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

Katie & Caitlin, Sales Team from Pelican Publishing Co. 2-5-09

Friends:

On Thursday, February 5, 2009, I stopped at my publisher’s office to pick up some books for my school visit on Friday. I gave the ladies on the sales and promotional team a special present from me and Marita Gentry, the illustrator of The Cajun Cornbread Boy. I asked Marita to create a necklace of The Cajun Cornbread Boy, which she did, out of Shrinky Dink. They came out so cute.

Then it was time to hit the road, Jack. I had to travel 5.5 hours to Shreveport, Louisiana for a Friday school visit at South Highlands Magnet School. I arrived at the hotel with 45 minutes to spare before my client, Jeannie Machowski, picked me up for dinner at Bella Fresca. Dinner was a blast. There were 7 of us altogether including the school’s principal, Keith Burton. What a fantastic group of teachers to hang out with! Plus, the food was divine. There was lots of laughter, stories (That’s Just My Baby Granddaddy! – Thanks for that one, Brenda!), and one of every dessert.

Dianne performs at South Highlands Magnet School 2-6-09

I did two shows for approximately 500 students. The first show was for K-2. The second show was for Grades 3-5.

Grades 3-5 at South Highlands Magnet School 2-6-09

For the first show, I told The Cajun Cornbread Boy. Then we did my song, Peanut Butter and Jelly Jam. I also told Rockin Three Billy Goats, and finally, with teachers on stage as my backup band, Tiger’s Tale, Anansi’s Stories. It was fun, participatory and the kids really rocked out.

Afterwards, I signed books and CDs for the students and teachers in the first assembly. Then it was off to lunch.

Dianne de Las Casas with Ms. Shaw's Busy Bees at South Highlands Magnet School 2-6-09

They ordered me a special pizza from a local eatery. My box said “Dianne Pep.” LOL That’s me! After lunch, I had my second assembly program for the upper grades. I began with The Cajun Cornbread Boy, sang My Aunt Came Back, told Anansi Shares Wisdom with the World, and ended with The Ghost of Mabel Gable. The show was a HUGE hit with the kids. They were so responsive. At the end, they gave me rock star signs with their hands and told me, “You rock!” Well guess what?! South Highlands Elementary rocks too!

Many of the teachers told me how much they enjoyed the show and the librarian said that several of the teachers said I was the best author that ever visited their school. Wow! That’s quite an honor because they have had an impressive list of authors.

Here is a picture of Sonia, me and Jeannie Machowski, the awesome librarian!

Sonia, Dianne & Jeannie at South Highlands Magnet School 2-6-09

I signed more books and then packed up. It was such a wonderful visit. South Highlands definitely goes on my list of favorite schools. You’ve earned a place in my heart! I love schools that celebrate good books!

Celebrate Good Books bulletin board 2-6-09

Happy Tales to You!

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

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

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 & 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

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