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

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

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

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, 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 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

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

The Cajun Cornbread Boy Puppet with Alligator - 12-16-08

Friends,

I am so excited! My first picture book for children, The Cajun Cornbread Boy, came in! My publisher, Pelican Publishing Company, is based in New Orleans so my husband picked up a case of books for me today. The books are beautiful! They are scheduled for a Spring 2009 release so getting the books this early is quite a delicious surprise. I have my first book signing on Saturday so, with the help of my daughter Soleil (who is majoring in art at LSU), I made The Cajun Cornbread Boy puppet. He came out better than I had hoped.

Cajun Cornbread Boy puppet w book - 12-16-08

I absolutely adore him! He is made out of felt, 8 inch cardboard cake circles, jumbo craft sticks, chenille sticks, foam, paper, and an enormous amount of hot glue. I have the burn marks to prove it! LOL There was even a bit of hand sewing involved. He was quite labor intensive (about 3 hours from start to finish) but well worth the effort.

I hope The Cajun Cornbread Boy will run into the hearts of many readers and spice up many children’s bookshelves! You can order your own autographed copy of the book from the Story Connection Store. http://storyconnection.net/?content=store If you order by Friday, December 19, 2008, you’ll get it in time for Christmas!

Spice up your holidays with The Cajun Cornbread Boy.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Batty Sock Bat Craft - October 17, 2008

Batty Sock Bat Craft

Supplies:
New sock
Fiberfill stuffing
1 large sheet of foam matching the color of sock
1 Red chenille stick
1 chenille stick in a color matching the sock
Two medium size Googly Eyes
White cardstock or index card
Hot glue

Directions:
Stuff one sock with fiberfill about 3/4 full. Tie the end of the sock closed with a matching chenille stick, leaving a long piece to use as a hanger. Cut wings and ears out of foam and hot glue to the body. Glue on Googly Eyes. Cut a small piece of red chenille stick to create a mouth. Cut two sharp fangs out of cardstock or index card. Glue to body. When complete, hang upside down in front of a window. This is a great craft to go with the book, Bats at the Library!

Madame Poule and Monsieur Roach, A New Orleans Folktale

Friends:

Happy Happy Joy Joy! Today, I received 2 book contracts in the mail, one I was expecting and one that was a delightful surprise. I received a new book contract from Libraries Unlimited for Stories on Board: Creating Board Games from Favorite Tales and a new picture book with Pelican Publishing Company, Madame Poule & Monsieur Roach. The illustrations for the picture book will be done by Marita Gentry, illustrator of The Cajun Cornbread Boy.

So yes, today was a great day. Jumping up and down, up and down, up and down. And I’m not even dizzy yet! LOL

Happy Tales to You! Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Dianne de Las Casas & Tedd Arnold - Sept 25, 2008

On Thursday and Friday, the Baton Rouge Public Library hosted a children’s book author/illustrator program (this is their 31st year). Their featured author/illustrator was Tedd Arnold. Tedd Arnold is the author/illustrator of Green Wilma, No Jumping on the Bed, Parts (and its sequels), Super Fly Guy (and its sequels), and many other books.

Thursday night’s program was a family program with the presentation geared for kids. Tedd Arnold shared how he was inspired by his two sons, Walter and William, and their stuffed animals, Charlie (the dog) and Foxy (the fox) for a couple of his books. No More Jumping on the Bed was inspired by Walter. No More Water in the Bathtub was written for William. Tedd’s books are filled with laugh-out-loud humor. If you haven’t read any of the Parts books, you have to! Here is Tedd drawing the main character from Parts.

Tedd Arnold Drawing character from book, Parts - Sept 25, 2008

Tedd’s presentation was infused with great humor and light audience participation. He held the interest of children and adults alike. Super Fly Guy is one of Tedd’s most popular book characters. Tedd drew Fly Guy for the audience.

Tedd Arnold's Fly Guy - Sept 25, 2008

Marita Gentry, the illustrator for my picture book, The Cajun Cornbread Boy, won an illustration from Tedd Arnold.

Marita Gentry & Tedd Arnold - Sept 25, 2008

Here is a picture of our book cover. Isn’t Marita talented?

The Cajun Cornbread Boy By Dianne de Las Casas Illustrated by Marita Gentry

My 18 year old daughter, Soleil, is majoring in art at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. She wants to pursue a career in children’s book illustration. I thought it would be a good idea for her to attend the program. Soleil really got a lot out of both the Thursday night presentation and the Friday morning program. She was able to see the other side of being a children’s book illustrator – presenting for the public. Here is Soleil with Tedd Arnold.

Soleil & Tedd Arnold - Sept 25, 2008

I highly recommend Tedd Arnold’s books. He’s a phenomenonally funny author and great guy, a super “fly” guy! LOL

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Fancy Nancy - Paper Doll Chains

Fancy Nancy written by Jane O’Connor and Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser is a book about precocious little Nancy who loves everything “fancy.” It’s become a phenomenon, endearing little girls across the nation. I thought the classic paper doll chain would be a perfect accompaniment for Fancy Nancy.

Materials:
Large piece of construction paper cut in half vertically (4.5″ X 12″)
Scissors
Crayons or markers

Directions:
Cut a large sheet of construction paper in half, vertically (4.5″ X 12″). Fold it into 4 parts, accordion style.

Paper Doll Chain - The Accordion Fold

Next draw the pattern. The pattern must extend to each side of the folds.

Fancy Nancy -Paper Doll Pattern

Then cut the pattern out.

Fancy Nancy - Cutting the Paper Doll Chain

Finally, color the dolls. We used the illustrations in Fancy Nancy for inspiration.

Fancy Nancy - Eliana Coloring the Paper Doll Chain

This simple craft is so much fun. Get crazy and creative!

Fancy Nancy - Beautiful Paper Doll Chain!

Look how cute the dolls are on Eliana’s bulletin board.

Fancy Nancy - Paper Doll Chain on Eliana's Bulletin Board

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne