by dlcasas on March 22, 2010
3-20-10 Dianne dances with roaches in Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach
Friends:
On Saturday, Marita Gentry and I had a performance and book signing event at Cherry Books in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Before our show, we were interviewed by Woody Falgoust, owner of Cherry Books and TV Host of the show, Books on the Bayou. Woody was so warm and welcoming. He was a great host and made both Marita and I feel at ease, talking to us about our children’s book collaborations. When the TV segment is ready, we’ll let you know!
3-20-10 Marita illustrates Monsieur Roach pretending to be sick
Marita and I performed Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, a New Orleans folktale about why chickens and roaches are no longer friends. Marita illustrated while I told the story with tons of audience participation. We had a great crowd and I pulled several children from the audience to be “roaches” in the story.
3-20-10 Dianne and Marita perform together
Marita is so good drawing live and her illustrations are so cute. It’s a great example of how a story comes to life through pictures. She is at ease at the easel, drawing wicked fast to the amazement of the audience!
Afterward, we gave away Marita’s drawings to all the children in the audience. We also gave out posters, bookmarks, and postcards.
3-20-10 Dianne gives away Marita's drawings
Of course, we signed books too and took pictures with our little fans and friends. I love the people in Thibodaux. They are so sweet!
3-20-10 Dianne and Marita with fans at Cherry Books in Thibodaux
We had a great time at Cherry Books. Thank you to Woody and Susie Falgoust for being such big fans of our work! And thank you to Phyllis, their hardworking manager. Laissez les bon temps rouler!
Until next time…
Warmly, Dianne
by dlcasas on November 14, 2009
11-14-09 Dianne & Marita with fans at Cherry Books
Friends:
Today I was at Cherry Books in Thibodaux, Louisiana with my illustrator, Marita Gentry promoting our new book, Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. Cherry Books is a beautiful little independent book store in Thibodaux on Canal Boulevard. The inside is so cute and they change the decor of children’s section to reflect the seasons. Look at this fantastic holiday Nutcracker!
11-14-09 The giant holiday nutcracker at Cherry Books
Marita illustrated live while I told the story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. The girls were given roach antennae tiaras while the boys were given party hats. They played story shakers and danced with me. It was so much fun!
11-14-09 Marita draws while Dianne and the roaches dance
Here is a close-up of Marita’s live illustration.
11-14-09 Close-up of Marita drawing
Afterwards, we passed out the illustrations to the audience and then signed books and the illustrations.
11-14-09 Dianne & Marita sign books and illustrations
We had “old” fans (from The Cajun Cornbread Boy) and new fans! This little boy, Samuel, said that when he grows up, he wants to become our assistant! Too cute!
11-14-09 Dianne & Marita with Samuel
Marita and I had so much fun at Cherry Books. The book store said that we are welcome to Cherry Books any time! I look forward to returning in the spring with my new book, Mama’s Bayou.
11-14-09 Madame Poulet and her twin?!!
Eliana, my 9 year old daughter, is a great little photographer. Check out this self-portrait!
11-14-09 Eliana wears Monsieur Roach on her head
After the book signing, Antonio, Eliana and I went to Thibodauxville, a big festival that takes place in downtown Thibodaux. My friend, Debbie Ruester and her daughter, Rebecca, were there and we visited with them for a while. The weather was perfect, the food was delicious and we ate a hearty lunch of Louisiana festival food: brisket sandwich, meat pies, Cajun sausage sandwich, bread pudding, and peanut butter fudge. YUM!
11-14-09 A mansion for auction in downtown Thibodaux
Thibodaux is a really cute town nestled next to the bayou. It is the home of Nicholls State University which now boasts the John Folse Culinary Institute. I love this picture of St. Joseph Co-Cathedral.
11-14-09 St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux
It was a wonderful day to be in Thibodaux. A special thank you to Marita Gentry, my talented illustrator, Pelican Publishing for publishing our books, and the staff of Cherry Books for always supporting us! And of course, thank you and a big hugs to all of our little (and big) fans in the bayou region. 
Until next time…
Warmly, Dianne
