The Gigantic Sweet Potato Book Cover

THE GIGANTIC SWEET POTATO
Author: de las Casas, Dianne
Illustrator: Gentry, Marita

Review Date: September 1, 2010
Publisher:Pelican
Pages: 32
Price ( Hardback ): $16.99
Publication Date: September 1, 2010
ISBN ( Hardback ): 978-1-58980-755-6
Category: Picture Books

As soon as she feels a hankering for sweet-potato pie, Ma Farmer knows what to add to her excellent vegetable garden. Colorful watercolors accompany the rhythmic text and add a touch of foreshadowing; the indomitable mouse that eventually solves the problem close at hand appears early to watch the goings-on. Based on the Russian folktale “The Giant Turnip,” this lighthearted story stars Ma rather than Pa as the gardener and traces the growth of the sweet potato from farmer’s market to kitchen jar, then through planting, watering and growth. When it’s time to harvest, the fun begins, as Ma Farmer enlists Pa and a variety of farmyard animals to help when the potato remains resolutely rooted underground. Children will happily join in with the repetitive, cumulative text and enjoy the satisfying end, which naturally features sweet-potato pie (and a recipe for it). A nice tie-in to school- or home-based gardening projects, this tasty selection is a solid interpretation of the classic tale, with appealing pictures and a strong female character. (Picture book/folktale. 3-7)

8-23-10 Eliana is Rapunzel in the Library's Castle

Friends:

Being at home and not traveling has given me this sense of “nesting.” I love my home and enjoy cooking and cozying up with a good book. But then there’s sometimes “too much of a good thing.” Last week, I was terribly sick, sneezing, wheezing, snuffling and puffling on my inhaler. I was in bed most of the time and read lots of books but I did not venture outside the entire week. I was feeling a little (a lot) claustrophobic and in need of a new environment. So I decided to recharge my creative battery at my local library!

I have fond memories of the West Bank Regional Library in Jefferson Parish. It’s the library that began my career as a storyteller. It’s the library that reignited my passion for writing children’s books. It’s the library that provided me with books that taught me the art of storytelling and children’s book publishing.

Well, the library suffered major damage as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The library fell in disrepair and she slumped under roof leaks and itched with a moldy rash. Imagine my surprise when yesterday, I walked into the “new” library, fresh from renovation. She stands tall and proud, boasting new furniture, a better-organized floor plan, and free Wifi. She has an air of vibrancy she never projected post-Katrina. There are multiple outlets for laptops and other electronic devices. And there are cool self check-out machines. The children’s area is pretty with colorful chairs and tables and a magnificent two-story castle! Eliana loved it and climbed to the top, pretending to be “Rapunzel.”

8-23-10 My books at my local library!

I even found my picture books at the library! To think that ten years ago, I gazed wistfully at the shelves, hoping one day that my books would be found next to “Tomie dePaola.” And today, it is a reality (de Las Casas is indeed next to dePaola).

I couldn’t think of a better place to work and do the final edits to my upcoming book, There’s a Dragon in the Library (Pelican Publishing, Spring 2010). There’s a castle in the library in my book and there’s a REAL castle in my local library! How fitting and serendipitous, I think. My book’s life began in a library and continues its life in the library. So for the past couple of days, I lounged at the library, loving the stacks. I even checked out a couple of books (okay 10 if you want to get technical).

Libraries are still wonderfully magical to me…

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

The Gigantic Sweet Potato book, paper bag sweet potato, and cardboard roll mouse

“As cherubs get ready to go to school this fall, show how much fun they can have with learning – and teamwork – with The Gigantic Sweet Potato. Adapted from a Russian folktale, “The Giant Turnip,” Harvey author-storyteller Dianne de Las Casas brings us another charming read-aloud with Louisiana roots, literally. Ma Farmer enlists the help of her hubby and animals big and small to help her with a particularly troublesome sweet potato. Illustrator Marita Gentry of Walker creates a colorful world with clues of what comes next. “Sweet Potato Fun Facts” might even help get picky eaters to eat their veggies. Or you could make a pie with the included recipe, of course.” – New Orleans Magazine, August 2010

SCBWI Picture August 2010

Friends:

What an exciting week it has been! I was at one of the best SCBWI conferences I have attended. The keynotes were funny, inspiring, thought-provoking, and moving.

8-1-10 Yes, a room with a view!

My roommate, Mary Jo Huff, and I traveled from the NSN Conference, where the day before, I presented a master class in “Taming Technology.” The first keynote of the day was Jon Scieszka, resident funny guy. His topic was: “Tales of a Picture Book Writer: Do’s, Don’ts, Maybes.” The best advice he gave, in my opinion, was “Read every picture book you possibly can.”

Following Jon was M.T. Anderson. I didn’t take notes during his presentation because I was so caught up in it. His topic was “The End of All Our Exploring: The Journey of Narrative.” He talked about how he came to the place where he wrote his books, full of humor and whimsy. He ended with a rousing, self-composed song about Delaware.

Then it was time for the workshops. I was on the pro track so I attended “Networking/Twitter 101″ with Alice Pope and Greg Pincus. It was a good workshop. Though I personally have a handle on social media, I liked hearing their perspective and saw how helpful they were to the other workshop participants.

7-30-10 - Alice Pope and Greg Pincus teaching Social Media 101

Then it was time for lunch! I attended the pro track luncheon with faculty with the topic of “Staying Financially Afloat.” The discussion got a little carried away by one of the participants but, nevertheless, I still took away valuable pieces of information. I also met one of my new BFFs, Samantha Berger. It was serendipitous that we sat next to each other because we just connected instantly! She is now my “Samberger.”

7-31-10 Dianne de Las Casas and her new BFF, Samantha Berger

My next pro track workshop was with Jennifer Hunt, Editor with Little Brown. Her topic was “Peak to Peak: How to Build a Career After Your First Book.” She is so eloquent and gracious and you can tell her authors adore her. I had the great fortune of spending more time with her and can’t wait to read the book she edited, Ninth Ward, based in New Orleans before and after Katrina.

The afternoon keynote was with Loren Long on “The Picture Book: My Two Cents Worth.” I enjoyed seeing how his career shaped and how every book builds upon the previous book. He is the illustrator of Madonna’s Mr. Peabody’s Apples and one of the illustrators for Jon Scieszka’s Truck Town series.

That evening, there was the wine and cheese reception honoring the pro track members with book sales. Lots of great authors were there! Here is a picture (taken the last day) of me with one of my favorite picture book authors, Tammi Sauer. She is an incredible person and such an energetic spirit!

8-2-10 Dianne de Las Casas and PB Author, Tammi Sauer (Chicken Dance)

I socialized late into the night and made many wonderful connections! The next day, I skipped the first morning keynote by Gordon Korman. Sometimes, you just have to make choices! I chose to sleep in… The next event was a panel of literary agents (Josh Adams, Ginger Clark, Lisa Grubka & Ken Wright). It was interesting to hear all the different perspectives. Ginger Clark emphasized that she liked to work with authors to shape their careers.

The next pro track workshop was “Skyping the School Visit” with Bruce Hale.

7-30-10 - Bruce Hale teaches Skype the School Visit in the Pro Track

Bruce did a great job explaining how Skype school visits work. He also had a mock visit with Jarrett Krosoczka (author of the Lunch Lady series), showing the audience what did and didn’t work. Bruce plowed marvelously through some technical difficulties too. It was a useful pro track workshop. Bruce is a personal friend and he blurbed my new book, The Gigantic Sweet Potato.

7-30-10 - Dianne de Las Casas and Bruce Hale have a dramatic moment

I lunched with friends and took an extra long lunch. After years of attending conferences, I have come to realize that you can’t always attend every single event scheduled or your head might explode. Just as important to me are the face-to-face connections I make with new friends or old friends I don’t often see, like my friends, Linda Joy Singleton or Verla Kay.

8-2-10 Dianne de Las Casas and the incredible Linda Joy Singleton, YA Author

The second afternoon keynote was by E.B. Lewis. He was, by far, my favorite. He made me laugh, sigh and cry! His art is incredible and I loved seeing his artistic process, how he adds such realism and depth to his paintings. He is also a thinker and said some profound things, “As artists, we need to fill ourselves to overflowing so we can give it all back…” He also said, “Teachers can’t hug their children anymore so I paint hugging scenes in all my books so they can hug through the book.” Wow, just wow!

My afternoon pro track was with Christopher Cheng, “A Step by Step Guide to Making Your Own Book Trailers.” This was a great nuts and bolts workshop for attendees. I just finished creating my fourth book trailer and I believe in their value and importance. A direct result of the workshop was seeing Verla Kay create a book trailer at the conference for her book, What Happened to the Pony Express? Great job, Christopher! You motivated!!

That night was the Heart and Soul gala so I decided to go to my room and get ready. I wore a sparkly tiara, a glittery red dress, killer peeptoe stillettos, and a giant heart necklace. It was so much fun getting all dolled up!

7-31-10 Dianne de Las Casas and those red hot Texas authors!

I had so much fun dancing, dancing, dancing! I danced with the inimitable Jay Asher and a host of other freaking cool people!

7-31-10 Cupid (Jay Asher), draw back your bow...

Connie Mustang and Lynn Marie Pisano were absolutely gorgeous!

7-31-10 The Soul Taker (Lynn Marie Pisano), the Heart Breaker (Dianne de Las Casas) & the Love Maker (Connie Mustang) Dang!

Here I am with one of my dear friends and favorite authors, Ellen Hopkins! Ellen is a writer’s writer. She is talented, funny, and so encouraging. You’ll never find another “big time” author with a bigger heart than Ellen…

7-31-10 Dianne de Las Casas and the FABULOUS Ellen Hopkins!

I HAD to get a picture with the charming, witty and cool Lin Oliver! How she does it all, I’ll never understand…. She is a master of ceremonies, especially this one!

7-31-10 Dianne de Las Casas with Lin Oliver, the Grand Dame of SCBWI

I had so much fun; I even danced on stage and sang Salt and Pepa’s “Push It.” Afterwards, I danced late into the night with all my friends at the X Bar, the lounge inside the hotel. The bar was right next to the elevator to my room. How convenient!

7-31-10 Dianne de Las Casas, Linda Sue Park and another great author (sorry I don't remember! argh!)

It was quite a night! But I was at SCBWI not to party, but to work so…

8-1-10 Do you think the people at MGM are looking into my room

On Sunday, the day began late for me. I attended the pro track workshop with Alexis O’Neill on “School Visits: Setting Fees, Getting Gigs, and Delivering the Goods.” Everyone in the workshop was so hungry for the information Alexis had to offer that she was constantly peppered with questions. She definitely needed more time as did the participants because they devoured the information.

Then it was time for the Golden Kite Luncheon. Below are the Tweets I posted during the luncheon in real time:

@inkyelbows Congratulations on your 2010 #SCBWI Portfolio Showcase Award! U rock! #LA10SCBWI

Christopher Cheng fr Australia wins the #SCBWI member of the year. #LA10SCBWI
storyconnection Aug 01, 3:16pm via HootSuite

A very moving tribute by Lin Oliver, Lisa Yee & Paul Fleischman for Newbery Author Sid Fleischman 1920-2010 #SCBWI #LA10SCBWI
storyconnection Aug 01, 3:20pm via HootSuite

RT @leewind: Comedy is tragedy. It just happens to be wearing clown shoes. — Paul Fleischman #LA10SCBWI
storyconnection Aug 01, 3:42pm via HootSuite

Ashley Bryan receives standing ovation for winning #SCBWI Golden Kite Award for nonfiction #LA10SCBWI
storyconnection Aug 01, 3:47pm via HootSuite

Ashley Bryan is a wonderful storytelling poet. He still “got it!” #SCBWI #LA10SCBWI
storyconnection Aug 01, 3:51pm via HootSuite

Marion Dane Bauer wins Golden Kite for picture book text for The Longest Night #SCBWI #LA10SCBWI
storyconnection Aug 01, 3:54pm via HootSuite

The #SCBWI Golden Kite award for illustration goes to Gracias-Thanks illustrated by John Parra, written by Pat Mora. #LA10SCBWI
storyconnection Aug 01, 3:59pm via HootSuite

The #SCBWI Golden Kite for fiction goes to Julia Durango for Sea of the Dead #LA10SCBWI
storyconnection Aug 01, 4:05pm via HootSuite

Julia Durango: All of my books have secret messages to my boys. #SCBWI #LA10SCBWI
storyconnection Aug 01, 4:07pm via HootSuite

After the Golden Kite Luncheon, I went to the pro track workshop by Ken Wright, Literary Agent on “The Financial Realities of Your Career: Frank Questions and Answers.” Frankly, I didn’t find the session helpful at all. He cast a deathly pallor over the plausibility of being a career author staying financially afloat. The entire session was a Q&A. I really wanted to hear his perspective THEN have Q&A after. The whole session lacked structure and everyone left feeling depressed! Not my idea of an inspiring message. Yes, be frank but be motivating as well.

I missed the last keynote but heard a lot of great reports from friends. The last keynote on Sunday was by Rubin Pfeffer and David Diaz on “SCCC Formerly Known as SCBWI? Once a Society of Writers and Illustrators. Now a Society of Children’s Content Creators?” It seems the digital age of books is upon us and we need to welcome it, embrace it and shape it!

8-1-10 Yes, @LeeWind, I follow you...

I fell in love with (not literally, mind you) Matt Ragghianti. The man is naturally, geniusly funny!! He wrote many episodes of Lost (the hugely popular TV series) and works in TV and film. But now he’s writing children’s books. I can’t wait to see what he comes out with. Matt is PIMP (Pee In My Pants) funny!

8-1-10 Matt Ragghianti (wrote episodes of Lost TV show) and Dianne de Las Casas

I also connected with Jeanine Jarrell and Molly Hall, very cool writers!

8-1-10 Jeanine Jarrell, Dianne de Las Casas & Molly J. Hall

I also loved Joyce Wan! Her characters are sooooo adorable! Check out her characters, Kiwi and Pear, two monkeys who travel around the world. LOVE them!

8-2-10 Dianne de Las Casas and Author & Greeting Card Artist, Joyce Wan!

Unfortunately, I had to leave on Monday so I spent the morning packing and getting ready. I attended one last panel (A View from the Top: 4 Publishers Discuss Our Industry) and half of a pro track workshop by Eva Mitnick and Kris Vreeland: “Marketing Libraries and Bookstores.” That was one workshop I wish I didn’t have to leave! I love hearing the perspective from these two very savvy women, one from the bookseller’s perspective and one from the librarian’s perspective.

My SCBWI conference experience was spectacular. I actually even received speaking engagements out of the conference! I look forward to seeing everyone next year. Thank you, everyone, for a FABULOUS time!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

7-29-10 NSN Conference 2010 - Taming Technology Workshop

Friends:

Last week, I presented at the 2010 National Storytelling Conference in Los Angeles, California. I did one of the pre-conference master classes. My class was called “Taming Technology” and taught participants how to use all the elements of technology to streamline their business practices, become more productive, and connect with their fan base. Unfortunately, I had another conference to attend and had to jet in and out of the NSN Conference so I didn’t get many pictures with my storytelling buddies. Sean Buvala, master marketer and social media expert himself (storyteller.net) was my surprise guest speaker. Yay, Sean!

A special thank you to Michael D. McCarty, Karin Hensley, True Thomas (Robert Seutter), and the rest of the Los Angeles storytelling community for hosting the conference. It was great to connect with my friends, however brief.

A BIG Gigantic thank you to Mary Jo Huff, my other “mama” and roommate. XOXOXO!

Mary Jo Huff

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

7-23-10 Pretty Destin water behind Eliana

Friends:

After a breakneck three days at Universal Studios, it was time for some down time at the beach. We went to Destin, Florida for the pretty water and sugar white sands, still unspoiled by BP Oil.

7-23-10 Eliana builds a sand castle at Destin Beach, Florida

On our first day at the beach, the water was pretty nice. We swam, played in the sand, and relaxed.

7-23-10 Soleil and Eliana chill at the beach

Unfortunately, the second day at the beach wasn’t as great. Tropical Storm Bonnie was off the coast of Miami and wreaking havoc with the Gulf. The water was choppy, currents were strong, and I nearly drowned in an undertow. There was also a TON of slimy seaweed. I looked like the creature from the Black Lagoon. Ugh. But not in this picture! hahahaha

7-24-10 Because of Tropical Storm Bonnie, the water is rough and there is lots of seaweed

Here is Eliana chillin’ in her cute pink two-piece, listening to her jams.

7-24-10 Eliana chills with her music. What a cute bathing suit!

Here, you can see how dark and green the water is behind Eliana.

7-24-10 Eliana is a pretty pink beach bunny

But Soleil and Eliana made the most of their time at the beach, constructing a giant, bigger-than-lifesize, mermaid out of sand and seaweed.

7-24-10 Soleil and Eliana build a massive sand mermaid with seaweed hair

Here is a close-up of the seaweed goddess…

7-24-20 A close-up of Soleil's mermaid

Still, we had a wonderful time at the beach, my favorite place in the world to relax.

7-24-10 The classic Florida beach picture

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

7-22-10 Family picture time!

Friends:

On our third and final day at Universal Studios, we did the regular park. Eliana took a picture with Digger, the NASCAR mascot. Vroooom!

7-22-10 Eliana and the NASCAR mascot, Digger

Our first stop was the Shrek 3D show. It was a lot of fun. Then we landed in Wakita, Kansas, home of the monster Twister!

7-22-10 Soleil & Eliana, watch out for those Twisters!

Then it was on to the Revenge of the Mummy ride. It was a great roller coaster ride through the Egyptian tombs. Eliana was screaming! Too bad I didn’t get a picture of that! Instead, here is a cutie patootie picture of Eliana Boop.

7-22-10 Eliana's red carpet moment

Afterwards, we stopped in New York for some pictures. Here is Antonio in front of his restaurant. LOL

7-22-10 Antonio in front of Antonio Calas Restaurant

Then it was time for a stop at the New York Public Library. Can you see me?

7-22-20 Dianne in front of the New York Public Library (set)

Then the girls traveled on to San Francisco…

7-22-10 Traversing the U.S., the girls are now in San Francisco

From there, we went to Amity, New York, home of JAWS!! Eliana was so scared on this ride. It really freaked her out. She sat on the side of the boat where Jaws came ripping out of the water, his jaws opening at us. We had the perfect spot but Eliana didn’t think so! This was the calm before the ride…

7-22-10 Oh No! It's JAWS!!

We ended our day in the park at the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Me, the big roller coaster scaredy cat, decided to ride. Eliana waited in the child swap. OMG. It was the scariest ride I’ve ever been on. I felt like I was going to fall out of my chair on the way up. The only cool thing about the ride was being able to pick your music to listen to. I was listening to the Black Eyed Peas – “No, no, no… don’t let me fall out!” was what I was singing!! Okay, never again! I was woozy and faint. Soleil and Antonio LOVED it. Soleil rode it TWICE!

7-22-10 Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket Roller Coaster

To finish the day, we had a wonderful meal at Emeril’s. The food was delicious and Eliana had FILET MIGNON from the kids’ menu!! She got to meet the executive sous chef and even tour the kitchen. That was the highlight of our little chef’s day!

7-22-10 Eliana eats filet migon from the kids' menu at Emeril's!

After that, we headed to Destin, Florida for a couple of relaxing days on the beach. Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

7-21-10 E is for Eliana!

Friends:

Soleil turned 20 years on July 21! Happy Birthday, Soleil!

7-21-10 S is for Soleil, the birthday princess!

On our second day, we went back to Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. We had to stop for this photo op!

7-21-10 Surfing USA!

We didn’t mean to match but we all happened to be wearing Soleil’s favorite color combo – hot pink and black, sans Dad, of course. We were cute! Next, we marveled at the super heroes in Marvel Super Heroes Island. Soleil was totally enamored with Spiderman!

7-21-10 Soleil and Spiderman!

We rode the Spiderman ride and that was incredible. It was part simulation, part actual ride, like The Forbidden Journey in Hogwarts Castle. There was one part of the ride that made my heart catapult out of my chest. Thank goodness Spidey’s web was there to save us from villains like Magneto…

7-21-10 Eliana, watch out! It's Magneto!

It was searing hot so Eliana decided to cool off in the water…

7-21-10 Eliana chills out under the cool water spout

Eliana and I ended up doing water rides while Soleil and Antonio did the big roller coaster like the Hulk. We ended up meeting back in Hogsmeade for another shopping trip at Honey Dukes and a round of butterbeer to toast Soleil’s Birthday. What a wonderful day!

7-21-10 Betty Boop, Eat Your Heart Out!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

The Gigantic Sweet Potato book, paper bag sweet potato, and cardboard roll mouse

Friends:

Here is a great Book Craft you can do with my book, The Gigantic Sweet Potato, illustrated by Marita Gentry and published by Pelican Publishing Company. They are easy and fun!

The Gigantic Sweet Potato book and cardboard roll mouse

Cardboard Roll Mouse
Materials:
4-5″ cardboard paper roll
construction paper
chenille sticks (white)
Googly eyes
glue
stapler
black marker

Directions:
To make the mouse, from construction paper, cut out a tail and two ears. Pinch one end of the tissue paper roll shut, inserting the tail in the middle. Staple it shut. Wrap the tail around a pen or pencil to create a curl. Pinch the opposite end of the tissue paper roll in the opposite direction (it will look like a triangle). Glue ears at the top and a Googly eye on each side. With a black marker, color the bottom tip, creating a nose. Cut two small white pieces of chenille stick and fold it in half, creating whiskers. Glue on each side of the nose. Your mouse is ready.

Paper Bag Sweet Potato Craft
Materials:
brown paper lunch bag
plastic grocery bags or newspaper
1 green chenille stick
1 sheet green construction paper
orange crayons or orange paint
green marker
hole punch
tape

Directions:
Color or paint every side of a brown paper lunch bag orange. Stuff the bag with plastic bags or newspaper. Cut 3-4 leaves from construction paper and hole punch the top of the leaf. Draw a green line down the middle. Thread leaves on the chenille stick, securing them with a piece of tape. Close the bag by wrapping the end of the chenille stick around the top of the bag. Crumple the bag slightly to give it a less uniform look so that it resembles the misshapen figure of a sweet potato.

The Gigantic Sweet Potato book and paper bag sweet potato

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

7-10-10 Dianne de Las Casas & Holly Stone-Barker perform Mama's Bayou at Barnes & Noble in Baton Rouge on Perkins Road

Friends:

This past Saturday, Holly Stone-Barker and I signed copies of our book, Mama’s Bayou at the new Barnes & Noble store on Perkins Road in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I performed the story with the help of the kids. The children placed the magnets on our giant story time magnet board, which replicates a page in our book.

7-10-10 The children place the animals on the Mama's Bayou story time magnet board

Then after the performance, Holly demonstrated her cut paper and collage art, creating a dragonfly. We gave the dragonflies away to the audience, along with a goody bag. Then we headed to the front of the store to sign books. Carron Fillingim, the Community Relations Manger, was so sweet and fun. I look forward to working with her again!

7-10-10 Holly demonstrates a cut paper and collage dragonfly

More book signings are coming up this Fall. The Gigantic Sweet Potato illustrated by Marita Gentry is coming in September!

Keep checking my schedule and join my Facebook Fan Page for updates. http://www.facebook.com/fanofdianne

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne