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