I am so excited because I can blog again! My blog had been down since April and it took some major tearing apart and a little bit of genius (Thanks, Heidi!) to get it back up and running again.

So much has happened in the past few months. I will post a few pictures of my summer travels, summarizing my travels in a couple of “catch-up” posts.

Warmly, Dianne

Due to my insanely busy schedule, I have not had a chance to blog! So here I am catching up!

On Sunday, April 13, 2008, my family and I went to the French Quarter Festival. This year, there were over 400,000 people in attendance, a record-breaker! Here is a picture of the St. Louis Cathedral from the Algiers Ferry, which we rode to cross the Mississippi River to New Orleans from the West Bank.

Here is a picture of Aquarium of the Americas from the ferry.

Boy, was the quarter crowded! Check this out…

Soleil brought two of her friends, Nea and Sierra, to the fest. Here is a picture of them grubbing on that wonderful food at the fest. Nea is on the left, Sierra in the middle, and Soleil on the right.

We met my mom, stepdad, brother and his four children at the festival. Here’s a picture of my brother enjoying a moment in the shade on a folding chair.

Check out my mom, Josie, partying to the soulful rhythms of a jazz band. You go, Mom!

The food at the French Quarter Festival was phenomenal. My favorite was the prime rib sandwich on a pistolette from the Rib Room. Talk about awesome! The kids enjoyed a concert by Johnette Downing, internationally acclaimed and award-winning children’s musician (who also happens to be my best friend). Johnette has such a way with kids. They were singing, clapping, dancing and having a grand time! We had a fantastic time partying to Johnette’s music. Here is a picture of Eliana and my niece, Jasmynn, holding cards to illustrate Johnette’s song, “Today is Monday in Louisiana.” Eliana is in pink and Jasmynn is in green.

Johnette had me lead the second line parade for her final song, “Second Line.” So much fun!

Here is a picture of my two beautiful girls, Eliana (7) and Soleil (17). Are they cuties?!! Of course, I may be a little biased… LOL

It was a gorgeous day with weather in the 70s with blue skies. Soleil, who is so fair, got a little strawberry coloring. This is one of my favorite pictures - it’s of the Natchez, a paddle wheel boat on the Mississippi River. So New Orleans!

If you’re thinking about visiting New Orleans, you should. It’s a wonderful city with rich culture, friendly people, and fabulous food. Check out the pretty architecture in Algiers Point. I love the houses - they look like little story book cottages.

Laissez les bon temps rouler! Let the good times roll! Come to New Orleans, mes amis, and pass a good time!

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

Today, I performed my “Jump, Jiggle & Jam” program for a PK-5 elementary school in the Metro New Orleans area. I had so much fun with the students. I saw about 600 students in two assembly performances in the gym. The show is a rousing and energetic performance of favorite folktales “remixed with rhythm, rhyme, and rap.” My first story was “The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza,” a signature story full of humor and tons of audience participation. Both groups (PK-2 and 3-5) really enjoyed it.

Following that tale, I performed my original song, “Peanut Butter and Jelly Jam.” We build a “gourmet” PB&J. The sandwich begins with traditional peanut butter and jelly. Then there’s a twist as the other ingredients are added (apples & bananas, peppers & pickles, ketchup & mustard, and finally sardines & anchovies). By the end, the kids are really grossing out and laughing at the concoction. Here are some students helping me put that interesting sandwich together.

My last story was another signature story, “Rockin’ Three Billy Goats.” Kids love the “trippity trap” chorus and my rapping “Hoogedy Boogedy Woogedy” Troll. I never get tired of telling this story because every audience’s reaction to the story makes it fresh for me.

After my upper elementary performance, I had a Q&A session. The kids asked questions such as “Is it fun to travel to other countries and learn new languages?” “Where have you traveled?” “How do you remember so many stories?” I spoke to them about the importance of reading, writing, social studies, and taking learning seriously. I told them that when they are old enough to decide what they want to do in life, they will need to know as much as they can about the world around them.

When the students were filing out, they were high-fiving me, hugging me, and asking for autographs. One little boy exclaimed, “This is my first time meeting a millionaire!” They assumed that because I travel so much, I’m rich. Hahahaha!

It was a special day at school and they had other activities going on including a visit from the NBA Hornets Bookmobile. Parents were also in attendance at my show and I sold quite a few CDs. One of the 1st grade teachers returned with three of their students, who read me fractured tales from their writing journals. Wow! They were really amazing writers!

It was such a wonderful day and they told me they would be inviting me back again next year. Yay! (Thank you, Jeanne! Your school is wonderful - I love the teachers, staff and students!) I am really blessed to be able to do what I do for a living. Who wouldn’t want to have a job where you can be silly, have fun, and inspire children and teachers all at the same time?!! Thank you to all my clients and fans for helping me achieve my mission of “Connecting Children and Learning through the Arts.”

Boys and girls, if you are reading this, remember ~ keep reaching for the stars; sky’s the limit!

When I arrived home, I had more work to do (of course). I began preparing for my last two days at my Stories on Board Residency. I am going to tell a fun version of “The Three Little Pigs” and have the students play “Pigopoly.” (I couldn’t resist.)

My nieces are coming over to help me color the boards once again. (Thank you Eliana, Camrynn & Jasmynn!)

Next week, I finish my residency and then head to Dallas for the Texas Librarian’s Association conference. Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

Today was my eighth day doing my Stories on Board Residency at a school in the Metro New Orleans, Louisiana area. Every day this week, the library has been hosting the Scholastic Bookfair. Of course, I can never get away from a book fair without spending any money. There was no shortage of top-notch books from which to choose.

My first and second classes were a bit of a challenge. I had first grade as my first class. Their teacher was out and there was a sub but the children were a bit unruly. I had to spend ten minutes at the end of class talking to them about their behavior. My second class, 2nd grade,  was also a challenge. Unfortunately, there are several students in the class that were very disruptive. I had to counsel them for ten minutes before I could begin my story. Once I began, they really enjoyed it.

Kindergarten was a delight. We had so much fun laughing and playing “The Little Red Hen’s Pizza Party” game. Their teacher, Ms. Anchissi, must wear a halo because she has the patience of a saint. She is so nurturing. I love watching her guide and counsel her students. She does it with such love.

My class before lunch is 3rd grade. I love going to Mr. Boone’s class. Mr. Boone is a fun guy and he LOVES taking pictures. Here is one of Mr. Boone with the game “Pizzalicious,” based on “The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza.”

Since the class is right before lunch, we are always salivating over pizza - I guess it’s the power of suggestion. Here is a picture of me instructing the 3rd graders on how to create their game boards and label their game spaces.

This is “Pizzaopoly,” a “hands-on” game!

Here is “Pizzalicious,” completed. This game is going to be so much fun to play.

After lunch, I went to 4th grade. Their story was “The Ant and the Grasshopper.” There were some great game titles such as “Working for Winter”  and “The Ant Hill.” This game is called “Working for Winter,” and is still in progress.

My day ended in preschool. When I first walked in, they were all napping. It didn’t take long to rouse them when they found out the storyteller was there! I love how attentive they are when I am telling my story.

I loved ending my day in Pre-K. They are so loving and sweet. One little boy said to me, “You are the best teacher ever and you are never leaving this classroom!” Another little girl came and just planted herself in my lap, like we had known each other forever and a day.  Though my day started a little rough, my day ended in enchantment.

On Monday and Tuesday, I get to see all the classes together during their PE period. It’s going to be fun and challenging to manage a whole grade at a time but I look forward to it.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

Today was Day 7 of my Stories on Board residency. Wow - what a great day! The work that was created today was absolutely amazing. My day began with 50 first graders in one room. Because my first grade class was canceled yesterday, we combined two classes. Though it was crowded, both classes really cooperated and had a lot of fun listening to “The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza” and playing “Pizza Party.” We had as many as 8 children playing one game! Great job, Ms. Roos’ and Ms. Buras’ class!

My class with my second graders was interrupted because more than half of the students had to leave to shop at the school’s Scholastic Book Fair. I had 12 students in the class. So I went from an overwhelming 50 students in my first class to an intimate group of 12 in my second class. It was great because I was able to sit with a group and actually play the game with them. What fun!

When I walked into my Kindergarten class, the students began cheering and clapping for me, yelling, “She’s here!” It was such an boisterous welcome. The first picture above is a picture of me telling to the Kindergarteners. They are so cute and such  enthusiastic listeners - very participatory.

My third grade class had trouble quieting down at first because they were so excited about working on their game boards. But when they finally did work on their boards, they worked so well in their groups. Their story was “Sody Sallyraytus,” an Appalachian tale reminiscent of “The Three Billy Goats Gruff.” One of the students, Nicholas, came up with an ingenious board game design. The game is called “Don’t Get Trapped!” Wow! is all I can say…

In fourth grade, there was so much creativity in the air! Their story is “The Tortoise and the Hare” and they had some really cool board games. This one designed by Ajdan,  which is still in progress, will be titled, “The Hare’s Tale.”

Here’s another Hare board game design (again, still in progress), “The Hare Racing Adventure.”

Today’s fifth grade class was assigned “The Gingerbread Man.” I love this board game called “Gingerbread Man on the Run.” I can’t wait to play this game!

I am always in awe of the talent and creativity of the students. I just love working with them. High five to Ms. Massa’s class, Ms. Naugle’s class, and Ms. Brumfield’s class! You guys have done some incredible work! I’m so proud of you!

Tomorrow, I work with my last group of students creating board games. I look forward to working with my students and seeing what they have in store for me! Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

Today was Day 6 of my “Stories on Board Residency.” What a day! In the 8 years that I have been the artist-in-residence at this school, never once have I been late. Today changed that record. There was a big accident that clogged traffic for miles, causing me to arrive at 9:00 am (first class is at 8:45 am). I frantically called the librarian, Ellen (who books me every year), explaining the situation. She reassured me that everything would be just fine and she would adjust my schedule.

Fortunately, there was a puppet performance in the cafeteria by Calliope Puppet Theater. Ellen cancelled my first class and sent them to the puppet show. Then she moved my second class to my lunch period. That enabled me to have some free time in the morning so I was able to watch the show. It was a great show, showcasing multicultural stories about music from around the world. Karen Konnerth, the puppeteer, is a friend and I loved how much educational content was woven into her show. The kids really enjoyed it. Here is the story of the Legend of the Marimba from Guatemala.

I ate lunch at 10:00am! Then I had five back-to-back classes with no break in between. Needless to say, at the end of the day, I was exhausted!

Though the day started off on the wrong track, my classes were great. I did have to handle some discipline issues in kindergarten and second grade but the rest of the students were fantastic. Here is a picture of some of today’s second grade class playing “Pizza Party,” based on my story, “The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza.” Hello, Ms. Leblanc’s class!

Again, I had a blast working with 3rd through 5th grade, creating the game boards. My third grade class’ story was “The Lion and the Mouse.” They came up with some creative titles and games including “Mouseopoly,” “Lion Limbo,” and “Lion and Mouse Land.” This is “Mouseopoly.”

This third grade group created “The Lion and The Mouse Game.” The third graders worked so well together - it was amazing. I really enjoyed their ideas and collaboration. They truly exemplified teamwork. Way to go, Ms. Ryan’s class! Woo hoo!

My fourth graders were assigned the story, “Jack Seeks His Fortune,” an Appalachian mountain tale. These students amazed me with their creativity. Some of their game board titles include “Jack and His Sack of Gold,” “Goldopoly” (notice how so many of the students love the “opoly” type of game?), “Go for the Gold!,” and “Not So Fortunate.” Ms. Morrow’s class, you did a fantastic job with your boards. I can’t wait to see them finished. Check out this board.

In fifth grade, they worked on the story, “Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby.” This group of fifth graders were planners and contemplaters, discussing their options in detail and consulting with each other on their game board designs. As a result, they worked a little slower and their board games did not progress as much as the other classes. Still, there were some impressive boards. This one is called, “The Carrot Trail.”

This 5th grade board game is titled, “Brer Rabbit’s Briar Patch.” I love the rabbit’s face! Fantastic work, Ms. McLeod’s class!

One of my fifth grade students from yesterday’s class, Samuel, really impressed me. He asked me if he could take a board home so that he could design his own board game. Today, he left the board in the library for me. It’s such an intricate design. I was so touched that he had the initiative to want to work on his own design. Samuel is such a sweet student. Every day, he carries my suitcase (filled with all my supplies - I call it my “Rolling Classroom”) down the stairs for me at the end of the day. Thank you so much, Samuel. You are awesome. This is Samuel’s board game design - he promised to fill it in and actually create the game too. Too cool!

So today, lemon turned into sweet lemonade. And there’s more to come! Until next time… best wishes!

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

Today was Day 5 of my Stories on Board Residency. For the lower grades (K-2), I told the story of “The Littlte Red Hen Makes a Pizza” and sang my original song, “Pizza Party.” Then the students played the game I created based on the story of “The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza” called “The Little Red Hen’s Pizza Party.” The above picture is of me telling the story to a kindergarten class. Here is a picture of first graders playing the game.

The students really loved the Pizza Party game. It was a lot of fun. I even played the game with my second grade class, though I didn’t win…

In Grades 3-5, they worked on creating the board games based on the story assigned to their class. Today’s third graders were assigned the story, “The Three Little Pigs.” Here are some of the game boards they created. This one is called “Inspiring Pig.”

I loved seeing the collaboration and group cooperation! It was amazing to see these students share ideas, give each other suggestions, and implement their plans. This 3rd grade group’s game is called “The Pig Escape.”

My fourth graders worked with the story, “The Three Billy Goats Gruff.” The creativity of this group was amazing. There was “Trollopoly,” “The Triumph Over the Terribly Treacherous Troll,” and “Go for the Grass!”

In 5th grade, the students were assigned the story, “Henny Penny.” The students were amazingly into their project. They wanted to continue working on their boards even when it was time to end the class. They created some really cool games. Here is “Chickenopoly.”

This is a picture of the game titled, “Super Chicken.”

I can’t wait to see how my other students’ board games turn out. It’s going to be sooo cool!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

They say that “All work and no play makes Dianne a dull girl.” So Dianne took some time out to have a little fun. I went to a Hornets basketball game with Antonio, my husband. We had so much fun (yes, the Hornets won!) rocking out to music, cheering on the players, and participating in the crowd games. Here is a picture of one of the games they had during a break between quarters. Two fans had to run inside a plastic bubble and race around cones. It was so funny.

Here is a picture of the Hornets Mini Cooper parked in front of the New Orleans Arena.

Of course, when I arrived home after the game, I had some work to finish. Soleil, Eliana and my niece, Camrynn, helped me with some new board games I created for my “Stories on Board” residency. (Thank you, girls!) I created a new game called “The Little Red Hen’s Pizza Party” to accompany my story, “The Little Red Hen Makes Pizza.” Here is Eliana and Camrynn working hard coloring the game.

Players have to move from slice to slice, all the way around the pizza to win. It’s fun and also highlights basic math concepts of addition and subtraction.

After Eliana and Camrynn finished working on my games, they began working on a game Eliana invented call “Lily Pad Leapers.” The object of the game is to leap from lily pad to lily pad until you reach the finish and win a big juicy fly. I made small origami frogs to serve as the game pieces. The game is adorable. Eliana is soooo creative!

The highlight of my evening was opening a package from my publisher, Libraries Unlimited. We are promoting my new book, Handmade Tales at several conferences this year. They created a “Handmade Tales starter kit.” The “star” of the kit is a printed bandana to accompany my story, “Bandana Man.” Check out the bandana. OMG! It’s awesome!

Well, it’s late and I have a big day at school tomorrow. My third through fifth grade students are going to work on their board games. I can’t wait to see how they turn out.

Until tomorrow…

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

On Saturday, we accompanied Soleil to Loyola University New Orleans for an introduction to the college. Soleil received a $72,000 scholarship offer from the university so we wanted to see if Loyola would be a good fit for Soleil. We attended panels and information sessions throughout the morning. In the early afternoon, we toured the Visual Arts building.

We met the department chair and faculty of the Visual Arts program. While Loyola is a beautiful college with a small, intimate campus set in the heart of the Garden District of New Orleans, we discovered that it wasn’t quite the right fit for Soleil. Soleil felt that the Visual Arts program was too small and they didn’t offer a major in illustration, which is what she is interested in. We will also be looking at the School of Visual Arts at Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge). They also offered Soleil a substantial scholarship and financial aid package.

After Loyola, we ate at Slice, a delicious pizzeria on Magazine Street uptown. You can order pizza by the slice and the pieces are HUGE and yummy. Soleil discovered a “funny” on our receipt. See if you can catch it…

Yes, that’s right. We had a slice of “ASS” for just $3.25! “ASS” stands for Artichoke, Spinach and Sun-dried tomatoes. Yes, the staff at Slice has a sense of humor…

Here is a picture of beautiful Soleil with her Dad.

And Soleil with me…

It’s hard to believe that my “baby” is all grown up now and going off to college… Sniffle! Graduation is just a few weeks away! But I know that wherever Soleil ends up going to college, she will not just survive, but thrive because she is that kind of person. Smart, caring, and incredibly talented. Not to mention gorgeous! Soleil, Dad and I will always be behind you, no matter what. You will reach the stars - skies the limit for you!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Friends:

Today, I did a professional development workshop for teachers at an elementary school in the metro New Orleans area. What made the day so special was that my youngest daughter, Eliana (7), accompanied me and was my little assistant throughout the workshop. She passed out supplies and even took all the pictures (except for the one of us). (Thank you, sweetheart! Mommy loves you!)

I began the workshop with a cut and tell of “Joseph Had an Overcoat.” It was fun seeing the teachers cut out all the shapes. Next, we moved to draw and tell stories. Here is a picture of my original draw and tell tale called “Catching the Pest.”

“Catching a Pest” uses the numbers 1-7 to illustrate the story and at the end, becomes a mouse. The teachers loved the story. Next, we did another draw and tell story titled “The Emperor’s Dragon,” based loosely on a Chinese folktale. It’s a fun story that kids love watching and drawing themselves.

Following that story, I told the story of “Bandana Man.” The teachers really responded to the story. It’s an adaptation of “The Gingerbread Man,” told with bandana folding. The story begins with an old woman…

Here’s my favorite old woman…

Here are the teachers with their bandana men. “Run, run, run as fast as you can. You can’t catch me, I’m Bandana Man.”

The workshop ended with the story of “The Stubborn Turnip,” a string story based on a Russian folktale. It was so much fun and the teachers loved every minute of it. Eliana helped me perform the story. She was definitely a show stopper! Here is a picture of us telling together.

It was a funtastic workshop full of energetic, enthusiastic teachers. I’ll get to see them again soon. Next Friday, I have  performances at their school for “Family Literacy Day.”

Eliana was such a big help that I treated her to a surprise lunch. Lunch was the show and the show was lunch! We went to a Hibachi Bar. It was a blast. The Hibachi chef really knew how to heat things up.

Eliana, thank you so much for all your help today. You were an absolute angel!

Happy Handmade Tales to You! Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne