Ann Keane is a first-time children’s author and illustrator. Born and raised in Wairoa, Hawkes Bay, Ann was brought up reading stories written by A. A. Milne, Enid Blyton, Beatrix Potter and the Brothers Grimm. As a child she adorned all of her work with pictures of fairies and toadstool houses – until she was told that although her pictures were beautiful, they should relate to the text!

When Ann was still at primary school, at the age of 10, one of her watercolours was framed and hung in the staff room until she left for College. Ann’s first art tutor at Wairoa College was Rodney Wilson, later to be known as Dr Rodney Wilson, Director at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Ann was a kindergarten teacher for over 30 years. Along with her passion for music and movement as well as art, her forte was early literacy. Although the kindergarten environment was ideal for her creative and artistic abilities, Ann left teaching in 2011 to follow her other passion: painting. She ended up writing instead!

Ann has two sons and lives with her husband near Helensville. Her home overlooks the Kaipara Harbour and she enjoys inspirational views, even on a stormy day.

Let’s Catch that Rainbow! is Ann’s first children’s book.