JoAnn Kitchel is a professional illustrator who received her B.A. in art education from Central Michigan University. Immediately following her graduation, JoAnn moved to the West Indies where she taught art as a Peace Corps volunteer for nearly four years. The West Indian culture and landscape played an invaluable role in the development of JoAnn's artistic style.

JoAnn's children's books include Raven's Gift (Richard C. Owen Publishers, Inc.), The Heart of a Friendship (Pelican Publishers), Talk! Talk! Talk! (Celebration Press), and the award-winning Tales of the Shimmering Sky (Williamson Publishing Company).

JoAnn lives in New Hampshire with her family.

Take a peek at JoAnn's artist notes for The Farewell Symphony.

 Visit Anna's Music Spot for more information about the books JoAnn has illustrated and to find online recordings of the compositions these books are based on.

Download a photo of JoAnn E. Kitchel.

Books by JoAnn E. Kitchel