Posts Tagged ‘Book Signing’

The Cajun Cornbread Boy Book Signing at A Tisket A Tasket in the French Quarter – Sunday, February 8, 2009

Sunday, February 8th, 2009
The Cajun Cornbread Boy in the Window of A Tisket A Tasket in the French Quarter, New Orleans 2-8-09

The Cajun Cornbread Boy in the Window of A Tisket A Tasket in the French Quarter, New Orleans 2-8-09

Friends:

I had a phenomenal book signing at A Tisket A Tasket gift store in the New Orleans French Quarter. Marita Gentry, the talented illustrator of the book, was with me. Lisa Jones, the owner of the store set up a table outside on the sidewalk in front of the store. I told the story live as Marita drew the characters on a large pad. We had quite a crowd gather. It was my first time “street performing” in New Orleans! LOL Afterwards, we signed books.

The Cajun Cornbread Boy, Dianne de Las Casas & Marita Gentry posing with a fan 2-8-09

The Cajun Cornbread Boy, the Gator, Dianne de Las Casas & Marita Gentry posing with a fan 2-8-09

It was nonstop for the two hours we were there. We never stopped signing books. Yay! Lisa was such a gracious hostess and even invited me to come back and sign books on the last weekend of Jazz Fest (first weekend in May).

Marita Gentry, Lisa Jones of A Tisket A Tasket & Dianne de Las Casas 2-8-09

Marita Gentry, Lisa Jones of A Tisket A Tasket & Dianne de Las Casas 2-8-09

After my book signing, my family and I went walking in the French Quarter. Eliana (my 8 year old) and her cousin, Camrynn (9 years old) had their faces painted. Too cute!

Face Painting Clown with Eliana & Camrynn in the French Quarter 2-8-09

Face Painting Woman with Eliana & Camrynn in the French Quarter 2-8-09

We walked around on Decatur Street. I wanted to take pictures as research for my next children’s picture book with Marita, Madame Poule’ and Monsieur Roach, awhich is set in the New Orleans French Quarter.

New Orleans French Quarter 2-8-09

New Orleans French Quarter 2-8-09

It was a gorgeous day with temperatures in the 70s. Tourists and locals alike were milling about. It was the perfect day to tour the French Quarter and the French Market.

New Orleans French Market 2-8-09

New Orleans French Market 2-8-09

After walking around, we ate at Fiorella’s, famous for their fried chicken. Then we had beignets at Cafe’ Du Monde. It was a great day!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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The Cajun Cornbread Boy Book Signing at Octavia Books – Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Saturday, February 7th, 2009
Marita Gentry Illustrates as Dianne de Las Casas tells The Cajun Cornbread Boy at Octavia Books 2-4-09

Marita Gentry Illustrates as Dianne de Las Casas tells The Cajun Cornbread Boy at Octavia Books 2-4-09

Friends:

I had the most amazing book signing experience at Octavia Books in the Garden District in New Orleans. Tom and Judith, the owners, were so wonderful and such gracious hosts.

Marita Gentry, illustrator of The Cajun Cornbread Boy, drew the pictures live as I told the story. I had the crowd laughing, giggling and participating in the story. It was a blast! Afterwards, Marita gave the drawings away to the kids in the crowd. How cool is that?!

Marita Gentry & Dianne de Las Casas pose with fans at Octavia Books 2-4-09

Marita Gentry & Dianne de Las Casas pose with fans at Octavia Books 2-4-09

We signed books for about 2 hours. I just love Tom and Judith, who made Marita and I feel so welcome.

Dianne de Las Casas & Marita Gentry sign books at Octavia Books in New Orleans 2-4-09

Dianne de Las Casas & Marita Gentry sign books at Octavia Books in New Orleans 2-4-09

Eliana, my little 8 year old, fell in love with Pippin, Octavia’s resident dog. Now she wants a puppy! LOL

Eliana falls in love with Pippin, the resident dog of Octavia Books 2-4-09

Eliana falls in love with Pippin, the resident dog of Octavia Books 2-4-09

What a wonderful experience for all of us. Thank you, Octavia Books! We love you!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Phenomenal Week with New Books and Book Signing! Saturday, December 20, 2008

Sunday, December 21st, 2008
The Cajun Cornbread Boy Book Signing 12-20-08

The Cajun Cornbread Boy Book Signing 12-20-08

Friends:

On Saturday, December 20, 2008, I had my first book signing for my first children’s picture book,The Cajun Cornbread Boy. The book signing was at Maple Street Children’s Book Shop in New Orleans. It was fun because I was signing books with my best friend, Johnette Downing, Children’s Musician and Author. Johnette was signing her brand new book, Chef Creole.

I am so excited because my book was not supposed to arrive this early. It was quite a rush to make them available for the holiday season. But I have shipped out a ton of books to my sweet fans. Here is a picture of me with my #1 fans, my family – my husband, Antonio, oldest daughter, Soleil, and youngest daughter, Eliana.

The Cajun Cornbread Boy Book Signing with family - 12-20-08

The Cajun Cornbread Boy Book Signing with family - 12-20-08

This week held another surprise for me – my other new book arrived: Tangram Tales: Story Theater with the Ancient Chinese Puzzle published by Libraries Unlimited.

Tangram Tales: Story Theater with the Ancient Chinese Puzzle 12-20-08

Tangram Tales: Story Theater with the Ancient Chinese Puzzle 12-20-08

But the icing on the cake this week was reconnecting with my best friend from high school (through FaceBook), Fe Reyes Del Rosario. She is a 5th grade teacher and lives in Southern California with her husband and three children. We’ve been talking on the phone every day! I just adore her.

Dianne de Las Casas and Fe Del Rosario Best Friends in High School 1986

Dianne de Las Casas and Fe Del Rosario Best Friends in High School 1986

So, it’s been a phenomenal week. Lots of good things in my life! What wonderful Christmas Gifts!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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