by dlcasas on September 2, 2010
The Gigantic Sweet Potato Book Cover
THE GIGANTIC SWEET POTATO
Author: de las Casas, Dianne
Illustrator: Gentry, Marita
Review Date: September 1, 2010
Publisher:Pelican
Pages: 32
Price ( Hardback ): $16.99
Publication Date: September 1, 2010
ISBN ( Hardback ): 978-1-58980-755-6
Category: Picture Books
As soon as she feels a hankering for sweet-potato pie, Ma Farmer knows what to add to her excellent vegetable garden. Colorful watercolors accompany the rhythmic text and add a touch of foreshadowing; the indomitable mouse that eventually solves the problem close at hand appears early to watch the goings-on. Based on the Russian folktale “The Giant Turnip,” this lighthearted story stars Ma rather than Pa as the gardener and traces the growth of the sweet potato from farmer’s market to kitchen jar, then through planting, watering and growth. When it’s time to harvest, the fun begins, as Ma Farmer enlists Pa and a variety of farmyard animals to help when the potato remains resolutely rooted underground. Children will happily join in with the repetitive, cumulative text and enjoy the satisfying end, which naturally features sweet-potato pie (and a recipe for it). A nice tie-in to school- or home-based gardening projects, this tasty selection is a solid interpretation of the classic tale, with appealing pictures and a strong female character. (Picture book/folktale. 3-7)
by dlcasas on August 25, 2010
8-23-10 Eliana is Rapunzel in the Library's Castle
Friends:
Being at home and not traveling has given me this sense of “nesting.” I love my home and enjoy cooking and cozying up with a good book. But then there’s sometimes “too much of a good thing.” Last week, I was terribly sick, sneezing, wheezing, snuffling and puffling on my inhaler. I was in bed most of the time and read lots of books but I did not venture outside the entire week. I was feeling a little (a lot) claustrophobic and in need of a new environment. So I decided to recharge my creative battery at my local library!
I have fond memories of the West Bank Regional Library in Jefferson Parish. It’s the library that began my career as a storyteller. It’s the library that reignited my passion for writing children’s books. It’s the library that provided me with books that taught me the art of storytelling and children’s book publishing.
Well, the library suffered major damage as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The library fell in disrepair and she slumped under roof leaks and itched with a moldy rash. Imagine my surprise when yesterday, I walked into the “new” library, fresh from renovation. She stands tall and proud, boasting new furniture, a better-organized floor plan, and free Wifi. She has an air of vibrancy she never projected post-Katrina. There are multiple outlets for laptops and other electronic devices. And there are cool self check-out machines. The children’s area is pretty with colorful chairs and tables and a magnificent two-story castle! Eliana loved it and climbed to the top, pretending to be “Rapunzel.”
8-23-10 My books at my local library!
I even found my picture books at the library! To think that ten years ago, I gazed wistfully at the shelves, hoping one day that my books would be found next to “Tomie dePaola.” And today, it is a reality (de Las Casas is indeed next to dePaola).
I couldn’t think of a better place to work and do the final edits to my upcoming book, There’s a Dragon in the Library (Pelican Publishing, Spring 2010). There’s a castle in the library in my book and there’s a REAL castle in my local library! How fitting and serendipitous, I think. My book’s life began in a library and continues its life in the library. So for the past couple of days, I lounged at the library, loving the stacks. I even checked out a couple of books (okay 10 if you want to get technical).
Libraries are still wonderfully magical to me…
Until next time…
Warmly, Dianne
by dlcasas on August 16, 2010
The Gigantic Sweet Potato book, paper bag sweet potato, and cardboard roll mouse
“As cherubs get ready to go to school this fall, show how much fun they can have with learning – and teamwork – with The Gigantic Sweet Potato. Adapted from a Russian folktale, “The Giant Turnip,” Harvey author-storyteller Dianne de Las Casas brings us another charming read-aloud with Louisiana roots, literally. Ma Farmer enlists the help of her hubby and animals big and small to help her with a particularly troublesome sweet potato. Illustrator Marita Gentry of Walker creates a colorful world with clues of what comes next. “Sweet Potato Fun Facts” might even help get picky eaters to eat their veggies. Or you could make a pie with the included recipe, of course.” – New Orleans Magazine, August 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
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
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
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
by dlcasas on July 15, 2010
The Gigantic Sweet Potato book, paper bag sweet potato, and cardboard roll mouse
Friends:
Here is a great Book Craft you can do with my book, The Gigantic Sweet Potato, illustrated by Marita Gentry and published by Pelican Publishing Company. They are easy and fun!
The Gigantic Sweet Potato book and cardboard roll mouse
Cardboard Roll Mouse
Materials:
4-5″ cardboard paper roll
construction paper
chenille sticks (white)
Googly eyes
glue
stapler
black marker
Directions:
To make the mouse, from construction paper, cut out a tail and two ears. Pinch one end of the tissue paper roll shut, inserting the tail in the middle. Staple it shut. Wrap the tail around a pen or pencil to create a curl. Pinch the opposite end of the tissue paper roll in the opposite direction (it will look like a triangle). Glue ears at the top and a Googly eye on each side. With a black marker, color the bottom tip, creating a nose. Cut two small white pieces of chenille stick and fold it in half, creating whiskers. Glue on each side of the nose. Your mouse is ready.
Paper Bag Sweet Potato Craft
Materials:
brown paper lunch bag
plastic grocery bags or newspaper
1 green chenille stick
1 sheet green construction paper
orange crayons or orange paint
green marker
hole punch
tape
Directions:
Color or paint every side of a brown paper lunch bag orange. Stuff the bag with plastic bags or newspaper. Cut 3-4 leaves from construction paper and hole punch the top of the leaf. Draw a green line down the middle. Thread leaves on the chenille stick, securing them with a piece of tape. Close the bag by wrapping the end of the chenille stick around the top of the bag. Crumple the bag slightly to give it a less uniform look so that it resembles the misshapen figure of a sweet potato.
The Gigantic Sweet Potato book and paper bag sweet potato
Until next time…
Warmly, Dianne
by dlcasas on July 14, 2010
7-10-10 Dianne de Las Casas & Holly Stone-Barker perform Mama's Bayou at Barnes & Noble in Baton Rouge on Perkins Road
Friends:
This past Saturday, Holly Stone-Barker and I signed copies of our book, Mama’s Bayou at the new Barnes & Noble store on Perkins Road in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I performed the story with the help of the kids. The children placed the magnets on our giant story time magnet board, which replicates a page in our book.
7-10-10 The children place the animals on the Mama's Bayou story time magnet board
Then after the performance, Holly demonstrated her cut paper and collage art, creating a dragonfly. We gave the dragonflies away to the audience, along with a goody bag. Then we headed to the front of the store to sign books. Carron Fillingim, the Community Relations Manger, was so sweet and fun. I look forward to working with her again!
7-10-10 Holly demonstrates a cut paper and collage dragonfly
More book signings are coming up this Fall. The Gigantic Sweet Potato illustrated by Marita Gentry is coming in September!
Keep checking my schedule and join my Facebook Fan Page for updates. http://www.facebook.com/fanofdianne
Until next time…
Warmly, Dianne
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
