Children’s Books

Texas Library Association Conference 2012 – April 17-20, 2012

by Dianne on April 23, 2012

Friends:

From Tuesday through Friday of last week, I was at the Texas Library Association conference in Houston. On the first night I was at TLA, they had an opening reception. I was there demonstrating stories from my forthcoming book, Handmade Tales 2, at the ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited booth. This is me with a mouse hat made out of a paper plate from the Japanese story, “The Mouse’s Wedding.”

Wednesday was the first full day at the exhibit hall. It was packed. Librarians crowded the floor at every major publisher’s booth.

In the morning, I signed books at Pelican Publishing. The booth was busy! Yay! This librarian won an award and came just that day to accept the award at TLA. Woo hoo!

I ran into my good friend, Peter Brown, who was signing his Lucy books (Children Make Terrible Pets and YOU WILL BE MY FRIEND). Go Peter!

In the afternoon on Wednesday, I signed books with ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited. Here I am with the amazing Anastasia Suen and the terrific Toni Buzzeo. Both of these awesome authors were 2011 Picture Book Month champions. Yay!

That evening, after a fabuloso fajita dinner at Pappasito’s with my publisher, Pelican Publishing, and authors Tom McDermott and Laurie Knowlton (Thanks Laura Midgett and John Scheyd), Peter Brown invited me to hang out with some cool Kidlit authors/illustrators. Paul Zelinsky is so warm and witty. He will be a 2012 Picture Book Month Champion. My phone’s flash was being wacky… Sorry!

Adam Rex was also great fun and totally hilarious. We’re Twitter buds so I asked him to pose to look like his Twitter avatar. Lol Adam will also be a 2012 Picture Book Month Champion.

On Thursday, my editor from Libraries Unlimited, Sharon Coatney, gave me a wonderful surprise — a gorgeous handmade sterling silver bracelet. I love it so much! It’s my new favorite. She knows me so well, that I love my bling!

That morning, I signed books with Pelican again. I was only supposed to sign for one hour but I ended up signing for 2.5 hours because it was that busy! Thank goodness no one was after me. Look at that table of books…

The afternoon was filled with busy book signing at ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited. Then it was time for some fun! I had dinner and drinks with my crew from ABC-Clio. Look at these gargantuan meatballs!

Then Alexis Hammond (the blonde), Shannon Hysell (the brunette), and I unwound at a super hip lounge. What a great night! Aren’t they pretty?!

On Friday, I signed books in the morning with Pelican. The exhibit hall closed at noon so I rushed around like mad trying to see everything. Finally, when it was time for me to leave to get to Baton Rouge for my daughter, Soleil’s senior art show, I ran into this… a flat tire!

The hotel referred me to a local mechanic shop and it only took them 15 minutes to fix the tire. All’s well that ends well! On the way back, I stopped at a rest stop just outside Lake Charles and caught this beautiful picture!

I made it to my daughter’s art show and the whole family was there! Look at stunning Soleil!

TLA 2012 was a fun, successful conference for me. I had a blast seeing wonderful Texan librarians and making new friends. Next year, it’s off to Fort Worth!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Skype Author Visit with School in Canada – Friday, March 23, 2012

by Dianne on March 24, 2012

Friends:

I had the pleasure of a Skype Author Visit with David Hoy Elementary School in British Columbia, Canada. Librarian Marilyn Gammon arranged the visit. Yay, Ms. Gammon!

It was a blast performing my book, Dinosaur Mardi Gras, for the students. They chomped and stomped and roared with me. What an awesome group of kids!

My 11 year old daughter, Kid Chef Eliana, was my guest and she talked to the students briefly about being a chef and an author.

It was a ton of fun and I really enjoyed all the questions they had for me. One of my favorite parts about being an author is being able to speak with kids all over the world. I really enjoyed my Skype visit with the students of David Hoy Elementary! I hope they are inspired to try their hand at writing.

Let the good times… ROAR!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Book Signings at Sam’s Clubs – March 10-11, 2012

by Dianne on March 12, 2012

Friends:

Over the weekend, I had book signings at Sam’s Clubs in Metairie, Harvey, and Slidell. I even had fans and friends come out to see me! Yay, Belinda Meliezer!

I made new friends too. Hi Amber and Messiah!

Great meeting Jaxon in Slidell too. His mom to me he’s been reading Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach so he can take it to school and share it with his class. Way to go, Jaxon!

Thanks for visiting me at my Sam’s Clubs book signings.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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World Read Aloud Day – Wednesday, March 8, 2012

by Dianne on March 8, 2012

Friends:

Yesterday, I did a series of Skype Author Visits to celebrate World Read Aloud Day. I Skyped with 2 schools in Maine, a school in Michigan, and a school in Wisconsin.

I performed my latest book, Dinosaur Mardi Gras, with full audience participation!

It was a blast and I had so much fun. After my story, the students asked me questions about my life as an author and storyteller.

Thanks to LitWorld and Pam Allyn, founder of World Read Aloud Day, for a great worldwide literacy movement!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Dinosaur Mardi Gras Book Signings

by Dianne on March 3, 2012

Friends:

I haven’t blogged in a while and I am testing the WordPress app from my iPhone. January and February were fantastically busy months launching my new book, Dinosaur Mardi Gras, illustrated by Marita Gentry. We toured bookstores across Louisiana and had a great time with all the kids!

Laissez les bon temps rugir! Let the good times… ROAR!

Until next time….

Warmly, Dianne

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Cancun, Mexico – Monday, July 20, 2009

by Dianne on July 21, 2009

7-20-09 Welcome to Paradise sign

Friends:

My family and I arrived safely in Cancun, Mexico. We left New Orleans at 6:00am and arrived in Miami for our connecting flight (Don’t you hate those early morning flights?!). Unfortunately, we had a lengthy layover so we explored the airport a bit. I discovered something I had never seen before – service that wraps your suitcase in cellophane for an extra measure of security.

7-20-09 Miami Airport - wrapping suitcases in cellophane

The floor of the Miami Airport in Concourse D is beautiful. It has art inspired by undersea life.

7-20-09 Eliana stands on the artsy floor of the Miami Airport

After a severe weather delay (it was raining coconuts & bananas) of an hour, we were off to Cancun!

7-20-09 Leaving Miami

We arrived in Cancun in the late afternoon.

7-20-09 Eliana rides the suitcases in the Cancun Airport

Since we reserved and paid for transportation ahead of time, it was smooth sailing in an air conditioned shuttle to our hotel about 10 miles away. On the way, we drove through Punta Zona Hotelera, the hotel zone. We even passed Chocolate City! (Eat your heart out, Mayor Ray Nagin of New Orleans!) hahaha

7-20-09 Chocolate City

We are staying at the Dreams Resort & Spa, an all-inclusive luxury resort on the tip of Cancun, surrounded on three sides by water. The hotel staff was so friendly and accommodating. The open air lobby is gorgeous.

7-20-09 Dreams Resort Lobby

Our room overlooks the hotel’s Dolphin Lagoon and the gorgeous Caribbean sea. (Bringing to mind the crooning of 80s pop star, Billy Ocean “Caribbean Queen… now we’re sharing the same dream…”). LOL

7-20-09 Amazing View from room balcony

Here’s a picture of me with my gorgeous girls!

7-20-09 Eliana, Dianne & Soleil on balcony of room in Cancun

Our room is very pretty with marble floors, a banana tree bas relief and Carribean turquoise and white decor.

7-20-09 The bed with robe and slippers awaiting...

Even our bathroom is beautiful!

7-20-09 The bathroom in the deluxe dolphin lagoon room at Dreams Resort, Cancun

We decided to take a little nap to sleep off the travel weariness. When we woke up, it was already dark. We rushed to dinner and ate at Himitsu, a pan Asian restaurant on the grounds. The food was good. I did, however, cry at dinner. I ordered spicy tuna rolls and were they spicy! The waiter told me, “Oh we make them with Mexican habaneros. But it’s only the juice. No big deal.” Fortunately, the coconut ice cream and pink panther daiquiri (pina colada, grenadine & Malibu rum) helped immensely.

7-20-09 Dipping Toes in Caribbean Sea

After dinner, I decided to walk along the beach. The family wanted to return to the room so I explored solo. I had to take my traditional toe dip in the sea (I do this at every beach I visit around the word). The water was warm. I can’t wait to swim tomorrow! I discovered some ancient Mayan ruins too…

7-20-09 Mayan Ruins sand castle, washed away by time and tide

Now it is time to dream at Dreams. Tomorrow (July 21) is Soleil’s 19th birthday and we have a full day planned, including beaching, shopping and a dinner show. It should be fun!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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There’s No Place Like Home! – Thursday, July 16, 2009

by Dianne on July 17, 2009

7-13-09 Going home from ALA Chicago 2009

Friends:

Okay, I was supposed to blog a couple of days ago but I got stuck in a quagmire of catch-up work. So the above picture was taken on the plane from St. Louis to New Orleans (Chicago to St. Louis then a layover). I took the picture after the warning was issued, “We are approaching our final descent into New Orleans. At this time, please turn off and stow all electronic devices and bring your seat and tray table to its full, upright and locked position.” I know. I know. It’s dorky to know that by heart but I fly. A LOT. hahaha So I was being a bad girl and snapping pictures on the sly. Here is the Mighty Mississippi…

7-13-09 The Mississippi River from plane window

So after coming in a little early, I head for baggage claim and was greeted by this sight. A group of young brass band musicians were preparing to give some VIP a jazzy welcome. Where else in the world can you land and be serenaded by a brass band?! It is, after all, the Louis Armstrong International Airport. Here is a picture of John Perkins of the One Mind Brass Band prepping his horn.

7-13-09 John Perkins from One Mind Brass Band at the New Orleans airport

Such a cool sight. But the best sight of all is seeing your little girl running to greet you. Here is my cutie pie, Eliana, all DIVA-ed out in a new rock star-ish outfit. And yes, that is my cute zebra suitcase behind her. LOL

7-13-09 Coming home to my cutie pie, Eliana!

It’s been a productive week – I executed a book contract, handwrote a million thank you notes, entered ALA contacts, followed up with ALA contacts, edited a manuscript going to production, worked with my assistant and my web designer, sent out my newsletter, and even created a book trailer for The Cajun Cornbread Boy (more on that later).

And I am still processing all that went on at ALA! What a wonderful conference it was!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Louisiana Story Fest Residency @ Bissonet Plaza Elementary – Day 4 Thursday, February 12, 2009

by admin on February 16, 2009

Ms. Chieffo's 2nd graders dance Zydeco 2-12-09

Friends:

I had such a good time on Day 4 of my Story Fest residency. It was a late day, with my first class starting at 9:40 am so I took advantage of the extra time and worked out for an hour at home. I came to school refreshed and ready to go! My first class was Ms. Chieffo’s 2nd grade class. They were perfect little angels – so incredibly well-behaved. They listened intently to the tale of The Cajun Cornbread Boy and followed instructions when it came time to explore Louisiana’s Cajun and Zydeco music through scarves, movement, and dance.

2nd graders play the washboard 2-12-09

After 2nd grade, I went downstairs to meet Ms. Bonnano’s kindergarten class. They were an enthusiastic, curious group of students who really enjoyed my activities. I told them the story of The Cajun Cornbread Boy and they loved it.

Ms. Dianne shows Ms. Bonnano's Kindergarteners The Cajun Cornbread Boy book 2-12-09

Ms. Bonnano (my first time meeting her) was so sweet and accommodating. Here they are dancing and passing a good time!

Ms. Bonnano's Kindergarteners dance Zydeco 2-12-09

Then it was on to Mr. Boone’s 3rd grade class. I love Mr. Boone. He is a great teacher who knows how to balance fun and discipline. I arrived a tad early so I helped Mr. Boone finish up his lesson on ABC order. It was fun to “team teach” with Mr. Boone! Afterwards, we transitioned into my activities.

Ms. Dianne walks a "dog" in Mr. Boone's 3rd grade class 2-12-09

The class had a blast with the role-playing drama activities. They did a great job.

Mother comforting jilted brides in Mr. Boone's 3rd grade class 2-12-09

The class was assigned the story rap, “Jackie Rabbit,” and I can’t wait to see Mr. Boone’s class perform it. It is going to be awesome!

After lunch, I visited Ms. Leboutillier’s preschool class. What a sweet group of students! They were ready for me as soon as I walked in! I told them the story of The Cajun Cornbread Boy and they fully participated in all the motions and songs.

Ms. Leboutillier's preschoolers listen to The Cajun Cornbread Boy 2-12-09

Then we explored Louisiana through Cajun and Zydeco music and dance. And did we dance!

Preschoolers second line around the classroom 2-12-09

My last class was Ms. Muller’s preschool class. When I arrived, they were all napping. They had been on a field trip in the morning and were zonked out completely. After unsuccessfuly trying to rouse them, we decided it was better to let them rest. Fortunately, I will be visiting their class again.

Friday and Monday were off days for me so I headed for a nice 4 day weekend! I look forward to Week 2 with my Bissonet students.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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The Cajun Cornbread Boy Book Signing at A Tisket A Tasket in the French Quarter – Sunday, February 8, 2009

by admin on February 8, 2009

The Cajun Cornbread Boy in the Window of A Tisket A Tasket in the French Quarter, New Orleans 2-8-09

Friends:

I had a phenomenal book signing at A Tisket A Tasket gift store in the New Orleans French Quarter. Marita Gentry, the talented illustrator of the book, was with me. Lisa Jones, the owner of the store set up a table outside on the sidewalk in front of the store. I told the story live as Marita drew the characters on a large pad. We had quite a crowd gather. It was my first time “street performing” in New Orleans! LOL Afterwards, we signed books.

The Cajun Cornbread Boy, Dianne de Las Casas & Marita Gentry posing with a fan 2-8-09

The Cajun Cornbread Boy, the Gator, Dianne de Las Casas & Marita Gentry posing with a fan 2-8-09

It was nonstop for the two hours we were there. We never stopped signing books. Yay! Lisa was such a gracious hostess and even invited me to come back and sign books on the last weekend of Jazz Fest (first weekend in May).

Marita Gentry, Lisa Jones of A Tisket A Tasket & Dianne de Las Casas 2-8-09

After my book signing, my family and I went walking in the French Quarter. Eliana (my 8 year old) and her cousin, Camrynn (9 years old) had their faces painted. Too cute!

Face Painting Clown with Eliana & Camrynn in the French Quarter 2-8-09

Face Painting Woman with Eliana & Camrynn in the French Quarter 2-8-09

We walked around on Decatur Street. I wanted to take pictures as research for my next children’s picture book with Marita, Madame Poule’ and Monsieur Roach, awhich is set in the New Orleans French Quarter.

New Orleans French Quarter 2-8-09

It was a gorgeous day with temperatures in the 70s. Tourists and locals alike were milling about. It was the perfect day to tour the French Quarter and the French Market.

New Orleans French Market 2-8-09

After walking around, we ate at Fiorella’s, famous for their fried chicken. Then we had beignets at Cafe’ Du Monde. It was a great day!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Phenomenal Week with New Books and Book Signing! Saturday, December 20, 2008

by admin on December 21, 2008

The Cajun Cornbread Boy Book Signing 12-20-08

Friends:

On Saturday, December 20, 2008, I had my first book signing for my first children’s picture book,The Cajun Cornbread Boy. The book signing was at Maple Street Children’s Book Shop in New Orleans. It was fun because I was signing books with my best friend, Johnette Downing, Children’s Musician and Author. Johnette was signing her brand new book, Chef Creole.

I am so excited because my book was not supposed to arrive this early. It was quite a rush to make them available for the holiday season. But I have shipped out a ton of books to my sweet fans. Here is a picture of me with my #1 fans, my family – my husband, Antonio, oldest daughter, Soleil, and youngest daughter, Eliana.

The Cajun Cornbread Boy Book Signing with family - 12-20-08

This week held another surprise for me – my other new book arrived: Tangram Tales: Story Theater with the Ancient Chinese Puzzle published by Libraries Unlimited.

Tangram Tales: Story Theater with the Ancient Chinese Puzzle 12-20-08

But the icing on the cake this week was reconnecting with my best friend from high school (through FaceBook), Fe Reyes Del Rosario. She is a 5th grade teacher and lives in Southern California with her husband and three children. We’ve been talking on the phone every day! I just adore her.

Dianne de Las Casas and Fe Del Rosario Best Friends in High School 1986

So, it’s been a phenomenal week. Lots of good things in my life! What wonderful Christmas Gifts!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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← Previous Entries

Children’s Books

Texas Library Association Conference 2012 – April 17-20, 2012

Skype Author Visit with School in Canada – Friday, March 23, 2012

Book Signings at Sam’s Clubs – March 10-11, 2012

World Read Aloud Day – Wednesday, March 8, 2012

Dinosaur Mardi Gras Book Signings

Cancun, Mexico – Monday, July 20, 2009

There’s No Place Like Home! – Thursday, July 16, 2009

Louisiana Story Fest Residency @ Bissonet Plaza Elementary – Day 4 Thursday, February 12, 2009

The Cajun Cornbread Boy Book Signing at A Tisket A Tasket in the French Quarter – Sunday, February 8, 2009

Phenomenal Week with New Books and Book Signing! Saturday, December 20, 2008

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