Friends:

I arrived in East Brunswick, New Jersey on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at the Hilton Hotel for the New Jersey Association of School Librarians Conference. After signing books at the Libraries Unlimited booth, I went to dinner with Debby Laboon (Libraries Unlimited’s Authors Respresentative) and Anne Scharff (Greenwood Press’ Sales Representative). We met Judy Freeman and her sweet husband, Izzy, at a restaurant in New Brunswick called Soho. Dinner was delicious. After returning to hotel, I went to my room, Skyped with my family and then crashed.

The morning of November 14, I attended a session by Wayne Free, who works with the Louisiana Association of Educators. The room was small and the crowd was spilling into the hallway. Wayne spoke about how librarians could incorporate using media (the Internet, etc.) into their library lesson plans.

Wayne Free 11-14-08

After Wayne’s session, I attended Judy Freeman’s session on picture book “Winners.” It was a fabulous session and her room was full. Judy is so animated and energetic, a great storyteller, singer, and entertainer. The books she showcases are definitely winning reads. This is Judy reading Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel.

Judy Freeman 11-14-08

I had to leave Judy’s workshop a tad early because I had to set up for my workshop. I presented “Handmade Tales.” Here are the attendees creating “Joseph Had An Overcoat” cut -and-tell story.

NJASL Workshop Participants creating "Joseph Had an Overcoat Cut and Tell" - 11-14-08

We were having so much fun in the workshop. They really enjoyed “Bandana Man,” an adaptation of “The Gingerbread Man” done with a bandana.

NJASL Workshop Participants with "Bandana Man" - 11-14-08

Look at this cutie! He was the old woman in “Bandana Man.”

The Old Woman in "Bandana Man" - 11-14-08

I received rave reviews on my workshop from the workshop participants. It was so much fun. Afterward, I went to the Libraries Unlimited booth to sign books. Then it was time for dinner. I went to dinner with Debby Laboon, Judy Freeman, and Susan Fichtelberg (another LU author). We ate at a swanky diner that had the best food and we had the best time.

Susan Fichtelberg, Debby Laboon, Dianne de Las Casas & Judy Freeman - 11-14-08

The next day, Saturday, November 15, 2008, I ate a quick buffet breakfast at the hotel’s cafe and then headed to the ballroom to set up my second “Handmade Tales” workshop. Another author was presenting and went over time, giving me less than 10 minutes to set up. I was frantic!

Nevertheless, I had a room full of enthusiastic librarians, who enjoyed the workshop as much as the previous group. Here is a workshop participant’s rendition of an original draw-and-tell story, “The Emperor’s Dragon.”

Draw-and-tell Story "The Emperor's Dragon" - 11-15-08

Here is a table of librarians who are all “Reading Stars!” The star is made with a single sheet of paper, five folds and one snip of the scissors. The librarian on the right is author Susan Fichtelberg.

The Magic Star - 11-14-08

My final story was “The Stubborn Turnip,” a string story adaptation of the Russian tale “The Enormous Turnip.” Below, workshop participants celebrate their successful attempt to make the string bowl in the story.

"The Stubborn Turnip" String Bowl - 11-14-08

Both of my workshops were full of lively librarians who appreciate the hands-on activities of the workshop. I had a great time presenting at the New Jersey Association of School Librarians state conference. The 2009 Conference Chair attended my first workshop and asked me to return next year. Now that gives me warm fuzzies all over! My Handmade Tales book sold out even before my first presentation began – wow!

Thank you so much to the conference chair, Pam Cheskey, the conference staff (especially Aliah), and all the lovely librarians who chose to attend my session when there were other wonderful sessions ongoing simultaneously. Thank you to all the librarians who helped me set up and pack up, especially Karen and Wendy. I just love librarians! They are always willing to lend a hand.

A special thank you to Debby Laboon (I just luv u!) and Anne Scharff (my bud), who are both wonderful women. I so appreciate what you do for my books!

Happy Tales to You! Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Kerner Elementary Welcomes Dianne - 10-30-08

Friends:

Today I had the pleasure of performing “Scared Silly” to celebrate Halloween at Kerner Elementary in Lafitte, Louisiana. I saw the entire school – K-6 grades in two performances. The first performance was for grades K-3. The students were so enthusiastic and participatory. They were absolutely wonderful and perfectly behaved. Following my show, I had a Q&A session. Several of the teachers told me that their classes would be writing and mailing letters to me. I can’t wait!

Scared Silly for Grades K-3 at Kerner - 10-30-08

After the little ones filed out, it was time for the big kids to come in. I had grades 4-6 for my second show. I adjusted the show to their age level, telling more “mature” spooky stories, including a Louisiana story about a bayou bogie called the “Fifolet.” They were fascinated. While I shared the story, you could hear a pin drop in the cafeteria. It was tons of fun.

Scared Silly for Grades 4-6 at Kerner Elementary - 10-30-08

The school could not have been more welcoming. There was a beautiful sign at the front of the school (the first picture you see); assistance unloading, setting up, and packing up my show; AND the cafeteria staff took it upon themselves to feed me! Yum! Thank you to Ms. Bordelon, Ms. Blair, Ms. Callen, Ms. Perrin, and all the teachers at Kerner Elementary. You have a beautiful school and fantastic students.

I hope to visit Kerner Elementary again! What a joyous experience!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Dianne & Gabby in my Scared Silly Show - October 8, 2008

Friends:

Today, I performed my “Scared Silly” show at the Gibson Branch Library in Gibson, Louisiana for 50 pre-K and Kindergarten students. We had so much fun with not-so-spooky stories. The children sang, danced, clapped, wiggled, and laughed. Here they are making frightening faces.

Making Frightening Faces - October 8, 2008

After the show, they crowded around for hugs and a big group picture. Say “Halloween!”

Dianne with Pre-K and K Students - October 8, 2008

Gibson is in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. Terrebonne was one of the parishes hit hardest by Hurricane Gustav in August with severe wind and flood damage. Fortunately, the Gibson library survived. The entire library system is still without Internet. The library sits near the bank of beautiful Bayou Black.

Bridge Over Bayou Black - October 8, 2008

This is the view of the bayou from the bridge that is so narrow, only one vehicle can cross it at a time. I kept waiting for a troll to pop out from underneath the bridge. LOL It was a gorgeous, sunny day. Look at the glass water.

View from Bridge Over Bayou Black - October 8, 2008

On my way to Highway 20, I passed a quaint country church. It’s so cute and postcard picturesque.

Cute Country Church - October 8, 2008

Charlotte, the branch manager, suggested a great place to eat – Wilson’s Country Corner. Charlotte is such a sweetheart. I am always welcomed like family when I visit her library. Thank you, Charlotte! Wilson’s Country Corner was right by the entrance to Highway 90 (my way home) so I had to stop. I ate the best boudin balls and rockin’ roast beef po-boy, dripping with gravy. Mmmm! Mmmm! Mmmm!

Rockin' Roast Beef Poboy - October 8, 2008

What a delicious way to end the performance day! Merci beaucoup, Gibson Library. See you next year!

Until next time…

Warmly,
Dianne

Tangipahoa Parish Free Fair Poster Contest - Oct 1, 2008

Friends:

Today, I had a wonderful time performing at the 3rd Annual Tangipahoa Parish Free Fair in Amite, Louisiana. I performed my “Jambalaya” program (of Louisiana stories) for approximately 2,000 students in three shows! The students were bussed in from neighboring schools. Here is a picture of the students filing in for my performance.

Tangipahoa Parish Free Fair Students Filing In - Oct 1, 2008

The fair provided a professional sound engineer (the Bayou Wolfman), a beautiful painted Louisiana backdrop, and a huge stage under a covered pavilion. The day was perfect – clear cloudless sky with temperatures in the high 70s – perfect for an outdoor fair. The students were phenomenal – they sang, clapped, danced, and belly-laughed. It was such a joyous time.

Dianne Performing at the Tangipahoa Parish Free Fair - Oct 1, 2008

Afterwards, teachers and parents complimented me, and students clamored for hugs and pictures. Look at this sweet group of students!

Dianne with fans - Oct 1, 2008

My client, Kay Saragusa, loved the show and said that I would definitely be invited back in the future. Yay Kay! Kay was such a gracious hostess, tending to my every need and making sure that everything ran smoothly. The Tangipahoa Parish Free Fair is a labor of love for Kay – she is really a Kindergarten teacher at a local school! Thank you for everything, Kay!

Dianne de Las Casas & Kay Saragusa - Oct 1, 2008

A principal from one of the schools asked me to do a professional development workshop for her teachers as well as a parent workshop. Several teachers asked for information on my school visits. This is an email I received when I came home:

“I attended the performance at the Tangipahoa Parish Fair with my daughter this morning and thoroughly enjoyed your performance. You have two additional fans. Thank you.” – Laura Latino

The Fair hosts a poster and booth contest each year. Students and local schools compete. Each school enters a decorated booth centered around a theme. This year’s theme was “Celebrate What’s Great in 2008.” Here is my personal favorite from Spring Creek Elementary. Look at the cute students!

Tangipahoa Parish Free Fair Booth Contest - Dianne's Favorite - Oct 1, 2008

A close second for me was a booth decorated by Woodland Park Early Learning Center. Look at the little people created by Kindergarten students. Adorable!!

Tangipahoa Parish Free Fair Booth Contest Woodland Park ELC - Oct 1, 2008

It was a fabulous day full of laughter, joy, and smiles. Thank you to all the schools who came to see my show. Thank you to the Tangipahoa Parish Free Fair Board. Thank you to Bayou Wolfman for providing the sound. And lastly, thank Kay Saragusa for inviting me! I had a blast and look forward to returning!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne