About The Author

John D. Anello III has spent much of his life helping young people discover their own creativity. A lifelong music educator, conductor, and storyteller, John earned both his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music Education degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and continued his postgraduate studies at UW–Madison, Ohio State University, the University of Illinois, Western Michigan University, and Cardinal Stritch University. 

During a career spanning more than 25 years, John taught students from kindergarten through the undergraduate level. His teaching career included positions in the Hustisford, West Allis–West Milwaukee, and Mukwonago Area school districts, as well as UW–Madison and Edgewood College. Throughout those years, his classroom encouraged curiosity and creativity, and young people learned to see possibilities beyond what was immediately in front of them. 

Music remains an important part of John’s life. In 2009, he founded the Mukwonago Area Community Choir, which he still directs. His musical experiences have also taken him beyond Wisconsin, including performances in Austria and an opportunity to perform as one of 100 music educators from across the United States in a national celebration of music education. 

About 20 years ago, John began writing poetry and discovered another creative outlet in words, rhythm, and storytelling. Over time, that interest led him to children’s literature. The inspiration for his first picture book was waiting close to home: his gray-and-white cat, Sergio, sitting at the window watching the birds, squirrels, and other animals outside. That simple everyday moment became Sergio’s Window Tales—and eventually helped inspire Anello Books for Children. 

For John, writing children’s books is a natural continuation of his life as an educator. Although retired from the classroom, he remains an educator at heart. His stories aren’t intended to give children answers, but to encourage them to observe, wonder, imagine, ask questions, and create. He hopes his books remind young readers that extraordinary possibilities can often be discovered in the most ordinary moments. 

John lives in southeastern Wisconsin with his wife, Kelly, and Sergio—the inspiration for his first picture book. He began writing children’s books with a very personal hope: that someday he would have stories of his own to read to his future grandchildren. 

Away from writing and music, John enjoys fishing, following Major League Baseball—especially the Milwaukee Brewers—attending the opera, and listening to vocal jazz.