There's A Dragon in the Library book cover

Friends:

Not long ago, I announced a contest: Send me a picture of a dragon or castle in your favorite library (school or public) and win a signed copy of my new book, There’s A Dragon in the Library illustrated by Marita Gentry as well as a signed copy of the sketched dummy. We have a winner! Woo hoo! Drumroll….

Lisa Daniels from the Augusta Public Library in Augusta, Kansas sent in this…

Dragon Mural in Augusta Public Library, Kansas

Here is a closeup of that amazing dragon!

Dragon Mural Closeup in Augusta Public Library, Kansas

This what Lisa said: “These pictures are of the mural in our Children’s Department. The castle surrounded by bricks is our elevator! We never tire of looking at it and our kids thoroughly enjoy finding all the woodland creatures scattered throughout!”

Castle Elevator in Augusta Public Library, Kansas

Lisa, thank you for your awesome entry! Your prize is on its way!

I still have one more prize to give away. Send your pictures to me at dianne@storyconnection or post them to my Facebook Fan page http://www.facebook.com/fanofdianne

Until next time… Remember, books are for reading, not for eating!

Dragon Tales, Dianne

The Cajun Cornbread Boy Puppet with Alligator - 12-16-08

Friends,

I am so excited! My first picture book for children, The Cajun Cornbread Boy, came in! My publisher, Pelican Publishing Company, is based in New Orleans so my husband picked up a case of books for me today. The books are beautiful! They are scheduled for a Spring 2009 release so getting the books this early is quite a delicious surprise. I have my first book signing on Saturday so, with the help of my daughter Soleil (who is majoring in art at LSU), I made The Cajun Cornbread Boy puppet. He came out better than I had hoped.

Cajun Cornbread Boy puppet w book - 12-16-08

I absolutely adore him! He is made out of felt, 8 inch cardboard cake circles, jumbo craft sticks, chenille sticks, foam, paper, and an enormous amount of hot glue. I have the burn marks to prove it! LOL There was even a bit of hand sewing involved. He was quite labor intensive (about 3 hours from start to finish) but well worth the effort.

I hope The Cajun Cornbread Boy will run into the hearts of many readers and spice up many children’s bookshelves! You can order your own autographed copy of the book from the Story Connection Store. http://storyconnection.net/?content=store If you order by Friday, December 19, 2008, you’ll get it in time for Christmas!

Spice up your holidays with The Cajun Cornbread Boy.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Batty Sock Bat Craft - October 17, 2008

Batty Sock Bat Craft

Supplies:
New sock
Fiberfill stuffing
1 large sheet of foam matching the color of sock
1 Red chenille stick
1 chenille stick in a color matching the sock
Two medium size Googly Eyes
White cardstock or index card
Hot glue

Directions:
Stuff one sock with fiberfill about 3/4 full. Tie the end of the sock closed with a matching chenille stick, leaving a long piece to use as a hanger. Cut wings and ears out of foam and hot glue to the body. Glue on Googly Eyes. Cut a small piece of red chenille stick to create a mouth. Cut two sharp fangs out of cardstock or index card. Glue to body. When complete, hang upside down in front of a window. This is a great craft to go with the book, Bats at the Library!