While Cannon shares her achievement in quiet humility, she admits to “never intending to teach.” Within a year, Cannon left her library job to become a full-time author and illustrator. Dijkstra and the former publishing company Harcourt Brace Jovanovich gave “Stellaluna” its wings. For the next 12 years Cannon “learned a thousand different things,” from running printing presses, to designing murals and newsletters, and hosting award-winning children’s summer reading programs.ĭespite her busyness, she created “Stellaluna,” “developing the story gradually, writing for writing’s sake, giving each piece every effort.” Prior to the onset of everything digital, the book evolved from a storyboard of picture vignettes, “just like old movie-makers.”Įighteen months later, the unknown talent completed her mock-up, made color copies at Kinko’s and contacted Del Mar’s Sandra Dijkstra, a well-known West Coast literary agent, who embraced the opportunity to review her work.Īcceptance was immediate. Residents Pat and Jim Hanson not only purchased her paintings, but they also offered her a job at Carlsbad’s Georgina Cole Library. Here, she worked odd jobs and sold her paintings in State Street consignment shops. Working to “stretch” herself artistically, becoming a popular writer and illustrator was an accident, one that began years ago.Ĭannon landed in Carlsbad via Minnesota and a “stint in Yellowstone Park with my sister” in 1976. I sense that we’ve all felt like bats, finding our way through family and community in our own way.”Ĭannon was surprised and delighted with Stellaluna’s mega-success. “These strange, yet beautiful nocturnal animals are different than most. “Bats are mysterious creatures without a fan club,” said Cannon.

Janell cannon