Sneak Peek of Mama’s Bayou; Saturday, October 24, 2009
10-24-09 Nearly finished artwork for Mama's Bayou book
Friends:
I had the pleasure of visiting my friend, Holly Stone-Barker, and her family in Zachary, Louisiana. Holly is the illustrator for my next book, Mama’s Bayou, which will be out in Spring 2010. First, we had lunch at Sammy’s, a restaurant in Zachary. Eliana and I ate with Holly, her children: Stephen and Ella, her sister: Heather, and her mom. Lunch was delicious!
10-24-09 Stephen, Eliana and Ella
I love Holly’s family. They are so much fun. We shopped at a little boutique called Persnickety, where I found my favorite Tyler candles and a gorgeous new apron for Eliana. Afterwards, Eliana and I went to Holly’s house for a tour of her studio in the converted attic. A wonderful space! Here’s a picture of me and Holly.
10-24-09 Dianne de Las Casas and Holly Stone-Barker
Our picture book, Mama’s Bayou, published by Pelican Publishing will be out in Spring 2010. Holly works in cut paper and collage and the illustrations are stunning. Although the final artwork was not yet finished, Holly gave me a sneak peek. OMG! Look at these snakes! Each of the scales are individually cut out.
10-24-09 Snakes in Mama's Bayou
Breathtaking is the word the comes to mind. Here is a picture of the crawfish in the book.
10-24-09 Crawish in Mama's Bayou
Check out this cool catfish! Wow!
10-24-09 Catfish in Mama's Bayou
The book, a tribute to the symphony of sounds in the bayou, highlights a number of bayou mamas and their babies as well as the vegetation of the swamp. Here is a “symphony” page.
10-24-09 Symphony page in Mama's Bayou
I am so lucky to be able to work with Holly. Mama’s Bayou is going to be a stunning book and I can’t wait for you to see it! Before Eliana and I left to tell stories at Terror on the Teche in New Iberia, we had to take a picture in front of Holly’s cool Jack-O-Goblin.
10-24-09 Dianne and Eliana in Holly's house
Thank you, Holly, for the lovely tour of your studio and the sneak peek at the art for Mama’s Bayou. We are all excited about the book and your phenomenal artwork!!
Until next time…
Warmly, Dianne
Tags: Author, Children, Children's Book Author, Children's Books, Dianne de Las Casas, Holly Stone-Barker, Mama's Bayou, Pelican Publishing, Stories
January 18th, 2010 at 8:21 am
Dianne, I can’t wait for this book! You are one of the best authors! We are so fortunate to have you here in Louisiana! Have safe travel this year for your Fabulous Fourth decade!