Leaf Man - Gather leaves

Friends:

Leaf Man is a fantastic book by Lois Ehlert where the leaves transform into people, birds, fish, vegetables, trees, and more. It’s a great book for the Fall but works year round because trees are everywhere!

Materials:
Lots of different leaves in varying colors
Sheet of white paper
Pictures of animals (if you wish)

Directions:
First, gather leaves. Gather a variety in different colors. We try to pick leaves that have already fallen to the ground. Next, decide what type of animal you want to make and begin assembling the leaves on a white sheet of paper. This may take some experimentation. Try not to alter the shapes of the leaves – work with what you have. Creating leaf illustrations is like assembling a puzzle. Disassemble the puzzle and start again! Here are some examples. This is a mouse by Eliana.

Leaf Mouse by Eliana

This is a peacock created by moi!

Leaf Peacock by Dianne

This next one was a mother-daughter effort. Can you guess what it is?

Leaf Gator Snapping a Fish

Use your imagination to create something whimsical, something wonderful!

Leaf Man Book & Leaf Peacock

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Library Mouse Craft and Book

Library Mouse – Tissue Paper Roll Mouse & Book
Library Mouse written and illustrated by Daniel Kirk is a fantastic book about reading and writing. Sam, a mouse who lives in the library, loves to read. He is so inspired by books that he decides to write one and sneak it into the library collection. Soon, all the children are buzzing about Sam, the new author. They ask to meet him and in a clever twist, Sam surprises them all and inspires many more authors. In this craft, you will make the tissue paper roll mouse and a small book.

Materials:
Tissue paper roll
Construction Paper
Chenille Sticks (pink and white)
Glue
Stapler

Directions
To make the mouse, from construction paper, cut out a tail, two ears, and two eyes. Pinch one end of the tissue paper roll shut, inserting the tail in the middle. Staple it shut. Wrap the tail around a pen or pencil to create a curl. Pinch the opposite end of the tissue paper roll in the opposite direction (it will look like a triangle). Glue ears at the top and an eye on each side. Cut a small piece of pink chenille and ball it up into a nose, leaving an end sticking out to insert into the tissue paper roll. Cut two small white pieces of chenille stick and fold it in half, creating whiskers. Glue on each side of the nose. Your mouse is ready and will look like this.

Library Mouse Up Close

To create the book, cut four equal sizes of white construction paper (the inside of the book). Create a front and back cover in a different color. Staple the book on one side. Voila! Now you have Sam the Mouse and a book of your own to write in! Happy Tales to You!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Wild About Books Paper Plate Snakes

Wild About Books Paper Plate Snakes

“In a flash every beast in the zoo was stampeding
To learn all about this new something called reading.
Forsaking their niches, their nests, and their nooks,
They went wild, simply wild, about wonderful books…”

And so begins one of my favorite new classics written by Judy Sierra and illustrated by Marc Brown. The story is clever and inspiring while the colorful illustrations slither, stomp, and stampede across the page. To go with this modern classic, I have chosen one of my favorite classic crafts – the simple, slithery paper plate snake.

Materials:
Paper plate
Crayons or markers
Scissors

Directions
Color both sides of the paper plate in any design you wish. Starting on the outer edge, cut the paper plate into a spiral about an inch wide. When you reach the inside, stop so that you have enough paper plate left to form the snake’s head. Make two eyes with a marker. Ssssssssss. Now you and your snake can curl up with a good book.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Eliana Drawing Humpty on a Blown Egg

Humpty Dumpty Egg-Splodes – Blown Egg Humpty
This is a great book by author and illustrator, Kevin O’Malley. Kevin has a wonderful sense of humor (in person and in books). The story begins with a man telling a story… Humpty Dumpty is ginormous and he’s on a rampage. This book is a uproarious romp through Nursery Land with spoofs of nearly every nursery rhyme you can think of. And the end is the stuff made of legends. A great book for boys but equally fun for girls too. Incidentally, Kevin O’Malley won the 2008 Louisiana Young Readers Choice Awards for his book, Once Upon a Motorcycle Dude.

Materials:
Raw egg at room temperature
Pin or Sewing Needle
Pencil
Ultra-thin permanent marker
Colored markers
1X5″ strip of construction paper

Directions:
With a pin or sewing needle poke a hole at each end of the egg. Over the sink or a bowl, blow into one side of the egg. The egg’s insides will emerge out of the other end. Rinse thoroughly then dry in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or bake in an oven for 15 minutes at 275 degrees. The heat will sterilize the egg and harden it further. With a pencil, draw Humpty’s face on the egg. Humpty’s expressions in the book are fun and easy to copy. Next, trace over the pencil with a permanent marker. Color the egg with colored markers. Take the strip of construction paper and tape it into a circle, creating a base for the egg to sit on. We used two eggs (Eliana did one and I did one) and didn’t even waste an egg! This was an egg-citing, egg-ceptional craft!

Egg-ceptional Humpty Dumpty X 2 (Eliana's is on the right)

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Where the Wild Things Are Paper Bag Puppet

Where the Wild Things Are – Wild Things Paper Bag Puppets
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak was one of Soleil’s favorite books as a child. I read it over and over and over again. And then she read it over and over and over again until Mommy said, “Be still!”

Materials:
Paper lunch bags
Construction paper
Scissors
Glue

Directions:
This is such a fun craft because I basically let the children cut out their own wild thing features – horns, nose, lips, teeth, hair, eyes, ears, arms, and legs. Simply glue them on to the paper bag. Anything goes! Eliana had a ball with this book craft and wouldn’t let me look until her wild thing was done.

“And when he came to the place where the wild things are they roared their terrible roars and gnashed their terrible teeth and rolled their terrible eyes and showed their terrible claws…”

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Coleen Salley & Epossumondas

Friends:

I am deeply saddened to pass on the following news about Coleen Salley. This note comes from her son, David, whom I worked with for a brief period years ago. He was an attorney in downtown New Orleans.

Dear All:

We have finally gotten a diagnosis for Mom’s condition, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD). Unfortunately, I am sorry and saddened to report that there is no cure or treatment for CJD and it is a terminal illness. I am sure most of you have never heard of CJD and all you need to do is Google it and you will have more information than you will care to read. Two sites that have good information are http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cjd/cjd.htm and http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/cjd/ .

It appears that Mom is reaching the end stages of the disease. Last Sunday, she was rushed to the hospital and spent 3 days in ICU fighting an infection. Being the fighter that she is, she beat the infection and all of her vitals are much stronger. Our main goal was to get her back home to St James since she absolutely abhors hospitals.

In conjunction with Mom’s wishes, and based upon the prognosis from the Neurologists and the ICU doctors, we (the 3 children) have decided that we will not return her to the hospital under any circumstance. Instead, we are working with Hospice care to make her as comfortable as possible. Fact is, as of right now, she appears to be very comfortable and in no acute pain or distress. She remains non-responsive and appears to be a deep sleep most of the time.

If anyone wishes to stop by and visit Mom, feel free. Although you do not have to, if you want to call me or George to check her condition before going by, that is fine too. My cell is 504 615 2543 and George’s is 504 481 6218.

Mom has received hundreds of cards and letter (and flowers) from so many of you and we cannot thank you enough for each and everyone of them. We have read every word of every one of those to her. Feel free to send more and we will continue to read them to her.

There is no “Crystal Ball” and there is no way for us to know how long she will hang in there. Although she is comfortable, she has no quality of life and certainly no “Coleen Salley Life” which we are all so familiar with. To say Mom has had a full life would be a monumental understatement. She has made more friends than most people can ever imagine, and touched and inspired thousands more.

Obviously Mom did not deserve this fate (no one does) and it is sad that it has happened to her. It is a little ironic that a disease that literally strikes only one in 1,000,000 struck someone who is one in 1,000,000, actually 10,000,000. I am sorry that I have to bring everyone this news.

However, I know each and every one of you have fond and fun filled memories of your times with Mom and I know you will recall those as you think of her at this time.

I will let everyone know what develops with Mom. In the meantime, feel free to call me or George (or Genevieve 503 774 8811) if you like. As always, I request that you please pass this email on to anyone and everyone you know that is a “Fan of Coleen.” I try to update the recipient list but I know I probably have missed some people and I want everyone to be advised of these developments.

Hail to the Queen!!!
David Salley

Anyone who knows Coleen knows that she is passionate about children’s books. She is such an advocate for storytelling and literacy. Coleen is, in fact, her own live book character. She always greeted you with a “Hey Dawlin’!” Let’s join in prayer to send her family peace and comfort during this difficult time in their lives. Coleen, God Bless You, Dawlin’.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Pulling Up the Sweet Potato - Everyone Pulling!

Friends:

Today I had to do some delicious research on a new picture book I am working on with Marita Gentry (illustrator of The Cajun Cornbread Boy). The story is called Pulling Up the Sweet Potato. It is one of my most popular, frequently-requested stories. It is based on the Russian folktale, The Giant Turnip. The sweet potato is Louisiana’s state vegetable and this is a fun, cumulative story about community.

The book will have a recipe for Ma Farmer’s Sweet Potato Pie. Here is what my “research” looked like:

September 10, 2008 - Ma Farmer's Sweet Potato Pie

Doesn’t that look scrumptious?! And here’s the recipe! Bon Appetit!

Ma Farmer’s Sweet Potato Pie

Ingredients
1 lb. of boiled, peeled sweet potatoes
1/2 c. butter, softened
3/4 c. white sugar
1/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. evaporated milk
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 9-inch unbaked deep dish pie crust or 2 shallow pie crusts

Directions
In mixing bowl, mash sweet potato. Add butter. Mix thoroughly. Stir in sugar, brown sugar, milk, eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Pour into unbaked pie crust. Bake at 350 degree oven for 55-60 minutes, or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Pie will sink as it cools. Serve with large dollop of whipped cream. Mmm. Mmm Mmm.

Enjoy! Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

In these post-Gustav days, things are slowly getting back to “normal” in my area though today, tropical storm warnings and flash flood watches were issued for coastal Louisiana because of Hurricane Ike. Ike is headed to central Texas where people are under a mandatory evacuation. We have voluntary and mandatory evacuations in the lower-lying coastal parishes such as Plaquemines and St. Bernard.

Sometimes, I wish I could go back to being a child. Eliana is blissfully happy to be back home and in her normal routine. She is also oblivious to the chaos of our adult world (thank goodness). Here she is playing with her baby doll, Maya.

Eliana and Baby Maya

Yesterday, we went grocery shopping to restock our refrigerator, only to find many of the shelves barren of stock, especially in the produce aisle. Grocery stores have not yet been fully restocked since the hurricane. This is what the produce section at our Neighborhood Wal-Mart looks like. I forgot my digital camera at home so this photo was taken with my phone camera.

September 9, 2008 - Empty Grocery Shelves

Nevertheless, I managed to cook a delicious meal with leftovers for the following night. We had garlic chicken pesto tortellini with a side salad. Yum! It was our first meal cooked at home since we returned after Gustav.

September 9, 2008 - Garlic Chicken Pesto Tortellini

The most interesting post-Gustav news today was how bungled the Emergency Food Stamp program became. The government approved a program to provide one month of “emergency” food stamps to those affected by the storm (nearly everyone in Louisiana!). The program was to be administered by the Louisiana State Department of Social Services (DSS). In short, it was a disaster as big as Gustav.

Yesterday, only two sites serviced Jefferson and Orleans Parish. After passing our 2,500 cards, the DSS had to shut down and turn people away. People waited in blistering heat and lines that were hours long. The crowds were angry and the National Guard had to be called in for crowd control. An ambulance was summoned as people suffered heat stroke.

Today, two larger sites were opened in Jeffrerson and Orleans Parish only the DSS failed to inform the proper parties. They did not update their website either. There was mass chaos and confusion as again, people lined up for the food stamps. Traffic was backed up for 4 miles on the Westbank Expressway in Jefferson Parish as people anxiously waited for their chance to get their food stamps. The government will not allow online applications. Everyone has to apply in person, bringing bank statements, check stubs, drivers licenses, social security numbers, proof of residence, and proof of damage to your home. This ridiculous amount of paperwork causes lines to bottleneck and congest.

We had to fill up our car today and were happy to see a fuel truck refueling the gas pumps. Several of the pumps had plastic bags over them – they were out of gas.

September 10, 2008 - Gas Station Filling

Today, I stayed busy booking shows, answering emails, sending out manuscripts (3 new ones), and working on book promotions for the Spring 2009 release of The Cajun Cornbread Boy. It was an extremely productive day.

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

I danced on Cloud 9 today as Robert D. San Souci, Children’s Book Author, provided a beautiful quote for the book:

“Dianne de las Casas mixes humor, high spirits, lively narration and a colorful setting to bring alive the timeless tale of The Gingerbread Boy (always a favorite of mine as a child). When a lonely old woman decides to cook up a cornbread boy in her magic skillet, her too-generous use of cayenne pepper in the batter brings about unexpected results and sets the stage for this droll, Cajun-spiced retelling. The author mixes her storyteller’s ear for concise, vivid description; rhythmic language; and exciting pacing, with tasty dollops of humor, as she recounts the cornbread boy’s meetings with various woodland creatures who want to gobble him up. But the storyteller here gives the ‘tragicomic’ tale a suitably happy — and logical — ending brought about by that ‘extra big dash of cayenne’ in the hero’s makeup. This delectable, delightful retelling is accompanied by lively, appealing watercolor illustrations by Marita Gentry that capture the zest of the tale and the distinctive bayou setting. A pronouncing glossary of Cajun words and phrases, an author’s source note, and a mouthwatering recipe for southern cornbread, help make this marvelous book what they would call on the bayou a thing delish!”
– Robert D. San Souci, author of The Talking Eggs: A Folktale from the American South and Little Pierre: A Cajun Story from Louisiana

Thank you so much, Bob! You are the best!

I also did some fun research on a new picture book I am working on with Marita Gentry, illustrator of The Cajun Cornbread Boy. I will post more about that in my next blog… Keep reading!

Until next time…

Warmly,
Dianne

Friends:

Since I have been back in my office, things have been hopping! My website was hacked over the summer, causing numerous problems you won’t even believe. Thankfully, after a lot of work, Heidi, my fabulous web designer, got to the bottom of the problem and fixed things, including my blog. So now, I can blog again. Yay!

I have been working on numerous book projects. The Story Biz Handbook: How to Manage Your Storytelling Career from the Desk to the Stage has been sent to the printer. It will be out by the end of September, early October. It is 30 chapters on everything you wanted to know about being a professional storyteller. You can order a copy from Libraries Unlimited (http://www.lu.com) or from any major online retailer. This is what the book looks like:

The Story Biz Handbook

I am now working on the final proofing of Tangram Tales: Story Theater Using the Ancient Chinese Puzzle. I am really excited about this book. It bring stories and story theater to life in a whole new way, using Tangrams. As far as I know, it’s the first book of its kind. Tangram Tales should be out by the end of the year, if all goes well with production.

Tangram Tales

I also just finished with the final proofing of my first picture book, The Cajun Cornbread Boy, a spicy twist on The Gingerbread Man folktale. The illustrator, Marita Gentry, did a fantastic job and I am soooo excited about this book. It has been my dream since I was a child to publish a picture book. Special thanks to my editor, Nina, who made the book shine. I hope there will be many more picture books to come! There is something so magical about a picture book. Even as an adult, I am mesmerized by both the words and the illustrations in a fantastic picture book. Check out the book’s phenomenal cover…

The Cajun Cornbread Boy

I will be working on more book projects in the upcoming months, including writing Scared Silly: 25 Tales to Tickle and Thrill, which is due in December.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

My 17 year old daughter, Soleil, had to do a children’s book project for English V Honors. The book is about a young girl named Holly Wood who is afraid of taking risks.

She doesn’t like riding bikes, roller skating or swimming. The catchy chorus running throughout the book is preceded by a question: “Swimming in the Ocean? Holly shouldn’t… Holly couldn’t… Holly wouldn’t.”

When Holly’s best friend, Michelle, encourages her to try out for the school play, Holly decides to take the leap.

“Acting in the school play? Holly should… Holly could… Holly would!” This delightful story, full of clever word play and bright illustrations already has fans. One of Eliana’s (my 7 year old) classmates’ mother saw the book and asked Soleil if she could buy a copy!

I am certain that you’ll be seeing Holly Would on the bookshelves. I think it will be Soleil’s first children’s book. Publishing a children’s book? Soleil should… Soleil could… Soleil would!  “Soleil, I know you’ll make it. I believe in you!”

I believe Soleil is going to be a bright new star in the children’s book world. And she’s only 17! Just wait! By the way, she’s already working on a second book: The Beastro, a story about monsters cooking up a storm.

Way to go, Soleil!

Warmly, Dianne