. Stellaluna is a great example, helping kids learn about bats and friendship.

Her Early Life and School Days

Janell Cannon was born in St. Paul, Minnesota. Her parents were Burton H. and Nancy A. Cannon. She showed an interest in art from a young age. When she was in sixth grade, she started painting with acrylic paints. She attended Burnsville High School and finished her studies there in 1975.

Her Journey to Becoming an Author

After finishing high school, Janell moved to the western part of the United States. She settled in Southern California. From 1981 to 1993, she worked as a graphic artist. She created designs for the public library in Carlsbad. This job helped her develop her artistic skills. It also prepared her for her future career as a children's book illustrator.

Books by Janell Cannon

Janell Cannon has written and illustrated several popular books. Her stories often feature unique animal characters. These books teach children about nature and important life lessons.

• Stellaluna (1993)
• Trupp: A Fuzzhead Tale (1995)
• Verdi (1997)
• Crickwing (2000)
• Little Yau: A Fuzzhead Tale (2002)
• Pinduli (2004)