3-12-10 Performing at the Kansas City Plaza Library

Friends:

After a very long, harrowing day of missed connections due to Continental Airline “maintenance” issues, I arrived in Kansas City safe and sound. My hostess, Children’s Book Author Christine Taylor-Butler, picked me up from the airport and brought me to my hotel in the Plaza area of Kansas City. I had time to freshen up, just in time to make it to the library for my storytelling concert and book signing.

It was so much fun! I began with The Cajun Cornbread Boy and then brought children on stage to be “roaches” for my story, Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. They danced and had a blast.

3-12-10 Performing Madame Poulet with children as little roaches on stage

I even had special people in attendance! My editor from ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited, Sharon Coatney; her daughter, Rache; and her grandson, Will. My friend and fellow storyteller, Joyce Slater, also came to the show! Thank you so much!!

I finished with a spooky favorite, “The Ghost of Mabel Gable.” The kids and grown-ups loved it. It has such a funny ending. After the show, I signed books, posters, and bookmarks. I had the sweetest fans!

3-12-10 Signing books and posters after the show

Special thanks to Christine Taylor-Butler for coordinating the event, to April from the Kansas City Plaza Library for hosting the event, to the AV and security staff of the library, and to Sherry, the CRM of the local Barnes & Noble, who handled book sales. I appreciate the opportunity to perform in such a beautiful space in such a fabulous library!

3-12-10 Inside a circle of books at the Kansas City Plaza Library

3-11-10 Author Dianne de Las Casas, Author Johnette Downing & Illustrator Holly Stone-Barker

Friends:

On Thursday, March 11, 2010, I was at the Louisiana Library Association Conference signing books for my publisher, Pelican Publishing Company. First, I signed The Cajun Cornbread Boy and Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach with Illustrator Marita Gentry.

3-11-10 Signing at LLA with Marita Gentry

Then I signed Mama’s Bayou with Illustrator Holly Stone-Barker.

3-11-10 Signing at LLA with Holly Stone-Barker

I was even lucky enough to hang out with my best friend, children’s musician and author, Johnette Downing. It was a terrific day! Thank you to Caitlin Smith of Pelican Publishing for doing such a marvelous job coordinating it all!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

3-6-10 Holly & Dianne perform at Cherry Books

Friends:

Holly Stone-Barker and I were at Cherry Books in Thibodaux, Louisiana this past Saturday for the launch of our new book, Mama’s Bayou. Unfortunately, due to a communication snafu, the bookstore had only one of my titles (Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach) and no copies of Mama’s Bayou. But the show must go on!

3-6-10 Holly demonstrates her cut paper & collage technique

Holly and I had a lot of fans in the bookstore so we put on a terrific show, gave away tons of prizes, and signed posters and bookmarks.

3-6-10 Fans pose with Dianne and Holly

We even had teachers drive from St. Mary Parish to see us. Thank you so much Mary Ann Hebert & krewe! We love you!

3-6-10 Teachers from St. Mary Parish come to the BIG BOOK BASH at Cherry Books

Despite our unfortunate circumstances, we gave our fans a terrific show and they had a ton of fun. On the way home from Thibodaux on Highway 1, I drove by this road… How cool is that?!

3-6-10 Bayou Mama Lane on Hwy. 1 in Lafourche Parish

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

3-5-10 Dianne teaches the hand motions to Mama's Bayou

Friends:

On Friday, Holly Stone-Barker (illustrator of Mama’s Bayou) and I had a BIG BASH book event to launch our new children’s picture book, Mama’s Bayou. The children’s section of Barnes & Noble was PACKED! Even Marita Gentry, the illustrator of my other children’s books (The Cajun Cornbread Boy and Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach) attended.

3-5-10 Barnes & Noble children's section is packed with fans!

I sang the story with audience participation while Holly guided the children and helped them place their magnets on the giant magnet board. Then Holly demonstrated her cut paper and collage technique, creating a dragonfly.

3-5-10 Holly demonstrates cut paper and collage, creating a dragonfly

Afterwards, we gave away TONS of prizes – the dragonfly art Holly created, book bags, stuffed gators, a cookie sheet magnet board, and a plush mama and baby frog that was the grand prize. Finally, it was time to sign books. Holly and I were busy the whole time, meeting, greeting and signing.

3-5-10 There is a long line waiting for autographs

We signed so many books that we sold out. There was not a single copy of Mama’s Bayou left on the shelves!

3-5-10 Dianne & Holly sign books and sell out!

It was a fabulous event. Barnes & Noble invited us to do another book signing in the summer! Thank you to our wonderful family, friends, and fans who came to see us and support us! A special thank you to Abby Hannie, Community Relations Manager of Barnes & Noble Citiplace in Baton Rouge and all the helpful staff at the store. You rock the bayou!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

2-24-10 Eliana is a gator for Mama's Bayou BIG BASH book launch

Friends:

I have been very busy preparing for the launch of my newest children’s picture book, Mama’s Bayou, illustrated by Holly Stone-Barker. Holly and I are holding our launch party this Saturday, February 27, 2010 at Octavia Books in Uptown New Orleans at 1:30pm. It’s truly going to be a BIG BASH!

The BIG BASH book party will include lively storytelling with audience participation (by moi) and an art demonstration by Holly Stone-Barker. You are not going to want to miss what we have in store!

We will be serving gourmet cake (in the shape of the frogs in the book) and swamp juice. The children will be given reading posters, bookmarks, and bear hugs postcards that they can stamp and mail to a loved one in addition to some other treats in a goody bag. We will be giving away door prizes including a GIANT Mama Frog and her big baby frog. Look at all these frogs!

2-24-10 Frogs sit in the office waiting for the BIG BASH book launch

In addition, we are holding other BIG BASH book signings in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at Barnes & Noble Citiplace on March 5, 2010 at 7pm and in Thibodaux, Louisiana at Cherry Books on March 6, 2010 at 11am.

And of course, we will be personalizing books. Mama’s Bayou is a gorgeous book. Holly and I have worked very hard not only to create a book that grown-ups and children will read and love together, but we have downloadable activities available on our websites to enhance the reading fun. http://www.storyconnection.net/?content=mamasBayou

We hope to see you at our special events! It’s a BIG BASH on Mama’s Bayou and you don’t want to miss this party!!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

1-26-10 Telling stories at Bissonet Plaza Elementary Family Literacy Night 1-26-10

Friends:

Tonight I was the featured author at Bissonet Plaza Elementary’s Saint-sational Family Literacy Night. I performed stories, sang, promoted reading, and signed books. My first story was Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. The students loved the story and really participated. It was so much fun to tell it to the Bissonet students because I have been their storyteller/author-in-residence every year (for 9 years) and the students know and love me. Of course, I love them right back!

1-26-10 Telling Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach

By request, I also told The Cajun Cornbread Boy. I don’t know who loved it more – the kids or the grown-ups! The students sang and participated in all the story’s motions. It was so much fun! Just look at these students blowing raspberries! LOL

1-26-10 Students participating in the story, The Cajun Cornbread Boy

After my performance, I signed books. I enjoyed being at one of my favorite schools around. A special thank you to Ellen Miller, who coordinated the event and invited me as their honored guest. Another special thank you to my sweet daughter, Eliana, who was my assistant and pro photographer!

Remember the magic number, Bissonet students… 20! Read 20 minutes a day to strengthen your thinking muscle!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

1-19-10 Performing for Quitman Lower Elementary 1st & 2nd grades

Friends:

Today I had the privilege of doing a school visit and a professional development workshop for Quitman Lower Elementary in Quitman, MS.

Angie Ledbetter, the Assistant Principal, was my contact person. My GPS misguided me to the wrong side of town and I called Angie on her cell phone in a panic. She was sweet and guided me in and greeted me upon my arrival. She told me that Carol Satterfield, a teacher and big “Fan of Dianne,” drove all the way from North Mississippi to see me and was spending the day at the school. How cool is that?!

Right before my first show, the Principal, Mr. Bounds, greeted me, welcomed me to the school, and introduced me to the students. I performed 2 shows. The first show was for pre-K and K. The second was for 1st and 2nd grades. It was so much fun and the students had a blast!

After my second show, Angie and another teacher, Tootsie, took me to lunch. We ate at a local restaurant, Skidmore’s Old Tyme Butcher Shop and Grill. They served delicious hot plates. I had fried chicken, cornbread, mac and cheese, green beans and peach cobbler. Talk about a Southern cooked meal!

1-19-10 Skidmore's Ole Tyme Butcher Shop and Grill in Quitman, MS

Lunch was so much fun. We laughed and laughed. Everyone that walked in the door could have been a book character! When we were finished eating, Tootsie said, “Now we have to clean our table and scrape off our plates.” It was like a flashback to junior high. So I took my dishes to the slop bucket and scraped off my plate. There was a big sign above the table where the bin for the dirty dishes was. It said, “Please do not throw your metal forks into the trash.”

Then Tootsie told me to read the fine print. Underneath that it said, “Throw away your spit cup please.” I’m not making this up! Better be careful… The white styrofoam cup you think is your drink might actually be someone’s spit cup! Eeeew. Of course, I HAD to take a picture!

1-19-10 Throw away your spit cup sign in Ole Tyme Butcher Shop restaurant in Quitman, MS

After lunch, we went back to school and I took a tour down the halls. The schools is one that really works to integrate the arts and the walls show it! There was art everywhere!

1-19-10 Students study Pointillism at Quitman Lower Elementary

A “Learning is Fun” attitude permeates the school’s atmosphere, from the administration to the staff to students. Quitman Lower Elementary’s teachers are enthusiastic and committed to their classrooms.

1-19-10 Learning is Fun mural in Quitman Lower Elementary

In the afternoon, the teachers came into the multipurpose room for my Story Fest workshop. It was so much fun sharing my signature story theater techniques with them. They were such great participants!

1-19-10 Teachers in Story Fest Workshop portraying a monkey swinging in the trees

They really embraced the story theater warm-up exercises, including Mr. Bounds, the school’s principal!

1-19-10 Mr. Bounds, Quitman Lower Elementary Principal, plays an old woman

I enjoyed their energy and willingness to step out of their comfort zones.

1-19-10 A lion and lioness coming out of a cave

When we were finished with the warm-up exercises, I divided the group in half and they created their own story theater. One group performed “The Turtle Who Could Not Stop Talking.”

The other group performed my brand new story theater script, adapted from my new book, Mama’s Bayou.

1-19-10 Teachers performing Mama's Bayou Story Theater

Afterwards, I signed tons of books and gave all the teachers reading posters. Every student received bookmarks. I really enjoyed my day at Quitman Lower Elementary. Thank you so much, Angie Ledbetter, for inviting me to Quitman. I love you and your school!

Tomorrow, I spend the day at Quitman Upper Elementary. Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

9-24-09 Dianne & Roaches dancing

Friends:

In September, I did an author visit with an elementary school in Tennessee. Over the holidays, I received a big box of fan mail from the second, third, fourth, and fifth grades, about 300 letters. They were so much fun to read. I am going to send a letter back with a few goodies for the students. Here are highlights from my favorites:

“The book was especially great, but hearing and seeing the movements of the story in real life was better. That is all I have to say, Miss Dianne. Your friend, Ryan” – 3rd grade

“You were very funny. You need to go to every school! They would love to see you perform! Your Friend, Kristina” – 3rd grade

“I love the part when Madame Poulet ate Monsieur Roach. It was so funny, I nearly ran out of breath. Love, Tyler” – 4th grade

“You’re the greatest author in the world! When I was helping you, I felt like I was going to faint! Your friend, Kalita” – 4th grade

“You put a smile on my face when no one could. Then I went the rest of the day happy. Love, Kendra” – 4th grade

“I love you, Miss Dianne. I told my mom and family the story. They loved it so much that they made me tell it two times. Your best, Elizabeth” – 4th grade

“Thank you for coming. I’ve never met a real live author before! If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t know what it was about, because I didn’t buy a book. You’re pretty too. And how many years do you have to stay in college to be an author? I just want to know. But you’re really cool. If other authors came, and I had to pick a favorite, it would be you! You’re the best!!! Your friend, Courtney” – 4th grade

“Thank you for coming to see us. We loved your stories. We had a blast. You’re wonderful. I love your dancing and your song to get back at your brother. It was funny that you ate Ms. Pearson. Hope you come back. Your friend, Britney” – 4th grade

“I’m your best friend, Madison. You know what?? You’re one of my BFFLs – Best Friends for Life!!! Thank you for coming to our school. Love your friend, Madison” – 4th grade (who drew a picture of me on a horse)

“I liked the part when you pretended to sneeze on my teacher. I almost laughed my brains out!!! Your friend, Colten” – 4th grade

“I had some friends that came and spent the night with me last weekend. I showed them your story and they loved it. When I went to their house, I showed their parents and they laughed to death. Your #1 Fan, Aliyah” - 4th grade

“You are the best author and storyteller. I think you should come again and tell us another story. If people don’t like your stories, they are crazy. Your fan, Christian” - 4th grade

“At first, I thought that it was going to be boring but it was not. It was pretty cool. Your book, Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach was one of the funniest books I have ever read. Your friend, Ethan” – 4th grade

“There’s a lot of roaches at my grandmother’s house so I will tell her to get a chicken. Yours truly, Nathan” - 4th grade

“Miss Dianne, you rock! Your stories spoke to me. Nobody is more creative than you. You’re so awesome that you have inspired me to write a book. You have inspired so many people with your books. Thanks, Savannah” - 5th grade

“Thank you very much. I liked it because it came from the heart. You didn’t make it up as you went. Your biggest fan, Lucas” – 5th grade

“I love your stories most of all. I have seen and heard a whole lot of authors in my 10 years of age but I don’t think I have ever heard anything like you before. Wait, I know I haven’t. I love your books so much and I wish I had enough money to buy all of your books. Sincerely, your most biggest fan ever, Sain” – 5th grade

“Thank you for coming. I really love your gorgice (gorgeous) eyes. You are really wonderful at telling stories. I wish you could come back and tell us more of your wonderful stories. Your Biggest Fan, Miranda” – 5th grade

“I really loved your book. It was amazing, funny, and a great children’s book. You are a great author and an amazing storyteller. I love the expressions you gave in your stories. They were hilarious. I also liked your song. It was great. It was a blessing to have you. Truly Yours, Sarah” – 5th grade

“I wasn’t here when you came but all my friends told me you were wonderful. I believe them and I think you were awesome. I think the book is genius. Yours truly, Christopher” – 5th grade

“Thank you for coming to my school. It was very nice of your to come from New Orleans, Louisiana all the way up to Tennessee. I really, really enjoyed Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach and the spooky story. As soon as I got home, I told my mother. She said, ‘I would like to hear that again.’ So thank you. Sincerely, Tanner P.S. You look very pretty” – 5th grade

“This is Caitlin, the girl who cheered for you. You were cool and a big bowl of fun too! I would like hear another one of your books! Your biggest fan, Caitlin” – 5th grade

These letters brought such a big smile to my face and left an indelible imprint on my heart. Thank you very much, Hillsboro Elementary! YOU rock!!

Until next time,

Warmly, Dianne

12-12-09 Signing books for fans at Sam's Club in Gulfport, MS

Friends:

This weekend, I had book signings at Sam’s Clubs in Gulfport, Mississippi; Slidell, Louisiana and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. My first book signing was in Gulfport on Saturday at 10:00am. The store was ready for me and set me up near the books and CDs, which the manager said was the busiest part of the store. She was right! There was a lot of traffic. Right away, I had people lining up to get a signed book. One of the young fans I met, Chaz, is going to do an author study on me for his social studies fair project! I am very flattered. Thank you, Chaz!

12-12-09 Dianne de Las Casas with Chaz, a young fan who will be doing an author study on me for school

I enjoyed sharing the book with people. It was a great book signing.

12-12-09 Showing Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach to fans

Next, I headed to Slidell, Louisiana for my next book signing at 2:00pm. It was storming and traffic was slow at first. But as the rain let up, people started to trickle in.

12-12-09 Book signing at Sam's Club in Slidell, LA

I signed and sold a good number of books but what really made my day was meeting a first grade teacher from Cypress Cove Elementary. She was so sweet and excited to meet me.

12-12-09 Signing books for a first grade teacher at Cypress Cove Elementary

On Sunday, I traveled to Baton Rouge for my final book signing at Sam’s Club. I signed from 10am to 12pm and met some wonderful people. Janice Fussell, a proud grandmother, bought both books for her grandson and said she couldn’t wait for my forthcoming titles! Janice was so excited about meeting me and just gushed about my books to everyone that passed by. Thanks, Janice!! You totally made my day!

Then a man stopped and bought 2 copies of The Cajun Cornbread Boy for his daughter, a first year school teacher. I always give educators and librarians a signed reading poster so I gave him one for his daughter. Good luck teaching, Erin!

12-13-09 Signing books at Sam's Club in Baton Rouge, LA

Sam’s Clubs book signings are different than other book signings. You have to grab people’s attention and attract them to the book signing table as they walk by. At book stores, people are there for books but at Sam’s Clubs, the shoppers are there for everything else. It was a challenge but I met some wonderful people and I enjoyed myself. This was the last book signing before Christmas and now, I enjoy a welcome break from book signings. I look forward to some “down time” during the holidays to spend with my family.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

12-11-09 Dianne de Las Casas, Marita Gentry & Alyson Guidry

Friends:

On Friday, right after my residency, I had to head to Baton Rouge for a book signing at Barnes & Noble Citiplace. Marita Gentry, the illustrator of my books, The Cajun Cornbread Boy and Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, sketched live while I performed the story from our latest book, Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach.

12-11-09 Marita Gentry draws Monsieur Roach pretending to be sick

We performed in the children’s section on the stage. I had children from the audience come to the stage and be roaches in the story, singing and dancing.

12-11-09 Monsieur Roach yells Laissez les bon temps rouler!

We had a great crowd. The children’s area was full of fans, big and little! Yay!

12-11-09 The audience at the performance of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach

We gave away Marita’s drawings and then signed books.

12-11-09 Dianne de Las Casas & Marita Gentry sign books

We had a lot of people patiently wait for us to autograph their books. Thank you!

12-11-09 The autograph line

We posed for pictures with our sweet little fans and had a wonderful time!

12-11-09 Dianne & Marita with a cutie pie fan

It was a great, successful event and we had a blast! Thank you, Barnes & Noble, for having us. We look forward to returning!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne de Las Casas