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2010 Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators Conference L.A. – July 30-August 2, 2010

by dlcasas on August 7, 2010

SCBWI Picture August 2010

Friends:

What an exciting week it has been! I was at one of the best SCBWI conferences I have attended. The keynotes were funny, inspiring, thought-provoking, and moving.

8-1-10 Yes, a room with a view!

My roommate, Mary Jo Huff, and I traveled from the NSN Conference, where the day before, I presented a master class in “Taming Technology.” The first keynote of the day was Jon Scieszka, resident funny guy. His topic was: “Tales of a Picture Book Writer: Do’s, Don’ts, Maybes.” The best advice he gave, in my opinion, was “Read every picture book you possibly can.”

Following Jon was M.T. Anderson. I didn’t take notes during his presentation because I was so caught up in it. His topic was “The End of All Our Exploring: The Journey of Narrative.” He talked about how he came to the place where he wrote his books, full of humor and whimsy. He ended with a rousing, self-composed song about Delaware.

Then it was time for the workshops. I was on the pro track so I attended “Networking/Twitter 101″ with Alice Pope and Greg Pincus. It was a good workshop. Though I personally have a handle on social media, I liked hearing their perspective and saw how helpful they were to the other workshop participants.

7-30-10 - Alice Pope and Greg Pincus teaching Social Media 101

Then it was time for lunch! I attended the pro track luncheon with faculty with the topic of “Staying Financially Afloat.” The discussion got a little carried away by one of the participants but, nevertheless, I still took away valuable pieces of information. I also met one of my new BFFs, Samantha Berger. It was serendipitous that we sat next to each other because we just connected instantly! She is now my “Samberger.”

7-31-10 Dianne de Las Casas and her new BFF, Samantha Berger

My next pro track workshop was with Jennifer Hunt, Editor with Little Brown. Her topic was “Peak to Peak: How to Build a Career After Your First Book.” She is so eloquent and gracious and you can tell her authors adore her. I had the great fortune of spending more time with her and can’t wait to read the book she edited, Ninth Ward, based in New Orleans before and after Katrina.

The afternoon keynote was with Loren Long on “The Picture Book: My Two Cents Worth.” I enjoyed seeing how his career shaped and how every book builds upon the previous book. He is the illustrator of Madonna’s Mr. Peabody’s Apples and one of the illustrators for Jon Scieszka’s Truck Town series.

That evening, there was the wine and cheese reception honoring the pro track members with book sales. Lots of great authors were there! Here is a picture (taken the last day) of me with one of my favorite picture book authors, Tammi Sauer. She is an incredible person and such an energetic spirit!

8-2-10 Dianne de Las Casas and PB Author, Tammi Sauer (Chicken Dance)

I socialized late into the night and made many wonderful connections! The next day, I skipped the first morning keynote by Gordon Korman. Sometimes, you just have to make choices! I chose to sleep in… The next event was a panel of literary agents (Josh Adams, Ginger Clark, Lisa Grubka & Ken Wright). It was interesting to hear all the different perspectives. Ginger Clark emphasized that she liked to work with authors to shape their careers.

The next pro track workshop was “Skyping the School Visit” with Bruce Hale.

7-30-10 - Bruce Hale teaches Skype the School Visit in the Pro Track

Bruce did a great job explaining how Skype school visits work. He also had a mock visit with Jarrett Krosoczka (author of the Lunch Lady series), showing the audience what did and didn’t work. Bruce plowed marvelously through some technical difficulties too. It was a useful pro track workshop. Bruce is a personal friend and he blurbed my new book, The Gigantic Sweet Potato.

7-30-10 - Dianne de Las Casas and Bruce Hale have a dramatic moment

I lunched with friends and took an extra long lunch. After years of attending conferences, I have come to realize that you can’t always attend every single event scheduled or your head might explode. Just as important to me are the face-to-face connections I make with new friends or old friends I don’t often see, like my friends, Linda Joy Singleton or Verla Kay.

8-2-10 Dianne de Las Casas and the incredible Linda Joy Singleton, YA Author

The second afternoon keynote was by E.B. Lewis. He was, by far, my favorite. He made me laugh, sigh and cry! His art is incredible and I loved seeing his artistic process, how he adds such realism and depth to his paintings. He is also a thinker and said some profound things, “As artists, we need to fill ourselves to overflowing so we can give it all back…” He also said, “Teachers can’t hug their children anymore so I paint hugging scenes in all my books so they can hug through the book.” Wow, just wow!

My afternoon pro track was with Christopher Cheng, “A Step by Step Guide to Making Your Own Book Trailers.” This was a great nuts and bolts workshop for attendees. I just finished creating my fourth book trailer and I believe in their value and importance. A direct result of the workshop was seeing Verla Kay create a book trailer at the conference for her book, What Happened to the Pony Express? Great job, Christopher! You motivated!!

That night was the Heart and Soul gala so I decided to go to my room and get ready. I wore a sparkly tiara, a glittery red dress, killer peeptoe stillettos, and a giant heart necklace. It was so much fun getting all dolled up!

7-31-10 Dianne de Las Casas and those red hot Texas authors!

I had so much fun dancing, dancing, dancing! I danced with the inimitable Jay Asher and a host of other freaking cool people!

7-31-10 Cupid (Jay Asher), draw back your bow...

Connie Mustang and Lynn Marie Pisano were absolutely gorgeous!

7-31-10 The Soul Taker (Lynn Marie Pisano), the Heart Breaker (Dianne de Las Casas) & the Love Maker (Connie Mustang) Dang!

Here I am with one of my dear friends and favorite authors, Ellen Hopkins! Ellen is a writer’s writer. She is talented, funny, and so encouraging. You’ll never find another “big time” author with a bigger heart than Ellen…

7-31-10 Dianne de Las Casas and the FABULOUS Ellen Hopkins!

I HAD to get a picture with the charming, witty and cool Lin Oliver! How she does it all, I’ll never understand…. She is a master of ceremonies, especially this one!

7-31-10 Dianne de Las Casas with Lin Oliver, the Grand Dame of SCBWI

I had so much fun; I even danced on stage and sang Salt and Pepa’s “Push It.” Afterwards, I danced late into the night with all my friends at the X Bar, the lounge inside the hotel. The bar was right next to the elevator to my room. How convenient!

7-31-10 Dianne de Las Casas, Linda Sue Park and another great author (sorry I don't remember! argh!)

It was quite a night! But I was at SCBWI not to party, but to work so…

8-1-10 Do you think the people at MGM are looking into my room

On Sunday, the day began late for me. I attended the pro track workshop with Alexis O’Neill on “School Visits: Setting Fees, Getting Gigs, and Delivering the Goods.” Everyone in the workshop was so hungry for the information Alexis had to offer that she was constantly peppered with questions. She definitely needed more time as did the participants because they devoured the information.

Then it was time for the Golden Kite Luncheon. Below are the Tweets I posted during the luncheon in real time:

@inkyelbows Congratulations on your 2010 #SCBWI Portfolio Showcase Award! U rock! #LA10SCBWI

Christopher Cheng fr Australia wins the #SCBWI member of the year. #LA10SCBWI
storyconnection Aug 01, 3:16pm via HootSuite

A very moving tribute by Lin Oliver, Lisa Yee & Paul Fleischman for Newbery Author Sid Fleischman 1920-2010 #SCBWI #LA10SCBWI
storyconnection Aug 01, 3:20pm via HootSuite

RT @leewind: Comedy is tragedy. It just happens to be wearing clown shoes. — Paul Fleischman #LA10SCBWI
storyconnection Aug 01, 3:42pm via HootSuite

Ashley Bryan receives standing ovation for winning #SCBWI Golden Kite Award for nonfiction #LA10SCBWI
storyconnection Aug 01, 3:47pm via HootSuite

Ashley Bryan is a wonderful storytelling poet. He still “got it!” #SCBWI #LA10SCBWI
storyconnection Aug 01, 3:51pm via HootSuite

Marion Dane Bauer wins Golden Kite for picture book text for The Longest Night #SCBWI #LA10SCBWI
storyconnection Aug 01, 3:54pm via HootSuite

The #SCBWI Golden Kite award for illustration goes to Gracias-Thanks illustrated by John Parra, written by Pat Mora. #LA10SCBWI
storyconnection Aug 01, 3:59pm via HootSuite

The #SCBWI Golden Kite for fiction goes to Julia Durango for Sea of the Dead #LA10SCBWI
storyconnection Aug 01, 4:05pm via HootSuite

Julia Durango: All of my books have secret messages to my boys. #SCBWI #LA10SCBWI
storyconnection Aug 01, 4:07pm via HootSuite

After the Golden Kite Luncheon, I went to the pro track workshop by Ken Wright, Literary Agent on “The Financial Realities of Your Career: Frank Questions and Answers.” Frankly, I didn’t find the session helpful at all. He cast a deathly pallor over the plausibility of being a career author staying financially afloat. The entire session was a Q&A. I really wanted to hear his perspective THEN have Q&A after. The whole session lacked structure and everyone left feeling depressed! Not my idea of an inspiring message. Yes, be frank but be motivating as well.

I missed the last keynote but heard a lot of great reports from friends. The last keynote on Sunday was by Rubin Pfeffer and David Diaz on “SCCC Formerly Known as SCBWI? Once a Society of Writers and Illustrators. Now a Society of Children’s Content Creators?” It seems the digital age of books is upon us and we need to welcome it, embrace it and shape it!

8-1-10 Yes, @LeeWind, I follow you...

I fell in love with (not literally, mind you) Matt Ragghianti. The man is naturally, geniusly funny!! He wrote many episodes of Lost (the hugely popular TV series) and works in TV and film. But now he’s writing children’s books. I can’t wait to see what he comes out with. Matt is PIMP (Pee In My Pants) funny!

8-1-10 Matt Ragghianti (wrote episodes of Lost TV show) and Dianne de Las Casas

I also connected with Jeanine Jarrell and Molly Hall, very cool writers!

8-1-10 Jeanine Jarrell, Dianne de Las Casas & Molly J. Hall

I also loved Joyce Wan! Her characters are sooooo adorable! Check out her characters, Kiwi and Pear, two monkeys who travel around the world. LOVE them!

8-2-10 Dianne de Las Casas and Author & Greeting Card Artist, Joyce Wan!

Unfortunately, I had to leave on Monday so I spent the morning packing and getting ready. I attended one last panel (A View from the Top: 4 Publishers Discuss Our Industry) and half of a pro track workshop by Eva Mitnick and Kris Vreeland: “Marketing Libraries and Bookstores.” That was one workshop I wish I didn’t have to leave! I love hearing the perspective from these two very savvy women, one from the bookseller’s perspective and one from the librarian’s perspective.

My SCBWI conference experience was spectacular. I actually even received speaking engagements out of the conference! I look forward to seeing everyone next year. Thank you, everyone, for a FABULOUS time!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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National Storytelling Network Conference; Taming Technology Master Class – Thursday, July 29, 2010

by dlcasas on August 7, 2010

7-29-10 NSN Conference 2010 - Taming Technology Workshop

Friends:

Last week, I presented at the 2010 National Storytelling Conference in Los Angeles, California. I did one of the pre-conference master classes. My class was called “Taming Technology” and taught participants how to use all the elements of technology to streamline their business practices, become more productive, and connect with their fan base. Unfortunately, I had another conference to attend and had to jet in and out of the NSN Conference so I didn’t get many pictures with my storytelling buddies. Sean Buvala, master marketer and social media expert himself (storyteller.net) was my surprise guest speaker. Yay, Sean!

A special thank you to Michael D. McCarty, Karin Hensley, True Thomas (Robert Seutter), and the rest of the Los Angeles storytelling community for hosting the conference. It was great to connect with my friends, however brief.

A BIG Gigantic thank you to Mary Jo Huff, my other “mama” and roommate. XOXOXO!

Mary Jo Huff

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Destin, Florida Beach Vacation – July 23-24, 2010

by dlcasas on August 6, 2010

7-23-10 Pretty Destin water behind Eliana

Friends:

After a breakneck three days at Universal Studios, it was time for some down time at the beach. We went to Destin, Florida for the pretty water and sugar white sands, still unspoiled by BP Oil.

7-23-10 Eliana builds a sand castle at Destin Beach, Florida

On our first day at the beach, the water was pretty nice. We swam, played in the sand, and relaxed.

7-23-10 Soleil and Eliana chill at the beach

Unfortunately, the second day at the beach wasn’t as great. Tropical Storm Bonnie was off the coast of Miami and wreaking havoc with the Gulf. The water was choppy, currents were strong, and I nearly drowned in an undertow. There was also a TON of slimy seaweed. I looked like the creature from the Black Lagoon. Ugh. But not in this picture! hahahaha

7-24-10 Because of Tropical Storm Bonnie, the water is rough and there is lots of seaweed

Here is Eliana chillin’ in her cute pink two-piece, listening to her jams.

7-24-10 Eliana chills with her music. What a cute bathing suit!

Here, you can see how dark and green the water is behind Eliana.

7-24-10 Eliana is a pretty pink beach bunny

But Soleil and Eliana made the most of their time at the beach, constructing a giant, bigger-than-lifesize, mermaid out of sand and seaweed.

7-24-10 Soleil and Eliana build a massive sand mermaid with seaweed hair

Here is a close-up of the seaweed goddess…

7-24-20 A close-up of Soleil's mermaid

Still, we had a wonderful time at the beach, my favorite place in the world to relax.

7-24-10 The classic Florida beach picture

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida – Thursday, July 22, 2010

by dlcasas on August 6, 2010

7-22-10 Family picture time!

Friends:

On our third and final day at Universal Studios, we did the regular park. Eliana took a picture with Digger, the NASCAR mascot. Vroooom!

7-22-10 Eliana and the NASCAR mascot, Digger

Our first stop was the Shrek 3D show. It was a lot of fun. Then we landed in Wakita, Kansas, home of the monster Twister!

7-22-10 Soleil & Eliana, watch out for those Twisters!

Then it was on to the Revenge of the Mummy ride. It was a great roller coaster ride through the Egyptian tombs. Eliana was screaming! Too bad I didn’t get a picture of that! Instead, here is a cutie patootie picture of Eliana Boop.

7-22-10 Eliana's red carpet moment

Afterwards, we stopped in New York for some pictures. Here is Antonio in front of his restaurant. LOL

7-22-10 Antonio in front of Antonio Calas Restaurant

Then it was time for a stop at the New York Public Library. Can you see me?

7-22-20 Dianne in front of the New York Public Library (set)

Then the girls traveled on to San Francisco…

7-22-10 Traversing the U.S., the girls are now in San Francisco

From there, we went to Amity, New York, home of JAWS!! Eliana was so scared on this ride. It really freaked her out. She sat on the side of the boat where Jaws came ripping out of the water, his jaws opening at us. We had the perfect spot but Eliana didn’t think so! This was the calm before the ride…

7-22-10 Oh No! It's JAWS!!

We ended our day in the park at the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Me, the big roller coaster scaredy cat, decided to ride. Eliana waited in the child swap. OMG. It was the scariest ride I’ve ever been on. I felt like I was going to fall out of my chair on the way up. The only cool thing about the ride was being able to pick your music to listen to. I was listening to the Black Eyed Peas – “No, no, no… don’t let me fall out!” was what I was singing!! Okay, never again! I was woozy and faint. Soleil and Antonio LOVED it. Soleil rode it TWICE!

7-22-10 Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket Roller Coaster

To finish the day, we had a wonderful meal at Emeril’s. The food was delicious and Eliana had FILET MIGNON from the kids’ menu!! She got to meet the executive sous chef and even tour the kitchen. That was the highlight of our little chef’s day! :)

7-22-10 Eliana eats filet migon from the kids' menu at Emeril's!

After that, we headed to Destin, Florida for a couple of relaxing days on the beach. Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Universal Studios, Florida – Wednesday, July 21, 2010

by dlcasas on August 6, 2010

7-21-10 E is for Eliana!

Friends:

Soleil turned 20 years on July 21! Happy Birthday, Soleil!

7-21-10 S is for Soleil, the birthday princess!

On our second day, we went back to Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. We had to stop for this photo op!

7-21-10 Surfing USA!

We didn’t mean to match but we all happened to be wearing Soleil’s favorite color combo – hot pink and black, sans Dad, of course. We were cute! Next, we marveled at the super heroes in Marvel Super Heroes Island. Soleil was totally enamored with Spiderman!

7-21-10 Soleil and Spiderman!

We rode the Spiderman ride and that was incredible. It was part simulation, part actual ride, like The Forbidden Journey in Hogwarts Castle. There was one part of the ride that made my heart catapult out of my chest. Thank goodness Spidey’s web was there to save us from villains like Magneto…

7-21-10 Eliana, watch out! It's Magneto!

It was searing hot so Eliana decided to cool off in the water…

7-21-10 Eliana chills out under the cool water spout

Eliana and I ended up doing water rides while Soleil and Antonio did the big roller coaster like the Hulk. We ended up meeting back in Hogsmeade for another shopping trip at Honey Dukes and a round of butterbeer to toast Soleil’s Birthday. What a wonderful day!

7-21-10 Betty Boop, Eat Your Heart Out!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios Florida – Tuesday, July 20, 2010

by dlcasas on August 6, 2010

7-20-10 The Adventure Begins...

Friends:

Here I am, “back-blogging” again…

On our family vacation, we decided to go to Florida to see the wonderful Wizarding World of Harry Potter! We decided to start our day in other parts of the part to avoid the longer lines… First stop, Seuss Landing!

7-20-10 The whole family in front of Seuss Landing

I loved being in Dr. Seuss’ world! Oh, the places he took me!

7-20-10 Oh, the stories you'll hear! LOVE IT!

The girls had fun posing in front of One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. It was one of Soleil’s favorite books when she was a little girl!

7-20-10 Eliana and Soleil having fun with One Fish Two Fish...

One of my favorite pictures… Look at all the books I wrote! LOL

7-20-10 Look at my stack of books!

Of course, we were celebrating Soleil’s birthday so she had to stop and take a picture in the Seuss Birthday Flower Jungle!

7-20-10 Since we were celebrating Soleil's birthday, she had to take a picture in the Birthday Flower Jungle!

Our first attraction we did was Poseidon’s Adventure so we entered the mighty lost world of Atlantis…

7-20-10 The Lost Continent

And look at Poseidon’s mighty triton!

7-20-10 The Mighty Poseidon behind Eliana and Soleil

Next, it was on to Jurassic Park. We rode the Jurassic Park Adventure ride, a combination of a water ride and a roller coaster. Fun!

7-20-10 Eliana and Soleil run from T-Rex!

Finally, it was time… to enter Hogsmeade and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We were dying to taste butterbeer and to experience the magic, even though we were mere muggles…

7-20-10 Entering Hogsmeade at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

We walked through the village, taking in all the sights of Hogsmeade. There was Ollivander’s Wand Shop, Honey Duke’s, and Three Broomsticks, where we had lunch and… butterbeer!

7-20-10 Three Broomsticks for hot food & butterbeer

The food was so so but the butterbeer was the bomb! Butterbeer tastes like a mixture of vanilla cream soda and butterscotch with a frothy foam you want to lick from the sides of the cup. Needless to say, it was one of the highlights of my visit to Hogsmeade!

7-20-10 Butterbeer!!!!

After eating, we decided to wait in line for The Forbidden Journey Ride. And boy, did we wait. It was a 90 minute wait. We had plenty of time to digest our food. The inside of Hogwarts Castle is filled with magical pictures that move and talk, enchanted objects, and has the feel of musty old castle. The ride was spectacular, part simulation part real ride. We followed Harry Potter flying on a broomstick. Wow!

7-20-10 Hogwarts Castle!

After that phenomenal ride, we decided to buy our wands. Oh boy. Another LOOOOOONG line. The line to get into Ollivander’s Wand shop was another 90 minutes. There is a 5 minute pre-show and only 30 people are admitted at a time. But we met some nice people and managed to pass the time. Soleil ended up with Hermione’s wand, Eliana chose Harry Potter’s wand, and I have Sirius Black’s wand. Too cool!

7-20-10 Soleil and Eliana are ready to select their wands at Olliander's

After that experience, it was time for another butterbeer! Here, the girls take a picture by the Hogwarts Express. I only wish that this was an actual ride. Alas, it’s only a prop.

7-20-10 All aboard the Hogwarts Express!

We left The Wizarding World of Harry Potter happy and exhausted! And at the stroke of midnight, Soleil turned 20 years old. Happy Birthday, Soleil!

7-20-10 Soleil and Eliana in Universal Studios

Then it was really time for bed…

7-20-10 After a magical day...

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Aloha Tales Summer Reading Program, LaSalle Parish Libraries – July 9, 2010

by dlcasas on July 14, 2010

7-9-10 Eliana and Dianne dance The Little Brown Girl at the Olla Cultural Center

Friends:

Eliana and I ended our summer tour in Lasalle Parish, another of our favorite library systems. We go there every year. Andrea Book and Donna Estis have become close friends. I adore those women! Our first show was at the Olla Cultural Center. It’s a great space because it’s made for performances and it has space to accommodate a small crowd. Of course, we had a ton of fun!

7-9-10 Audience members learn to use poi balls at the Olla Cultural Center

Our last show was at the main library in Jena, Louisiana. It was great to see fans who come to our show every year. We love coming to Lasalle Parish! Besides the great people, we also love shopping at the Caboose!

7-9-10 Everyone dances the Hukilau in the show's finale, Lasalle Parish Library in Jena, Louisiana

It was another great summer in Louisiana Libraries! Eliana and I say “Mahalo!” (Thank you) and “Aloha!” (Farewell).

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Aloha Tales Summer Reading Program, Iberville Parish Libraries – July 7-8, 2010

by dlcasas on July 14, 2010

7-7-10 Audience members are Three Strong Brothers in the story, Maui Tames the Sun

Friends:

Eliana and I had a blast touring in Iberville Parish Libraries, one of our favorite library systems. Everyone there is so sweet! Our first show was at the main library in Plaquemine, Louisiana. We had a lot of kids from Kid Camp at our show and they really enjoyed the Hula! Thank you so much to Danny and Anne for inviting us back to the library every year!

7-7-10 Eliana dances Tahitian at the main library in Plaquemine

Our second show was at the branch library in White Castle, Louisiana, home of Nottoway Plantation.

7-7-10 Dianne demonstrate puilis at White Castle Branch Library

We had a nice crowd and the kids were great participants in the show. Kitty Wood, the branch manager, is always so welcoming.

7-7-10 The audience learns to dance The Hukilau at White Castle Branch Library

On our second day in Iberville Parish, we went to the East Iberville Branch Library in St. Gabriel. Eliana and I missed the ferry by 1 minute and had to wait a half hour to cross the river. Fortunately, we arrived on time and set up just in time to welcome a huge group of day camp kids.

7-8-10 East Iberville Library is packed with kids! Yay!

They enjoyed participating in the show and had a great time.

7-8-10 East Iberville Library is packed with kids! Yay!

Our last show was in Grosse Tete/Rosedale at the Lion’s Club. We had a cozy crowd who really got into the show, especially when Eliana danced her fast-moving Tahitian!

7-8-10 Eliana dances Tahitian at the Grosse Tete-Rosedale Lion Club

What a fantastic time in Iberville Parish! We can’t wait to return next year! Special thanks to Danny, Anne, Kitty, Lydia, and Brenda for your hospitality. You rock!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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American Library Association Conference, Washington D.C. – June 25-28, 2010

by dlcasas on July 14, 2010

6-28-10 The ABC-Clio Booth

Friends:

From June 25 through June 28, 2010, I attended the American Library Association conference in our nation’s capitol, Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, I did not see a lot of the District this time because I was so busy with the conference. But here is a picture of the Capitol building I took from a cab! LOL

6-28-10 The Capitol Building

I also managed to snap a shot of the Washington Monument. Fortunately, I have been to Washington, DC before and have been to many of the museums. It’s a great city to visit.

6-28-10 The Washington Monument

My first day to sign books was Saturday, June 26. I had a lunch and panel to attend first. When I went to the ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited booth, there were people waiting for me to sign their books. Very cool. :) I signed copies of my brand new book, Stories on Board: Creating Board Games from Favorite Tales.

6-26-10 Signing books at ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited

Here I am with my dynamic team of women from ABC-Clio!

6-26-10 Dianne de Las Casas with the Libraries Unlimited team (L-R) Shannon Hysell, Kristina Sheppard & Debby LaBoon

Later that evening, I was invited to a yacht cruise on the Potomac River by my friend, Tammy DiBartolo from Rapides Parish Library.

6-26-10 Tammy DiBartolo & Dianne de Las Casas on the Playaway Potomac yacht cruise

The cruise was sponsored by Playaway. The yacht was named, “Celebrity.” Not only was it fun but the sights were also beautiful. The city was gorgeous from the vantage point of the river.

6-26-10 The Celebrity Yacht on the Potomac

On Sunday, June 27, 2010, I signed books again at the ABC-Clio booth. I also had the great fortune of meeting Teresa Taylor who is at a DOD (Department of Defense) school in Italy. Teresa wants me to visit her school in Italy! Oh yeah! Here I am with Teresa and her friends. What great people! (Thank you to Donald, Teresa’s husband, for taking the picture!)

6-27-10 Gorgeous Gals of ALA - (L-R) Dianne, Teresa, Susan & BJ

On Sunday night, it was the night of the Newbery/Caldecott Award Banquet. What an event! There were lots of authors, publishers, editors, librarians, and book lovers. The banquet was packed. I rode to the affair with my lovely roommate, children’s book author & illustrator, Katie Davis and Brian & Beth Jackson. I visited Beth’s school in Athens, Georgia in April. Look at us!

6-27-10 At the Caldecott-Newbery Banquet (L-R) - Beth Jackson, Brian Jackson, Dianne de Las Casas & Katie Davis

Here I am with Michelle Knudsen, the author of Library Lion and many other books. Michelle and I presented at the Savannah Children’s Book Festival together a couple of years ago. She is so pretty!

6-27-10 Dianne de Las Casas & Michelle Knudsen (Author of Library Lion)

The ceremony was great. I really enjoyed the speeches, especially the one by Jerry Pinkney who won the Caldecott Medal for his book, The Lion and the Mouse. Rebecca Stead won the Newbery for her book, When You Reach Me. Look at this gorgeous program Jerry Pinkney designed! It’s really spectacular!

6-27-10 The Caldecott-Newbery program designed by Caldecott Winner, Jerry Pinkney

Here I am with my friend, Allison Roberts, who is a school librarian in Tennessee. I love see all my friends glammed up!

6-27-10 Allison Roberts from Tennessee & Dianne de Las Casas

This gentleman is Jim Averbeck, Author of In a Blue Room. He’s sweet and fun to be around, not to mention he’s nice to look at. ;)

6-27-10 Dianne de Las Casas & Children's Book Author Jim Averbeck

On my last day in Washington, D.C., I attended the International Association of School Librarians Luncheon. The speaker was none other than Sharon Coatney, my wonderful editor at Libraries Unlimited. Sharon spoke about the many faces of school librarian leadership.

6-28-10 Sharon Coatney (my editor at ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited) speaks at the International Association of School Librarians luncheon

ALA was a great conference and I made so many wonderful connections. I look forward to the next conference, which will be in… NEW ORLEANS! Woo hoo! I can’t wait!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Aloha Tales Summer Reading Program, Winn Parish Libraries – June 23 & 24, 2010

by dlcasas on July 14, 2010

6-24-10 Eliana and Dianne dance The Little Brown Girl to a packed house, Winnfield, Louisiana

Friends:

It was a great tour in Winn Parish. Our first show was for a Title I program at a local school in Winnfield, Louisiana. Though the audience was smaller than in past years, they had a great time.

6-23-10 Audience members try to do Poi Balls, Winnfield Title I program

Our second show was in Dodson, Louisiana. The show was held in a high school gym, next door to the library because the library is small. Our brand new CD player stopped working but thankfully, Amy Deen, our fabulous hostess, rescued us and brought one from home.

6-23-10 Instructing audience members how to dance the Hukilau in Dodson, Louisiana

The next day, June 24, we were at the main library in Winnfield, Louisiana in the morning. We had a big crowd and everyone loved the show.

6-24-10 Eliana and Dianne dance The Little Brown Girl to a packed house, Winnfield, Louisiana

They were especially enthralled when Eliana danced Tahitian! Go Eliana!

6-24-10 Eliana dances Tahitian, Winnfield, Louisiana

Our final show in Winn Parish Libraries was at the cozy library in Atlanta, Louisiana. We always have such a warm, enthusiastic crowd there.

6-24-10 Dianne dances Nanakuli with uli ulis in Atlanta, Louisiana

Thank you very much to Amy Deen and Mary Doherty of Winn Parish Libraries. Thank you also to all the fantastic librarians and patrons at all the branches. We had so much fun “splashing” into Summer Reading with you!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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