Storytelling

SCBWI L.A. Conference – August 5-8, 2011

by dlcasas on August 13, 2011

8-6-11 Jay Asher, Dianne de Las Casas & Jason Roer

Friends:

It’s been more than a week since I arrived in Los Angeles (Century City) for the 40th annual SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) conference. OMG. It was a WOW weekend of superstar authors, awesome agents, excellent editors, and fun friends. This recap is going to be a long one because there was just so much to take away! Unfortunately, my camera was on the fritz so I had to use my iPhone 3GS too (without a flash) so some of the pictures are less than stellar. To begin…

Thursday, August 4, 2011 – The Arrival
This year, I was staying with Kat Yeh and Joyce Wan, two fabulous authors from NYC. We had a great room on the 10th floor of the Hyatt Century Plaza overlooking the pool and the MGM building.

8-4-11 The view from our 10th floor balcony at the Hyatt Century Plaza in L.A.

Kat, Joyce, and I headed out for eats at the nearby Westfield Mall which has a “Dining Terrace,” filled with tons of multicultural foods for a reasonable price. The ramen was my FAVE!!

8-4-11 Kat Yeh, Dianne de Las Casas, and Joyce Wan just arriving at SCBWI

Friday, August 5, 2011 – Day 1

8-5-11 Bruce Coville inspires everyone with lots of wise advice

The Friday morning opening keynote was given by Bruce Coville. He gave some very sage advice on becoming a successful author. My favorites were:

“Take storytelling lessons.”
“Take voice and singing lessons.”
“Scare yourself. Take yourself to the edge of discomfort. Be fearless.”
“Take your work seriously but take yourself lightly. Rise above your own best work.”
“Embrace the unfinished chord. It is not knowing that is more powerful than knowing.”

Jerry Pinkney was the next speaker and he talked about how his family history inspired his art. I then went to a breakout session with Debra Dorfman, V.P. Publisher of paperbacks, non-fiction, and licensed publishing at Scholastic Books. It was interesting to see how a title is treated after it is acquired at Scholastic, the steps it goes through to become part of the Scholastic Book Club and the Scholastic Book Fairs.

The afternoon panel featured five publishers talking about the “state of the union” of publishing. The message was that there is always room for excellence, even in a changing world and that they are looking for books that break the mold.

8-5-11 The incredibly hilarious Libba Bray

Libba Bray was the first afternoon keynote and boy was she uproariously funny. She talked about how “writing it wrong” helped authors to get it right. My favorite Libba quotes:

“Embrace the suck!” (The crowd guffawed at this.)
“I love deadlines. I love the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.”
“Readers are not trends. They are readers.”
“Getting it wrong is a necessary part of getting it right.”

Then it was time for the last breakout session of the day. I chose Katie Davis‘ “Podcasting Your Way to Success.” She talked about using social media to build a platform as an author and went through the steps on how to create a podcast.

8-5-11 Emma Dryden on Traveling Through the Digital Landscape

The last keynote of the afternoon was the ever informative Emma Dryden. She talked about traveling the digital landscape of publishing. Though the publishing industry is changing, books still matter. She said:

“The digital world is reshaping the book business. Print is not going away for the sake of digital.”
“The publishing industry is evolving right before our eyes.”
“Picture books do matter. Picture books still do sell.”

Thank you for reassuring us, Emma!

8-5-11 Cheri Williams and Dianne de Las Casas at the PAL Book Sale

That evening, it was time for the SCBWI P.A.L. (Published and Listed) Book Sale. It was a cocktail reception and book sale for the published members of SCBWI, who were not on the program. I am happy to say that I sold out of my new book, The House That Witchy Built, illustrated by Holly Stone-Barker.

8-5-11 The ever-cool Illustrator E.B. Lewis

Later, it was time to schmooze in the lobby! I got to hang out with all my friends (Ellen Hopkins, Kristin Clark Venuti, Cheri Williams, Rachel Ann Marks) and even made new ones (The Hilts Brothers). Here I am with my roommates, Kat Yeh and Joyce Wan, with the amazing illustrator, E.B. Lewis.

8-6-11 Kat Yeh, E.B. Lewis, Joyce Wan & Dianne de Las Casas

Saturday, August 6, 2011 – Day 2
I attended every session on Friday so I admit that I was a bit burned out. I opted to sleep in and I missed Donna Jo Napoli. I caught the tail end of David Small‘s keynote. He was so cute dancing to “How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You.”

Then something extraordinary happened. We had a surprise guest!!! It was… Judy Blume!

8-6-11 Lin Oliver interviews surprise guest, the legendary Judy Blume

John Green, Author of Looking for Alaska, was supposed to be our keynote. Unfortunately, he had gallstone surgery and SCBWI had to fill his slot. So they brought us a spectacular substitute!! Lin Oliver interviewed the legendary, life-changing author, Judy Blume. Judy received a standing ovation BEFORE she was interviewed. Here are my favorite Judy Blume quotes:

“Get yourself though it and write a whole draft.”
“I know I start a book on the day something different happens.”
“The stuff that matters, that works for your readers, comes from deep, deep inside.”
“The first time I was rejected, I went into a closet and cried.”
On revising: “It never gets any easier. The only thing that gets easier for me is that I know how to do this.”
“Whatever way works for you is the right way.”
“You don’t think about the audience. If it’s good, it will find an audience.”
“I don’t think about my legacy. That’s dangerous. But I want a tombstone that says, ‘Are you there God? It’s me, Judy.’”

8-6-11 Carrell Gueringer, Denise Fleming & Dianne de Las Casas

Sometimes things happen for a reason. I was on my way to a breakout session on books, e-books, and apps when I saw my friend, Carrell Gueringer, talking to picture book author Denise Fleming, whom I adore. I met Denise and we took pictures. Then we all saw HER. Judy Blume!! I introduced myself to Judy (we’ve tweeted a couple of times) and I got to take this adorable picture of her.

8-6-11 The Amazing Judy Blume!!!

OMG. I met Judy Blume!! She was so sweet and I can’t believe she is 73 years old!! That was definitely a conference high for me. I don’t often get fan-girlish but I felt fluttery around Judy Blume!

Then it was time for lunch. Denise Fleming, Kari-Lynn Winters, Valerie (sorry – I forgot your last name!), and I headed to the Dining Terrace at the mall next door for some food. I had yummy ramen and totally fell in love with Denise Fleming. We all had a blast at lunch. Because I spent so much time with Denise, I missed Jon Scieszka’s afternoon keynote. But sometimes, the stars align in a different pattern than you planned and the sky is even more brilliant than you imagined. That’s how I felt about meeting Denise Fleming and hanging out with her. What a fabulous lady. Kari-Lynn Winters is my newest BFF and I totally LOVE her too! She’s such a hoot!

8-6-11 Norton Juster, author of The Phantom Tollbooth, inspires the crowd with his accidental foray into children's books

The afternoon keynote was by Norton Juster, the author of The Phantom Tollbooth, a brilliant book! Norton Juster said, “Playing with words was my great disease.” He ended his keynote with a reading of “Prinderella,” a hilarious spoonerism story.

Later that afternoon, I went to Verla Kay‘s workshop on promoting yourself using the Internet. Verla was so sweet she included ME in her slideshow!

8-6-11 Dianne de Las Casas & Lisa Rondinelli Albert tear up the stage at the 40 Winks PJ Gala. Photo courtesy of Joyce Wan.

Then, IT WAS TIME… for the 40 Winks Gala!! And it was a pajama party! My stupid camera wasn’t working so I didn’t get any pictures. :( I didn’t see anything scandalous but there were some crazy cool costumes! The Princess and the Pea won first prize. The princess was actually wearing a BED, yes a bed!! There was bunny costume from “A Christmas Story” and Max’s wolf suit from Where the Wild Things Are. I danced on the DJ’s stage the whole night long!! After the party was done, we moved the after-party to the X-Bar, a bar connected to the Hyatt. There, I danced with my roommates, Kat and Joyce, Michelle Parker-Rock, Lisa Rodinelli Albert, Rachel Ann Marks, Cheri Williams, and lots of other FUN people! It was a FABULOUS night!!

Sunday, August 7, 2011 – Day 3
On my third day into the conference, I was burning out (actually, my feet burned from dancing in stilettos all night!). I opted to sleep in. I missed the agents’ panel and Gary Paulsen‘s talk. But the great thing about the SCBWI conference in this digital age is that you can relive the moments through other authors’ tweets and blogs! I’m really sorry I missed Gary Paulsen. I heard that he lived in the Philippines (where I was born and where my mom is from) and can speak Tagalog!

I went to Jon Scieszka‘s workshop on “Experimenting with Multi-Platform Storytellling.” It was very interesting to hear him talk about his new series, Spaceheadz. He is so crazy and genius at the same time. His new series encourages media literacy for kids, highlighting access, analysis, evaluation, and creation. Later that night, I got to talk to Jon at length and I totally fell in love with him (in a writerly way). He’s gracious, witty, and fun. I’m mad that I forgot to take pics!! Ugh.

8-7-11 The incredible dessert to celebrate SCBWI's 40th anniversary at the Golden Kite Awards Luncheon

At noon, it was time for the Golden Kite Awards Luncheon. My friend, Michelle Parker-Rock won 2011 SCBWI Member of the Year. Woo hoo, Michelle!! Tanya Lee Stone was the non-fiction Golden Kite winner for The Good, the Bad, and the Barbie. My good friend, Jenni Holm, was the Golden Kite fiction winner for her Newbery Honor book, Turtle in Paradise. In her speech, Jenni said, “You are my family. You are my people.” Yay, Jenni! Rukhsana Khan won the Golden Kite for picture book text for her book, The Big Red Lollipop. She is an amazing storyteller – she had the audience riveted. The Sid Fleischman Award for humor went to Alan Silberberg for his book, Milo: Sticky Notes & Brain Freeze. Alan made me laugh and cry and laugh again. I was sooo moved by his speech! I talked to him in the lobby later that night and he is every bit as warm, caring, and funny as he is on stage. The Golden Kite for picture book illustration went to Salley Mavor for her book, Pocketful of Posies: A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes. Such beautiful bas relief fabric and embroidery!

Then we had a surprise guest! The eloquent Richard Peck embellished the stage with his funny rhetoric. Some golden nuggets and funny quotes from Richard:

“A writer’s secret: A story is always about something that never happened to the author.”
“We do not write what we know. We write what we can find out about.”
“Tweets and texts bomb the ruins of our language.”
“Every book begins in the library with the hope that it will end there.”

So Richard Peck does not like Twitter. Oh well. He’ll never have to revise his words to 140 concise characters. LOL

After the luncheon, I headed over to Emma Dryden and Harold Underdown‘s workshop on social media. I ducked out before it ended because of an oncoming migraine, which caused me to miss LAURIE HALSE ANDERSON! Crud. Anyway, social media? I have a handle on. I am really sorry I missed Laurie’s amazing and inspiring (so I heard) keynote.

8-7-11 Dianne de Las Casas & Nuria Coe, both mommies of daughters named Eliana!!

That evening, I went to dinner the Pink Taco for the Kidlit Drink Night organized (in part) by the fabulous Lee Wind. I LOVE me some Lee!! I went with Kat Yeh and Joyce Wan, my roomies. I met another author named Nuria Coe. Like me, she has a daughter named ELIANA! How coincidental is that? Our daughter’s middle names are similar too. It gave us both the chills. I met some fabulous people at the Kidlit Mixer and had the most delicious crispy brisket tacos. Mmmm!

Then it was back to the hotel lobby for my last night of SCBWI schmoozing. I met up with my friends, Jenni Holm and Katie Davis. I talked with the cool Dan Santat and met the amazing Alan Silverberg. I also spoke with Greg Pincus and Jim Averbeck — totally great guys. Then I bumped into my soul sistah, Samantha Berger. I totally missed hangout time with her this conference but at least we got to hang in the lobby for a little bit. To top off this amazing conference, like I said earlier, I talked at length to the phenomenal Jon Scieszka. Although he is a kidlit rockstar, Jon is totally approachable, gracious, and unpretentious.

I met so many amazing writers, illustrators, and authors. I know I didn’t list you all but I hope you know that, in the words of Jenni Holm, “You are my people.” Thank you for being a part of this wonderful tribe called “Kidlit.”

It was an uplifting, inspiring, kidlit star-studded weekend of tears, laughter, and hugs. Thank you, Lin Oliver and Steve Mooser, for creating SCBWI. You have enriched us for 40 years. Here’s looking at 40 more!!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Tennessee Association of School Librarians Tour – July 11-14, 2011

by dlcasas on July 19, 2011

7-12-11 A panorama of The Mouse's Wedding Kamishibai story, performed by librarians in Athens, TN

Friends:

Last week, I spent the whole week in Tennessee, doing professional development seminars across the state. I was hired by the Tennessee State of School Librarians and it was wonderful. I did “Handmade Tales” in the morning and “Kamishibai Story Theater” in the afternoon. My host, Allison Roberts, drove me all over the gorgeous state of Tennessee. I saw the Smokies, the Appalachian mountains, the plateau, and all the beautiful greenery across the state. We started in Greenevillle, went to Athens, traveled to Murfreesboro, and then ended in Jackson. Unfortunately, I was so tired after my full day of workshops that I neglected to take pictures during our drives.

7-12-11 Allison (far left) and friends become old women in the the story of Bandana Man - Athens, TN

In Greeneville, our host was Mitchell, the librarian of Greeneville High School. He was so kind and helpful! Thank you, Mitchell!

7-11-11 Mitchell makes the cutest old woman - Greenville, TN

All the workshops began with a creativity exercise in which the workshop participants had to create a self-portrait on a paper plate using items from their pocketbooks (Yes, Allison, I learned to use the word “pocketbook” LOL).

7-13-11 A librarian in Murfreesboro, TN creates a self portrait from a checkbook, glasses, 2 pairs of earrings, yarn, and a Mentos cap

And look at this one… how cute!

7-13-11 Amanda creates a cool self-portrait! - Jackson, TN

Then I began with the draw and tell story of Catching a Pest in 7 Steps. It’s a fun story that uses the numbers 1-7 to create the picture.

7-14-11 LeAn draws the story, Catching a Pest in 7 Steps - Jackson, TN

Another draw and tell story followed: The Emperor’s Dragon, a story to represent the country of China. It’s such a cool story with great visuals. I know the librarians will be using this story in school!

7-11-11 The Emperor's Dragon, a draw and tell story - Greeneville, TN

I even showed a story from my new book, A is for Alligator: Draw and Tell Tales from A-Z.

7-14-11 E is for Elephant from Dianne's new book, A is for Alligator - Jackson, TN

They learned the cut and tell story of “Joseph Had a Little Overcoat.”

7-14-11 E is for Elephant from Dianne's new book, A is for Alligator - Jackson, TN

Then I showed them some extras that were not in the handout: Russian nesting dolls made of paper and a “cootie catcher” magic story starter. I showed them how to fold towels to create an ugly duckling and a beautiful swan. So adorable!

7-11-11 The Ugly Duckling and swans made from towels - Greenville, TN

They learned the cut and tell story of “Papa’s Teepee,” which by the end of the story, turns a coffee filter into a snowflake. Then I have all the librarians stand up and create a snow blizzard. Mega cool! :)

7-14-11 A snow blizzard in Jackson, TN in the middle of July!

They learned how to make a star with a single snip of the scissors.

7-13-11 Librarians are stars in Murfreesboro, TN

Then it was time for “Bandana Man,” one of my most popular Handmade Tales. Workshop participants turn bandanas into cute little figures. The story is a riff of the classic “Gingerbread Man.”

7-11-11 Librarians in Athens, TN make Bandana Man

They learned a string story, “The Stubborn Turnip,” which has a cool magic trick in it that always wows an audience. It is the most challenging of the Handmade Tales but once you learn the one move, it’s a cinch and always garners the “Oooh and Aaah” factor!

In the afternoon, I taught them the Kamishibai story theater process.

7-11-11 Dianne checks on the progress of the Kamishibai cards in Greenville, TN

The group was assigned a story from Asia. The story was divided amongst the participants in the group and they had to illustrate their portion of the story. In Greeneville, they performed “The Battle Between Wind and Rain,” a story from the Philippines.

7-11-11 Gail performs her part in the Kamishibai story of The Battle Between Wind and Rain, a story from the Philippines - Greenville, TN

In Athens, Murfreesboro, and Jackson, they performed “The Mouse’s Wedding,” a tale from Japan. And the artwork was stunning! Here are some Kamishibai cards from different venues in order of their story sequence.

Father Mouse wants his daughter, Sachiko, to marry the mightiest creature in the world, not Makoto, a poor pauper of a mouse.

7-14-11 McIntee with her Kamishibai card from The Mouse's Wedding - Jackson, TN

So Father Mouse sees Mr. Sun, whom he thinks is the mightiest creature in the world.

7-13-11 Erin performs with her Kamishibai card from the story, The Mouse's Wedding - Murfreesboro, TN

Mr. Sun says he is flattered but Cloud must be the mightiest because Cloud covers Sun.

7-12-11 A Kamishibai card of the sun in the story, The Mouse's Wedding - Athens, TN

So Father Mouse sees Mr. Cloud, who must be the mightiest creature in the world. Mr. Cloud says he is flattered but Wind must be the mightiest because Wind blows Cloud across the sky.

7-13-11 Father Mouse talks to Mr. Wind in this Kamishibai card from The Mouse's Wedding - Murfreesboro, TN

So Father Mouse sees Mr. Wind, who must be the mightiest creature in the world. Mr. Wind says he is flattered but Wall must be the mightiest because Wall stops Wind dead in his tracks.

7-14-11 The Mouse's Wedding Kamishibai story theater - Jackson, TN

Finally, Father Mouse talks to Mr. Wall.

7-14-11 Father Mouse sees the wall in this Kamishibai card from The Mouse's Wedding - Murfreesboro, TN

Mr. Wall tells him that the mightiest creature is the one who chews a hole through him… that is the mouse!

7-13-11 This Kamishibai card from The Mouse's Wedding is so cute! - Murfreesboro, TN

So Father Mouse gives his daughter, Sachiko, permission to marry, Makoto, a mere mouse. Oshimai. The End.

7-14-11 Nancy with her Kamishibai card from The Mouse's Wedding - Jackson, TN

In Jackson, we even had time to make the cool accordion dragon puppet from my book, There’s a Dragon in the Library.

7-14-11 Nancy and Carol make their dragon accordion puppets from There's a Dragon in the Library - Jackson, TN

It was a fabulous week!! Thank you to all the librarians who came to the workshops. Thank you to our wonderful hosts: Mitchell in Greeneville, Beth in Athens (who treated me to a star dinner at her incredible house, where I stayed the night before), Dolores in Murfreesboro, and Tina in Jackson. Finally, a big thank you and hug to Allison Roberts, my hostess with the mostest. We had great (though hot) weather and perfect travel conditions (no traffic!) all the way through. It must have been her good “mojo!” :) She kept me fed (with chocolate) and watered (with Diet Coke). What more can a girl ask for?

I feel like I really know Tennessee now. What a BEAUTIFUL state! I can’t wait to return!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Lasalle Parish Library Summer Reading Program – Friday, July 1, 2011

by dlcasas on July 9, 2011

7-1-11 Catching a Pest in 7 Steps - Dixie Center, Olla, LA

Friends:

Last Friday, I was at Lasalle Parish Library for my last summer reading program of the year. It was also my last summer reading program tour as I am no longer touring in the summer (more time for writing and spending time with my family). I love Andrea Book, the library director, and Donna Estis, the children’s librarian. They have been such great friends over the years. Thank you, ladies!!

My first show was in Jena, Louisiana. I began with my draw and tell story, The Emperor’s Dragon.

7-1-11 Drawing The Emperor's Dragon at Lasalle Parish Library in Jena, LA

We then had fun with Medio Pollito, a story from Spain.

7-1-11 Telling the story of Medio Pollito at Lasalle Parish Library in Jena, LA

I had just as much fun in Olla, Louisiana at the Dixie Center. Though the crowd was small, the kids were great.

7-1-11 Telling the story of There's A Dragon in the Library at the Dixie Center in Olla, LA

Kid Chef Eliana entertained the crowds in Jena and Olla. Too cute!

7-1-11 Kid Chef Eliana performs at the Dixie Center in Olla, LA

We loved eating and shopping at The Caboose, one of our favorite places in Louisiana. Lasalle Parish rocks!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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American Library Association Conference 2011, New Orleans, LA – June 23-28, 2011

by dlcasas on June 30, 2011

6-24-11 Jane, a new librarian friend, Dianne de Las Casas & Marita Gentry

Friends:

It has been a fabulous, non-stop week in New Orleans! The American Library Association (ALA) was in town for their annual conference. I was so excited to play hostess because I live in New Orleans!

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011
On Thursday, I picked up my good friend, Katie Davis (children’s book author/illustrator and host of Brain Burps About Books podcast) and John Schumacher (a librarian/book reviewer of Mr. Schu Reads fame) and took them out to eat at Al Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro. Then we had an impromptu Kidlit drink night at W.I.N.O. (Wine Institute of New Orleans) and tons of children’s book authors showed up: Michelle Knudsen (Library Lion), Phil Bildner (The Hallelujah Flight), Kevin Lewis (Editor at Disney/Hyperion), Ellen Hopkins (Crank, Burned, etc.), Eric Wight (Frankie Pickle series) and Alex from the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. The late night ran into the wee morning… good times with good friends!

6-23-11 Dianne de Las Casas and Ellen Hopkins

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2011
On Friday, it was the opening of the exhibit hall known as “The Stacks.” The ribbon-cutting was at 5:15pm. I signed books from 5:30-6:30pm at Pelican Publishing and ran into my long-time friend, author and storyteller Rose Ann St. Romaine, who is a fellow Pelican author.

6-24-11 Children's Book Authors Dianne de Las Casas and Rose Ann St. Romain

On Friday night, I went to dinner with my author liaison from ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited, Debby LaBaoon. Debby and I ate at Pascal Manale’s, famous for their barbecue shrimp. I just LOVE Debby! Afterwards, it was off to the ALA Dance Party at Oz in the French Quarter. I went with children’s book author, Erica Perl, who is fun and fabulous! We hung out with Ellen Hopkins, Kevin Lewis, Phil Bildner, and a large group of dancing librarians.

6-26-11 Dianne de Las Casas with Debby LaBoon

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2011
On Saturday, it was the first full day of the stacks and it was buzzing! I signed books in the morning with illustrator Marita Gentry, who has illustrated several of my books including The Cajun Cornbread Boy and There’s a Dragon in the Library. There was a line waiting even before I sat down and we sold out of There’s a Dragon in the Library! After that, Marita and I signed books at ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited. We promoted our new professional book, A is for Alligator: Draw and Tell Tales from A-Z. Kid Chef Eliana was with me and she had a great time exploring the stacks and visiting the new “What’s Cooking?” section of the ALA exhibit hall, which hosted cooking demos and cookbook signings.

6-25-11 Dianne de Las Casas and Marita Gentry sign at ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited

On Saturday evening, it was time for the ALSC Stories for a Saturday Evening Concert. I was the headlining storyteller and shared the stage with Patty Carleton and Elizabeth Ellis (whom I have adored for years). Marita Gentry accompanied me, drawing as I told the stories. We began with “W is for Whale” from our new book, A is for Alligator: Draw and Tell Tales from A-Z.

6-25-11 Marita Gentry draws W is for Whale as Dianne tells the story from their new book, A is for Alligator

Then we performed There’s a Dragon in the Library, which is a great story that showcases Marita’s drawing and coloring skills!

6-25-11 Marita Gentry draws Dewey the Dragon as Dianne tells the story from their new book, There's a Dragon in the Library

We closed with Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, an old New Orleans folktale that has lots of boisterous audience participation with members of the audience coming on stage to play the parts of the roaches. So much fun!!

6-25-11 Marita Gentry draws Monsieur Roach as Dianne tells the story, with helpers, from their book, Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach

Then it was time for our final bow. Thank you to Mary Morgan Smith, who organized the Stories for a Saturday Evening concert, sponsored by ALSC (American Library Services to Children).

6-25-11 Taking a final bow with Marita Gentry, Elizabeth Ellis and Patty Carleton with host Mary Morgan Smith

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2011
On Sunday, I signed more books with Pelican Publishing and ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited.

6-27-11 The ABC-Clio booth

But the big event of the night was the Newbery Caldecott Wilder banquet!

6-26-11 The Newbery Caldecott Wilder Awards Banquet

I sat at a table with my dear friend, Beth Jackson, who sat next to her friend, Ellen Ruffin, Curator of the deGrummond Collection at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS. I wish I knew the name of the woman sitting next to Ellen! Sorry.

6-26-11 Cutie pie, Ellen Ruffin and Beth Jackson at the Caldecott Newbery Wilder banquet

To my left was Sara Rutenberg, Chief Operating Officer of SCBWI. Wow. What luck I had! She was a great table-mate and we laughed lots.

6-26-11 Sara Rutenberg, COO of SCBWI at the Newbery Caldecott Wilder banquet

My friends Jim Averbeck and Diane Chen came by to see me. They hadn’t met each other and I thought they looked so good together in this picture! GLAMOROUS!! Jim Averbeck is the host of Interviews on the Kidlit Red Carpet, in which he does red carpet interviews with kidlit authors. Even I got interviewed! He was accompanied by the lovely ladies, Kristen Venuti and Katie Davis.

6-26-11 Children's Book Author Jim Averbeck with ALA Executive Board member Diane Chen

On the red carpet, I ran into children’s book author Anastasia Suen and we discovered something we had in common: we love bows and peeptoes! LOL

6-26-11 Dianne de Las Casas' shoes & Anastasia Suen's shoes. We love bows & peeptoes!

First, they announced the winners of the Caldecott Honors: Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave by Bryan Collier and Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein. The Caldecott went to A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Phillip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead. Erin’s speech was so sweet and poignant. She made me cry. It made me love the book even more!

6-26-11 A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Phillip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead wins the Caldecott

Then it was time for the Newbery Medal. The Newbery Honors went to Margi Preus for The Heart of a Samurai, Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman, Rita Williams-Garcia for One Crazy Summer, and Jennifer L. Holm for Turtle in Paradise. Jenni is a good friend of mine and I was so excited to see her win!

6-26-11 My friend, author Jenni Holmes, wins the Newbery Honor for Turtle in Paradise! Yay Jenni!

The Newbery Medal went to Clare Vanderpool for Moon Over Manifest.

6-26-11 Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool wins the prestigious Newbery Award

Tomie dePaola is also a good friend so I was elated to see him honored with the Wilder lifetime achievement medal. Well-deserved! Afterward, I talked to Bob Hechtel, Tomie’s assistant, and he showed me the gorgeous medal.

6-26-11 Tomie dePaola's assistant, Bob, with the Wilder medal

This is the Wilder medal up close. So pretty!

6-26-11 The Wilder medal up close!

After the banquet, a group of us went out to celebrate Jenni Holm’s special night. Crazy things happen when kidlit authors are partying! LOL Dan Santat signed John Schumacher’s shirt. Then all the kidlit authors got to sign it, including me! I got the collar. LOL

6-26-11 Dan Santat draws on Mr. Schu's shirt - how cool!

We were in the “Living Room” of the W. Tomie dePaola was there and posed for this cute picture with me. Doesn’t he look so jolly?!! Adorable.

6-26-11 Tomie dePaola and Dianne de Las Casas

As the consummate New Orleans hostess, everyone wanted a place (at 3 in the morning, mind you), where we could get some good grub and drinks. So I suggested St. Charles Tavern. We all piled into a mini-van cab and headed there: Jenni Holm, Ellen Hopkins, Katie Davis, Dan Santat, John Schumacher, Travis Jonker, and Eric Wight. It was so late, it was early. We saw the sun come up!! I didn’t get home until 6:30am!! Ssshhh! But look at how fresh we looked on Monday!

6-27-11 Dianne de Las Casas with Children's Book Authors-Illustrators Eric Wight & Dan Santat

MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2011
On Monday morning, I performed at the Pop Top stage for the National Storytelling Network. I performed The Cajun Cornbread Boy and a short string story called “The Mosquito.” I also got to see some long-time Louisiana storyteller friends, Sylvia Davis and Rosa Metoyer! Love you, girls!

6-27-11 Storytellers Sylvia Davis, Dianne de Las Casas, and Rosa Metoyer

It was off to sign books with Pelican Publishing Company one last time and it was busy. Then I was able to finally walk the stacks with my precious daughter, Eliana.

6-26-11 Kid Chef Eliana with Halle Durand and Tony Fucile, author & illustrator of Mitchell's License

That evening, I went to the International Librarians Reception. I ran into Diane Chen again and she invited me to a private reception in the ALA Presidential Suite. I met Roberta Stevens, the 2011 ALA President. What a sweetie!

6-27-11 Diane Chen - ALA Executive Board, Roberta Stevens - 2011 ALA President, and Dianne de Las Casas

After the President’s reception, I met with my friend, Ryan Sias, who is a fantastic children’s book author and graphic novelist. His work has great style.

6-27-11 Dianne de Las Casas with Children's Book Author-Illustrator Ryan Sias

ALA 2011 in New Orleans was a phenomenal conference for me! Loved every minute of it and it was so much fun playing hostess and ambassador to the stars. :) I look forward to Anaheim next year!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Dianne de Las Casas’ ALA 2011 New Orleans Food & Drink Guide

by dlcasas on June 23, 2011

Fried Green Tomatoes with Remoulade Sauce

Friends:

Because I live here in New Orleans, everyone has been asking me for my New Orleans Food and Drink recommendations. These are places where my family and I have dined. I categorized the establishments by locality. This is a quick and dirty list. You can Google the addresses and directions.

If you want to visit a great food museum, visit the Southern Food and Beverage Museum in the Riverwalk, at the end of the Food Court. (They carry Kid Chef Eliana’s cookbook, Eliana Cooks! Recipes for Creative Kids). They have an incredible exhibit of New Orleans Foods and sell lots of New Orleans cookbooks in their gift store.

Mid-City Rock and Bowl is a great New Orleans experience, especially on the weekend, where they have live bands with zydeco and Cajun dancing. It gets crowded.

If you go to the French Market, there is a section of outdoor food stalls in the newly renovated Farmer’s Market and the food is quite good! We love Alberto’s Cheese and Cooyon’s Cajun Cooking.

If you want a more authentic music scene, stay off Bourbon Street and venture to Frenchman Street. You will catch live bands playing jazz, blues, rock, and all kinds of music. Bars line Frenchman so it’s easy to barhop between places.

If you are looking for club dancing try The Masquerade Bar at Harrah’s (more of a mixed crowd and Sat is best), Republic, Metro, and Ampersand. Republic and Metro are located in the Warehouse District. Harrah’s is adjacent to the Hilton Riverside.

If you happen to see a Snowball stand, stop!! These flavored shaved ice treats are a New Orleans specialty. And yes, so is the “drive-through” Daiquiri shop. They’re cold too… LOL

Enjoy The Big Easy and live to eat!

Disclaimer: This is by no means a comprehensive list. These are off the top of my head and I probably missed a bunch. New Orleans is full of incredible dining establishments so chances are, you’ll have a great meal nearly every where you eat (except at the Convention Center).

Key:
$ $$ $$$ – inexpensive to pricey
RR – Reservations recommended
B/BR/L/D – Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch/Dinner

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT/CBD
The warehouse district is where the Ernest Morial Convention Center is located.

The American Sector – A casual restaurant by John Besh at the National WWII Museum. Very close to the Convention Center.
L/D
$$

Besh Steak at Harrah’s Casino – John Besh’s restaurant. The fries are fried in duck fat. Mouth-watering. Enough said.
D only
RR
$$$

Cochon – This is Donald Link’s restaurant, located in the Warehouse District. He takes Cajun cuisine to another level. The cochon (roast pork) is tender and tasty, a specialty.
L/D
RR
$$$

Drago’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar – Drago’s is famous for its char-grilled oysters. New Orleanians swear by them, my hubby included. It gets crowded. There is now a location at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.
L/D
$$

Emeril’s Restaurant – I love the food and service here. Located in the Warehouse District, this is truly upscale New Orleans cuisine. Because of its high profile, you may have to eat very early or very late if you haven’t already made a reservation.
L – Mon-Fri D – daily
RR
$$$

Gordon Biersch – This is a chain, not local, but I mention it because the food is pretty good (fried artichoke hearts with garlic aioli, please) and it’s adjacent to Harrah’s, right by the Convention Center. Also, you don’t need reservations.
L/D
$$

Liborio – Cuban cuisine. I love their croquettas. Consistently good. Great for lunch.
L/D
$$

Lil Dizzy’s Cafe – Stuck downtown and want some crispy, juicy fried chicken? Lil Dizzy’s is the place. The downtown location is in the old Whitney Bank building, which gives the restaurant a unique atmosphere. It’s like grandma serving you comfort food in a marble palace.
B/L daily BR – Sun
RR
$$

Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar & Restaurant – This is a place where the locals hang out, eat, and drink. You can often find them spilling out onto Tchoupitoulas Street. Nachos are good as are the burgers.
L/D
$

Mother’s Restaurant – There is always a line outside this restaurant because their reputation spreads far and wide. I am a big fan of Mother’s “Debris” po-boy. I LOVE this sandwich. It’s the part of the roast beef that falls into the gravy. OMG. The “Ferdie” is also very popular, which adds ham. They don’t accept reservations so there is no way around the line, unless you are an employee. Oh, and don’t expect Southern hospitality. They will yell at you if you don’t move. Look at the menu beforehand and know what you want. But the po-boys are worth it, IMHO.
B/L/D
$$

Rambla – Tapas and Spanish/French influenced food. Delicious! Plus, they have reasonably priced wines by the bottle.
B/L/D – No lunch Sat or Sun
$$

RioMar – Adolfo Garcia is the chef/proprietor of this warehouse district restaurant and a friend of Kid Chef Eliana! The seafood is fresh and the food is infused with a Latin flavor. Delicioso!
L – Mon-Fri D – Mon-Sat
RR
$$$

Rock-N-Sake of New Orleans – If you like sushi and loud music, here you go! The atmosphere buzzes and the great thing is that it’s open until midnight on weekends and you don’t need reservations!
L – Fri D – Tues-Sun
$$$

Tommy’s Wine Bar – Tommy’s is an elegant wine bar located in the warehouse district. There is often a jazz trio playing. It’s sexy and elegant and a great place for conversation.
D
$$

Ugly Dog Saloon – Daily specials, BBQ pork, burgers, baked potatoes, chili. A great inexpensive lunch place.
L/D
$

W.I.N.O. (Wine Institute New Orleans) – This is one of my favorite wine bars. All the wines are on an enomatic system, which is like getting any wine you want on tap. They serve cheeses, pates, and tapenades. They close at midnight.
D
$ – $$$

FRENCH QUARTER

ACME Oyster House – A famous New Orleans establishment, known for their freshly shucked oysters. There is often a line.
L/D
$$

Antoine’s Restaurant – Since opening in 1840, Antoine’s has become New Orleans establishment. The restaurant is historic and the interior is like visiting a Mardi Gras museum – breathtaking! I love their incredible Pommes de Terre Souffle’ – puffed potatoes – and their alligator soup topped with sherry is divine. You definitely need reservations.
L/D – Mon-Sat BR – Sun
RR
$$$

Bayona – A Susan Spicer restaurant. Fine dining with excellent food and service.
L/D
RR
$$$

Brennan’s Restaurant – The Brennans are New Orleans Restaurant Royalty. Their classic turtle soup is a specialty and is to die for. They invented Bananas Foster.
B/L/D
RR
$$$

Cafe Du Monde – Established in 1862, this New Orleans classic on Jackson Square is open 24 hours a day, year-round, except for Christmas. If you haven’t had beignets and cafe’ au lait (coffee with milk), you haven’t tasted New Orleans. Those square, nearly hollow fried doughnuts covered in powdered sugar are heaven-sent and come three to an order. But be forewarned – don’t wear black. You’ll be sorry you did if the wind blows or you laugh. ;) There are now other locations but there’s nothing like having a beignet at the original, historic site.
B/L/D/late night
$

Cafe Giovanni – Chef Duke is a friend and his food is exquisite. Italian food is given a facelift with New Orleans influences. Delectable. He has an early bird (5:30-7pm) three course special for $35.
D only
RR
$$$

Cafe Maspero - Inexpensive and good, this is a place for the hungry. Seafood platters are piled high. There is almost always a line and they take cash only.
L/D
$

Country Flame – I am biased because this restaurant is owned by good friends. It is definitely a “hole-in-the-wall.” It’s cheap but the food tastes great. Try the Ropa Vieja or the Cuban Sandwich. The mojitos are made with mint grown in our friend’s garden!
L/D
$

Court of Two Sisters – This restaurant is well-known for their Sunday Jazz Brunches. They have a lovely courtyard and brunch is served buffet style. Good food for a buffet. The atmosphere is fun.
BR/L/D
RR
$$$

Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse – Delicious, tender steaks. Soleil fell in love with escargot here.
L – Fri only D – daily
RR
$$$

Irene’s Cuisine – Simply one of the best restaurants in New Orleans, hands down. It’s small and intimate and locals frequent the place. Steaks melt in your mouth and their meatballs are the best I’ve ever had. Irene’s is a Creole Italian restaurant. There is always a wait, even when you have a reservation. It’s that good. But there’s a waiting area and access to drinks. Mingle and make new friends.
D – Mon-Sat
RR
$$

K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen – The food and service are great. K-Paul invented the blackening technique. I love his Magic Seasoning Blend. You’ll love their paper tablecloth, full of recipes. If you want to tear a piece, just tell your server. He’ll give you a fresh section that is not stained or wet. LOL It’s a famous place and you’ll need reservations.
L – Thurs-Sat D – Mon-Sat
RR
$$$

Muriel’s Jackson Square – This elegant restaurant overlooks Jackson Square. It’s a romantic and perfect setting for that idyllic French Quarter dinner. The food is delicious. Try the bone-in pork chop with their sweet potatoes. Slurp.
L/D BR – Sun
RR
$$$

Palace Cafe’ – A Dickie Brennan restaurant, this is one of my favorite places to dine with out of town friends. It’s fine dining in a casual atmosphere so you don’t have to get gussied up. They invented the white chocolate bread pudding. Yes, you MUST have it. Their grits and grillades is amazing.
L – Mon-Sat D – daily BR – Sun
RR but you can walk in (you’ll probably have to wait but there is a bar).
$$$

Port of Call – This restaurant is at the edge of the French Quarter on Esplanade. They have BIG, juicy burgers. There is often a line. That’s how good they are.
L/D
$$

Praline Connection – Technically, this restaurant is located in the Fabourg Marigny, just outside the French Quarter but it’s really walking distance from the Quarter. If you want comfort soul food, this is the place! Their greens are “hush yo mouth” good! And they have gator sausage bites.
L/D
$$

GARDEN DISTRICT/UPTOWN
St. Charles is where the street car line runs. There are tons of great restaurants in the picturesque Garden District.

Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro – The food at Cheesecake Bistro is very good. Not fine dining but a place where families go. There is valet parking.
L/D
$$

The Creole Creamery – If you LOVE ice cream, this is the place!! I love their Creole Cream Cheesecake Ice Cream. OMG.
L/D
$ – cash only

The Delachaise – This is one of my favorite places to go for little bites and wine. They specialize in wine and beer and have an great selection. The menu is truly gourmet at incredibly affordable prices. I’m hungry thinking about their steak bruschetta… Great for late night!!! Kitchen closes at 1am.
L – Fri-Sun, D and late night
$

Domilise’s Po-Boys – If you want a po-boy, this is the place. It’s hole-in-the-wall that has been featured on the Food Network. Chefs eat here. There is almost always a line.
L and early D (except Thurs & Sun)
$

Emeril’s Delmonico – Emeril’s most upscale establishment in New Orleans. Expect to empty your pockets but the food is delicious!
L – Mon-Fri D – daily
RR
$$$

Gott Gourmet Cafe – Gourmet food at blue collar prices. We love the food here. Brunch and lunch are divine. Mmmm!
BR – Sat-Sun L – Tues-Sun D – Tues-Sun
$

Hoshun Restaurant – This Asian restaurant, located on St. Charles, is a great place for large groups and late night dining. The food is great and it’s not pricey.
L/D/late night
$$

Houston’s Restaurant – I love their prime rib sandwich. Their spinach salad with hot bacon dressing is off the chain. Good steaks.
L/D
$$$

La Crepe Nanou – This is a restaurant that specializes in delicious crepes. It’s a place where locals dine.
D
$$

Salu – I LOVE this Spanish/tapas restaurant. Grab lots of little bites and share. The wine is great and the restaurant is pretty. There is limited outdoor dining as well.
L/D late night on Fri-Sat
RR
$$

Slice – My favorite pizza place! You can buy pizza by the slice for $3.75! I love their prosciutto and gorgonzola pizza topped with fresh arugula. Their nosh plate is great too. Loud music, casual atmosphere.
L/D
$

Sucre’ – If you love desserts and confections, you will love Sucre’. This is a dessert-only destination on Magazine Street for those who appreciate decadence and art. Chef Tariq Hannah won TLC’s The Ultimate Cake-Off and has baked on Paula Deen’s show. Be prepared for the sugar rush and the intense feeling of happiness that follows! We LOVE LOVE LOVE Sucre’!
B/L/D
$

OFF THE BEATEN PATH (YOU NEED A CAR OR TAXI)
Dooky Chase – Leah Chase is a New Orleans favorite and an accomplished cookbook author. On top of that, she is an absolute sweetie pie and strolls through her dining room, talking to customers. She cooks stick to your ribs Creole comfort food. Delish! A must-dine if you have a car!
L – Tues-Fri only
RR
$$

Elizabeth’s – We LOVE breakfast at Elizabeth’s!! It’s a quaint house and you feel like you are dining at Grandma’s but with a bit of gourmet flair. Yum!
B/L – Tues-Fri D- Tues-Sat
$$

Katie’s Restaurant & Bar – They are famous for their “barge” sandwich. Talk about overstuffed! Their pizza is nom-nom worthy too.
L – Mon-Sat D – Tues-Sat BR – Sun
RR
$$

La Peniche – One of my favorite New Orleans eateries! They are open 24 hours and serve delicious food with a gourmet bend. And you’ll love the prices! Located in the Fabourg Marigny, this is a great place to eat at any hour of the day. :)
B/L/D – Tues-Thurs
$

Mimi’s in the Marigny – This is a dive bar located in the Fabourg Marigny, not far from the French Quarter. But they serve incredible Spanish tapas! Be prepared to eat, standing at the bar.
D/late night
$

Nine Roses – This restaurant is on the West Bank, across the Crescent City Connection bridge. It’s in Gretna and is my favorite Vietnamese restaurant. I have been eating here for years! I love their bo nuong vi, slices of thin lemongrass and sesame beef you grill yourself and then wrap in rice paper with lettuce, basil, mint, pickled radishes and carrots, and then dip in nuoc mam (peppered fish sauce). Accommodates large groups.
L/D (closed Wed)
$$

Parkway Tavern – I dream about their sandwiches and po-boys. Their French bread is so soft and when you walk up to the restaurant, you can smell them grilling meat for their sandwiches. Sigh… It’s very casual and there is lots of outdoor seating. People stand in line, especially at lunch, for a taste of Parkway’s heavenly po-boys!
L/D – Wed-Mon
$

Yes, the weather is hot. Sorry. But the food is AMAZING. Welcome to New Orleans! Laissez les bon temps rouler! Let the good times roll!!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Eliana’s Cupcake Cutie Birthday Party Sleepover – Sunday, June 19, 2011

by dlcasas on June 22, 2011

6-19-11 Eliana is a Cupcake Cutie!

Friends:

This past Sunday, I threw a “Cupcake Cutie” birthday bash sleepover for Eliana to celebrate her 11th birthday! This is what the table looked like.

6-19-11 Eliana's Cupcake Cutie Table

This is what the individual place settings looked like. We had to kinds of cupcake plates and lots of hot pink!

6-19-11 Eliana's Cupcake Cutie Place Setting

First the girls made taco salad cupcakes, taco salads made inside ramekins that are made to look like cupcakes.

6-19-11 The taco cupcake, a taco salad made to look like a cupcake

A small tortilla is placed inside a ramekins and baked at 400 degrees for 7 minutes. Layers of lettuce, cheese, and ground meat are placed inside. Sour cream is piped on top with a grape tomato as the cherry and shredded cheese as the sprinkles. The girls’ tacos came out uber cute! Dinner was accompanied by a vanilla cream soda punch (1 part vanilla cream soda, 1 part ginger ale, hefty scoops of vanilla ice cream). Yum!

6-19-11 Eliana and the girls with their taco salad cupcakes

After Kid Chef Eliana that, made strawberry shortcake cupcakes with fresh strawberries.

6-19-11 Kid Chef Eliana makes strawberry cream cheese frosting with real strawberries

They were soooo delicious!

6-19-11 Strawberry shortcake cupcakes made by Kid Chef Eliana

Then it was time to blow out the candle on her birthday cupcake!! Actually, the cupcake she is blowing out is a candle in the middle of mini cupcakes!

6-19-11 Eliana and her birthday cake. The cupcake is the middle is actually a candle.

Then it was time to open presents. Kid Chef Eliana got a wild new apron!

6-19-11 Eliana gets a wild zebra apron for her birthday!

She also got a sweet little ceramic cupcake with an “E” on top.

6-19-11 Eliana gets a ceramic cupcake with an E on top!

I think one of her favorite presents of all was her new Cupcake Cutie Room!!!

6-19-11 Eliana's Cupcake Cutie Room

After opening presents, we played a game and the girls had a cupcake collage contest. They all voted on their favorite cupcake art. In my opinion, they are all winners!

6-19-11 Eliana and her friends with their cupcake collages

Then they made chef hats from construction paper and white plastic grocery bags. Adorable young chefs! You can make this chef hat too. Instructions are on Kid Chef Eliana’s website.

6-19-11 The cute little chefs make chef hats from construction paper and plastic grocery bags

Look at Kid Chef Eliana! Love the funky birthday glasses! :)

6-19-11 Happy Birthday, Kid Chef Eliana!

Then it was time to decorate cupcakes that the girls baked earlier. I created a “Cupcake Bar” with different types of frosting, different kinds of sprinkles, and chocolate chips. The girls went to town!

6-19-11 The young chefs decorate cupcakes at the Cupcake Bar

Josie’s cupcakes came out awesome!

6-19-11 Josie's cupcakes look oh so yummy!

After decorating and eating those tasty treats, we did our last craft and activity for the night. They made cupcake bags by decorating colorful canvas bags with bright fabric paint. They came out great and were perfect to tote all of their goodies home the next morning.

6-19-11 Eliana and her friends made cupcake tote bags - so precious!

It was a fabulous party and the girls had a blast. Cheers to the Cupcake Cuties! Young Chefs Rock!

6-19-11 Young chefs rock!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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NAS Belle Chasse Library Summer Reading Program – Saturday, June 18, 2011

by dlcasas on June 22, 2011

6-17-11 The draw and tell story of The Emperor's Dragon from Dianne's book, Handmade Tales

Friends:

This past Saturday, I performed at the NAS Belle Chasse Library for their summer reading program, which was themed “A Mid-Summer Knight’s Read.” It was a special performance for me because my mom, who retired last month, worked on base for many years, my step-dad still works there, and I am a certified Navy brat! Thank you to Chaney Foote, who brought me to the base library. We had a small but super-fun crowd and I LOVE the castle and knight decorations that Chaney put up! The library was so cute!

6-17-11 An intimate but fun audience at the NAS Belle Chasse Library

I told my draw and tell story, “The Emperor’s Dragon,” from my book, Handmade Tales. Also from my book, I told another draw and tell story, “Catching a Pest in 7 steps.”

6-17-11 The draw and tell story of Catching a Pest in 7 Steps from Dianne's book, Handmade Tales

We got down, we got funky, we even became monkeys! Hilarious!

6-18-11 Monkeys in the audience!

I told the story of “Medio Pollito” with the help of Robin, an energetic boy in my audience. Thanks, Robin!

6-17-11 Tell the story of Medio Pollito

I also told There’s a Dragon in the Library but my camera died so I don’t have any pictures! We had a great time and I loved being at the NAS library!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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St. Bernard Library Summer Reading Program – Friday, June 17, 2011

by dlcasas on June 22, 2011

6-17-11 Dianne de Las Casas does a draw and tell story called The Emperor's Dragon from her book, Handmade Tales

Friends:

This past Friday, I performed at the St. Bernard Parish Library for the summer reading program. I opened with a gift to Janet Perez, the children’s librarian. I gave her a set of poi balls from my trip to Hawaii. Poi balls are balls at the end of a long yard rope that are twirled in patterns. They are used by the Maori people of Aotearoa (New Zealand), which is part of the Polynesian Triangle. Janet tried her hand at the poi balls and did a great job!

6-17-11 Children's Librarian Janet Perez tries her hand at Maori Poi Balls

I apologize for the quality of the pictures. The backlighting made it hard for my little digital camera to take good pictures. My first story was “The Emperor’s Dragon” from my Handmade Tales book. After I drew the story, I showed them a Chinese dragon marionette that I picked up from my travels to Hawaii.

6-17-11 Dianne shows a Chinese dragon marionette she brought back from Hawaii's Chinatown

The next story I told was another draw and tell story from my Handmade Tales book called “Catching a Pest in 7 Steps.”

6-17-11 Dianne does another draw and tell story, Catching a Pest in 7 Steps, from her book, Handmade Tales

I did a fun traditional song, “My Aunt Came Back” and then told the story of “Medio Pollito,” a tale from Spain in which a half-chick with a full attitude does not listen to his mom. It’s a fun story with lots of audience participation. I ended with my book, There’s a Dragon in the Library.

6-17-11 Performing There's a Dragon in the Library

Dewey the Dragon made an appearance at the end of the story.

6-17-11 Dewey the Dragon from There's a Dragon in the Library makes an appearance

Then special guest, Kid Chef Eliana, came out and rocked the house with her song, Cool Kids Cook!

6-17-11 Kid Chef Eliana rocks her song, Cool Kids Cook

We all had a great time and I love visiting the St. Bernard Parish Library. Thanks so much, Janet!!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Kid Chef Eliana Demonstrates Salsa at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum – Friday, June 17, 2011

by dlcasas on June 22, 2011

6-17-11 Kid Chef Eliana demonstrates Fresh from the Garden Salsa at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum in New Orleans

Friends:

On Friday, the day after we flew back from Hawaii, Kid Chef Eliana had a cooking demonstration for young chef summer campers at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum in New Orleans. She demonstrated her “Fresh from the Garden Salsa” from her cookbook, Eliana Cooks! Recipes for Creative Kids. What was cool was that it looked like the chefs in the picture behind her were looking down at her, cheering her on.

6-17-11 Kid Chef Eliana pours lime juice into her blender

In honor of her visit to Hawaii, she also made a pineapple salsa, which the kids raved about. They went back for seconds and thirds! Many of the kids had families in the restaurant business so they were already foodies. Yay!

6-17-11 The SOFAB Summer Camp young chefs with Kid Chef Eliana

Afterward, many of the kids wanted Kid Chef Eliana to autograph their postcards. We also gave them Kid Chef Eliana coloring sheets.

6-17-11 Kid Chef Eliana signs autographs at SOFAB

After her demonstration, we walked around the museum and saw the coolest exhibit of New Orleans foods created into portraits made with mardi gras beads. They were done by an elementary school in the local area and the results were stunning. Here is Kid Chef Eliana with Tony Chachere’s, a famous local spice.

6-17-11 Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning made with mardi gras beads!

Here is Kid Chef Eliana with a king cake. The colors are sooo vibrant!

6-17-11 Kid Chef Eliana with a giant king cake made out of mardi gras beads!

It was a great demonstration and we all had so much fun!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Big Island Hawaii Day 10 – Happy Birthday, Eliana! Hapuna Beach & Depart for Mainland – Wednesday, June 15, 2011

by dlcasas on June 22, 2011

6-15-11 Hapuna Beach, Big Island Hawaii

Friends:

Day 10 was a special day in Hawaii for us. It was June 15th, Eliana’s birthday, and she turned 11 in Hawaii!

It was also our last day on the Big Island. We were flying to the Mainland later that day. So we decided to spend our last few hours at Hapuna Beach, a long stretch of white sand beach with clear waters just a little north of Waikoloa.

6-15-11 Hapuna Beach with its white sands and turquoise waters

It was early in the morning when we went the the beach was nearly deserted! This was surprising because we were told that it would be very crowded.

6-15-11 Hapuna Beach early in the morning. The beach is so peaceful!

The water was pretty shallow and the waves were gentle but there was a strong undercurrent. We made sure to stay close to shore to avoid any riptides. We all had fun playing in the fine sand and crystal clear waters.

6-15-11 Eliana and Soleil have fun in the sun at Hapuna Beach

We discovered some incredible sand art! Just WOW!

6-15-11 Will Honu be eaten by shark on Hapuna Beach?

Eliana had a great time being an explorer, staking her claim to an “island.”

6-15-11 Explorer Eliana at Hapuna Beach

It was a gorgeous day and we couldn’t have asked for better weather!

6-15-11 I love the fine sand and clear water of Hapuna Beach!

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. We had to leave the beautiful Hapuna Beach to fly home…

6-15-11 Antonio and I bask in the glory of Hapuna Beach

It appeared that Eliana was stuck… Uh oh!

6-15-11 Eliana is stuck in the Hapuna Beach sand

We dug Eliana out of the sand and headed back to the room to clean up and fly out.

6-15-11 Eliana AKA Pualani boards the plane for our first flight to Oahu

Aloha, Hawaii! We will miss you…

But it was still Eliana’s birthday on our flight home. A super sweet flight attendant brought Eliana to First Class to make a birthday sundae (on a Wednesday). Hau’oli La Hanau! Happy Birthday, Eliana!

6-15-11 Eliana enjoys a birthday sundae on the flight from Oahu to Dallas Fort Worth

Until next time… Aloha!

Warmly, Dianne

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