Friends:

Today, I performed “Fairytale Fever” at Norco Elementary K-3 in Norco, Louisiana for their literacy week. It was so much fun and very interactive. I began with my original adaptation of “The Frog Prince,” a cute story in which an ugly princess falls in love with a warty old frog. Next, I did a song, “The Princess Pat,” bringing two students onto the stage to help. Then I did my “Goldie Locks Story Rap.” The students provide the beat by hitting their laps with their hands and clapping their hands together. I ended with a “spooky” story by request and told my ever popular, “The Ghost of Mabel Gable.” Both the teachers and the students fell over laughing. When I ended the show, the students clapped, cheered, whistled and yelled for more.

2-11-10 Norco Elementary K-3 audience

This is my second year at Norco and I enjoyed it so much. The students and teachers just love to have a good time. While the students were filing out, I played the Saints song, “Black and Gold to da Super Bowl!” and everyone started dancing, including the teachers. I gave every teacher a Cajun Cornbread Boy reading poster for their classrooms. What a great day!

Unfortunately, I had to drive to Lake Charles, Louisiana in horrendous weather conditions, through sleet and heavy rain but I made it to my hotel room safely. Tomorrow morning, I perform my Jambalaya program for T.S. Cooley Magnet school in Lake Charles. I love my job!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

2-10-10 Flowers delivered to Strehle teachers and staff from Dianne

Friends:

Wednesday was my last day for my Story Fest Residency at Strehle. It was the day my upper grades performed: third, fourth, and fifth. First, my fifth graders performed for second grade. They did a great job and the second graders loved their performances. Two out of my three fifth classes performed their entire story without scripts. It was so cool to see the students rap and dance to the beat of a “beat master,” who created a beat with a pencil and a fist on a desk.

2-10-10 Ms. Walter's 5th grade class performs The Ant and the Grasshopper

Next my third graders performed for PK and Kindergarten classes. They did a great job and I loved seeing their stories come to life. It’s amazing that I only had three 45 minute periods to pull these performances together. I love how my method of story theater fosters cooperation, communication, and collaboration.

2-10-10 Ms. Guidry's third grade class performs The Turtle Who Could Not Stop Talking

After lunch, my fourth graders performed. After struggling with some of the classes in rehearsals, they surprised and delighted me with incredible performances. “The Little Red Hen” and “The Tortoise and the Hare” had great beats, cool raps that the students created, and fun dance moves that had the first graders practically on their feet! It was a magical moment to see my performing students connecting with their audience. I loved it!

2-10-10 Fourth graders perform for first graders on Story Fest Day

In the afternoon, PK did their annual Mardi Gras parade through the halls for all the students. It was so cute. They beat drums, wore crowns, and threw beads to spectators. Laissez les bon temps rouler! Let the good times roll!

2-10-10 PK marches the halls in their Strehle Mardi Gras parade

I treated the teachers to Krispy Kreme Donuts and had flowers delivered to thank them for having me at their school. I love the teachers and staff at Strehle. It feels like a second home to me!

2-10-10 (L-R) Fourth grade teachers, Ms. Landry (sitting), Ms. Till, and Ms. Creecy

I appreciate all the work the students of Strehle put into their performances. It was a blast and I loved every day I spent at the school.

2-10-10 A fourth grade student takes a picture with Ms. Dianne

Good work and I hope to see you next year, Strehle! You are stars!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

2-9-10 Fantastic Fanatic Fan!

Friends,

My husband, Antonio (who just returned from Miami today), Eliana and I were among the thousands of spectators cheering on the New Orleans Saints in their first ever Super Bowl victory parade. The crowds were HUGE and traffic was gridlock! New Orleans TV commentators said that they had never seen Mardi Gras crowds like this. We may have broken parade attendance records. The Who Dat Nation truly welcomed home the Black and Gold Bless You Boys!

2-9-10 The Crowd at the Super Dome!

We caught the parade right at the beginning, at the Louisiana Superdome. I couldn’t help but think of images of the Superdome just 4 1/2 years ago and images of the Superdome now. It glittered like gold in the sunlight, a shimmering beacon of hope, passion and perseverance. After 43 years, the Saints not only made it to the Super Bowl, they WON with a 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts and the legendary Peyton Manning. Saints Quarterback and Super Bowl MVP, Drew Brees, grinned from ear to ear and did what he does best: throw perfectly. Only this time, he threw beads to adoring and cheering fans.

2-9-10 In front of the Superdome, Drew Brees throws beads to the adoring crowds

“Stand Up and Get Crunk” and “Who Dat Say Dey Gon’ Beat Dem Saints?!” filled the air as the floats partied by. The New Orleans Saints players danced and catered to the crowds. “Throw Me Something, Mister” was replaced by “Who Dat!” on the parade route.

2-9-10 The crowd adores the Saints!

It’s hard not to get caught up in the fan frenzy when everyone is so filled with joy. What the Saints did for New Orleans is almost unbelievable. They united a city ravaged by hurricanes and tiresome politics. They brought together a community of people not just from New Orleans, but from Louisiana and Who Dat “Nationals” outside the state. They defied predictions. They stunned the naysayers. They stood up and got “crunk.” They won. And they reciprocated their fans’ love with a breathtaking Super Bowl victory.

2-9-10 The Golden Dome shines in the background as the Pierre Thomas (23) and teammates inspire the Who Dat Nation

As dusk fell, the air was filled with a palpable chill. But that chill was tempered by the warmth and camaraderie of the Bless You brethren, where everyone is a member of the “Who Dat Nation!”

2-9-10 Who Dat Nation fire truck

While waiting for the floats to pass, we all talked to our neighbors. We shared our stories of where we were when “it” happened. We shared our amazement. We shared our common awe, respect, and love for the team that gave the city their heart. And to honor their victory, we kicked up our heels and celebrated in grand Mardi Gras tradition!

2-9-10 Just for kicks, Moorestead (punter) and Hartley (kicker) ride a stiletto heel float!

When your team trails by 10-0 in the first half and they are playing the Indianapolis Colts, whose quarterback, Peyton Manning, is not only the stuff legends are made of, but is also a New Orleans native son, you start praying and singing. Yes, singing. You sing, “I believe. Oh I believe!” And then you do. You believe that your team is truly a team of destiny. Then, like a miracle, they are… because cornerback Tracy Porter has just executed the perfect Pick 6 to bring the team to a 14 point lead. The Colts never recover and the Saints never look back. The Saints and their fans look skyward, thanking heaven for this blessing.

2-9-10 The Saints Defensive Line, including Pick 6 Tracy Porter (#22)!

As Sean Payton’s float neared, an audible buzz morphed into a roar and war cry, “Who Dat! Who Dat!” The New Orleans Saints went into battle and brought home the ultimate prize: The Vince Lombardi trophy. Head Coach Sean Payton, who made some of the gutsiest calls in Super Bowl history, held the trophy high, waving it proudly. It wasn’t just for him; it wasn’t just for the team. The trophy was for a nation, the Who Dat Nation.

2-9-10 New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton triumphantly raises the hallowed Lombardi trophy in a salute to the fans

WHO DAT!!!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

2-9-10 Ms. Dorsey's second graders love Sody Sallyraytus

Friends:

Today was my last day to visit classes at Strehle Elementary in Avondale, Louisiana. It was a short day. I only had three classes. I began in Ms. Allison Hoadley’s second grade class. They were ecstatic to see me. Upon request by Ms. Hoadley, I told the story of The Cajun Cornbread Boy. Then, the students begged me to tell them a “Scared Silly” story so I shared “The Ghost of Mabel Gable.” With the lights dimmed, I told the spooktacularly hilarious tale. The kids loved it.

2-9-10 Ms. Hoadley's second grade class enjoys the story of The Ghost of Mable Gable

Next, I went to Ms. Carol Hoadley’s PK class. They enjoyed the story of “Sody Sallyraytus” for my second visit and then we second lined to Mardi Gras music around the room and into the hallway. It was a ton of fun!

2-9-10 Dianne second lines with Ms. Hoadley and her PK class

Finally, I visited Ms. Dorsey’s second grade class. I was greeted at the door with hugs and kisses by nearly the whole class! It’s such a good feeling to be loved! I shared the story of Sody Sallyraytus and the students loved it. Then I taught them about alliteration. Finally, we “whizzled” the words “Sody Sallyraytus.” We created new words out of a combination of letters from “Sody Sallyraytus.” The words had to be three letters or longer. Ms. Dorsey’s class came up with 46 words!!

2-9-10 Word Whizzling with Sody Sallyraytus

After my classes, I drew a name for the teacher basket raffle I do every year. Ann Craiggie, a paraprofessional, won the big basket filled with great goodies, including my book, The Cajun Cornbread Boy.

2-9-10 Ann Craiggie wins the teacher goody basket from Dianne

Tomorrow is my last day at Strehle. My uppper grades (third, fourth, and fifth) will perform for each other and the lower grades. It’s going to be so much fun! I look forward to it!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

2-8-10 Saints Super Bowl Champion Spirit in the Teacher's Lounge!

Friends:

Today was the 8th day of my Story Fest residency at Strehle Elementary in Avondale, Louisiana, located in the Metro New Orleans area. On Sunday, the day before, the New Orleans Saints won a historic Super Bowl XLIV championship. As a result, half of the students and many of the teachers were absent from school. Eliana, my 9 year old daughter, didn’t have school so she accompanied me and was my little assistant all day long. It was wonderful to have her help!

2-8-10 Eliana poses with Saints Quarterback and Super Bowl XLIV MVP, Drew Brees

Our first class was Ms. Walker’s 5th grade class. It was definitely a skeleton crew but we rehearsed their story, “Paul Bunyan and the Great Popcorn Blizzard,” with Eliana filling in for missing storytellers. The 5th graders perform on stage on Wednesday. This has been a big week so I hope they are ready!

Then it was on to Ms. Guidry’s third grade class. They were model students today! I love the way their story, “The Turtle Who Could Not Stop Talking,” turned out. They added a lot of flair to the story, and I can’t wait to see their performance!

I had my first visit with Ms. Dorsey’s second grade class. They were so excited to see me! Ms. Dorsey told them that I was her favorite author and storyteller. Awwww! I shared the story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach and then we explored world music with movement and scarves. What a fun time!

2-8-10 Ms. Dorsey's second grade class explore world music with scarves

I had a great time in Ms. Champagne’s PK special ed classroom. I told the story of “Rockin Three Billy Goats” and then we danced to jazz music.

2-8-10 Dianne dancing with Ms. Champagne's PK special ed

Then we rocked the room with the Saints’ Super Bowl song, “Party in the MIA.” Eliana danced up a storm with the students too!

Eliana had to leave her mark…

2-8-10 Eliana makes her mark - WHO DAT! Saints are the Super Bowl XLIV Champs!

During lunch, I caught one of the teachers dressed in a tutu… Oh, Ms. Vega, you must have been the Saints’ fairy godmother! LOL

2-8-10 4th grade teacher, Ms. Vega, is a Saints fairy godmother!

Then it was on to Ms. Avist’s first grade class. They were so excited to see me that they all ran to me for hugs. It was my second and final visit to their class. I told them the story of “Sody Sallyraytus” and they had a wonderful time!

2-8-10 Ms. Avist's first graders enjoy the story of Sody Sallyraytus

Ms. Glass’ third grade class was my last class of the day. For the third and final time, we rehearsed their story, “Turtle and Beaver’s Race.” They did a really great job and I love the way they have shaped their story. It’s going to be a great performance.

2-8-10 Ms. Glass' third grade story chorus rehearses Turtle and Beaver's Race

I have two half days left at Strehle. I see three more classes tomorrow and then on Wednesday, my upper grades (third, fourth and fifth) perform. I am excited to see the final product of their hard work.

Until next time… WHO DAT!

Warmly, Dianne

2-5-10 Ms. Glass third grade storytellers rehearse Turtle & Beaver's Race

Friends:

Friday was my 7th day at Strehle Elementary in Avondale, Louisiana doing my Story Fest story theater residency. It was the Friday before the BIG GAME. The New Orleans Saints were playing in the Super Bowl and the whole school had team spirit!

2-5-10 It's Who Dat spirit at Strehle!

My day started in Ms. Giroir’s PK classroom. It was my second visit in the class and I told the story of “Sody Sallyraytus.” Then we explored creative movement with scarves to jazz music. Fun!

2-5-10 Dianne tells Sody Sallyraytus to Ms. Giroir's PK students

Then it was on to Ms. Robinson’s PK class, right next door. They were seated and waiting quietly for me. Boy, did we have a blast! It was my second visit there too and they loved the story of “Sody Sallyraytus.” Not only did we dance with scarves, but we also second-lined around the room!

2-5-10 Ms. Robinson's PK students enjoy storytelling!

Next, it was on to Ms. Clausing’s kindergarten class. The students had fun with the story and again, loved dancing with the scarves.

2-5-10 Ms. Clausing's Kindergarteners dance with scarves

My next class was Ms. Williams’ 5th grade homeroom but I followed the room number on my schedule and oops, I ended up in the wrong class. Fortunately, Ms. Williams’ students and I had time to rehearse their story, “The Lion and the Mouse.” It’s so cute. I can’t wait to see them perform it!

2-5-10 Ms. Williams' 5th grade storytellers all have Saints spirit!

After lunch, I had an unexpected break so I signed books for the teachers who placed an order. Then it was on to Ms. Landry’s class. Unfortunately, Ms. Landry had to attend a meeting and the class was uncharacteristically rambunctious. I had to admonish the class several times and try to maintain order. For the first time ever, I actually sent students to detention! It broke my heart but it had to be done. I was finally able to settle them down enough to go through one rehearsal of their story. I hope they are ready on performance day.

2-5-10 Ms. Landry's 4th grade story chorus

My last class was Ms. Glass’ third grade class. They did such a wonderful job with their story, “Turtle and Beaver’s Race.” It was a pleasure to work with them. I love what they did with their story chorus.

2-5-10 Ms. Glass third grade story chorus does a great job

At the end of the day, announcements came on. Over the speaker the office said, “We have only one announcement…” Then they played “Get Crunk,” the Saints’ touchdown song! Ms. Glass and her students began dancing. Then we all chanted, “Who Dat!” It was so much fun and a great way to end the day!!”

2-5-10 Strehle students stand up and Get Crunk! at the end of the day during afternoon announcements

I am nearing the end of my residency. One more full day to go and then two half days. My third, fourth and fifth graders perform on Tuesday and Wednesday for each other in grade level performances and for the lower grades. Fourth grade will perform for first grade. Fifth grade will perform for second grade. Third grade will perform for PK and kindergarten. I look forward to it.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

2-4-10 Mardi Gras shoe box floats in the cafeteria for judging

Friends:

Today was the sixth day of my Story Fest residency at Strehle Elementary in Avondale, Louisiana. My first class was Ms. Hoadley’s PK class. It was my first visit and the students were tickled to hear Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. I love how they laugh when I do Madame Poulet’s voice. Then, by special request from one of the teachers’ assistants, I told my story, “Rockin Three Billy Goats.” We had a blast!

2-4-10 Ms. Hoadley's PK students participate in Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach story

My second class was Ms. Jones’ kindergarten class. It was my second visit so I told the story of “Sody Sallyraytus.” Then we danced with scarves to jazz music. The students loved it.

Ms. Jones and Ms. Brenda got their new Strehle Saints shirts and I had to have them strike a pose. Too cute!

2-4-10 Ms. Jones and Ms. Brenda pose with their new Strehle Saints Super Bowl shirts

Next, I headed to Ms. King’s kindergarten class. They were waiting for me and so excited to see me. They listened to “Sody Sallyraytus,” danced to jazz music, and even second-lined around the room to New Orleans brass band music. We had a kickin’ time!

2-4-10 Ms. King's class second lines around the room

Then it was time for Ms. Davis’ special ed PK class. I told my story, “Rockin Three Billy Goats” and the students enjoyed it. Ms. Davis told me that a couple of years ago, one of her students really took to that story from my Jump, Jiggle & Jam CD. He learned the story and could retell the whole story. She said that story has been special to her since then. It really touched my heart to hear that story. Thank you for sharing, Ms. Davis!

2-4-10 Giant student art in Ms. Davis' special ed PK class

After my storytelling, we danced to jazz music and had so much fun!

2-4-10 Dancing with Ms. Davis' PK special ed students

During my lunch, I read a stack of letters and looked at drawings from Ms. Hervey’s first grade students. They were so precious. I wish I could show you all of them but here is one of my favorites, an illustration of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. Wow! Thank you, Ms. Hervey’s class!

2-4-10 A student from Ms. Hervey's first grade class illustrates Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach

Don’t you just love this picture of me?!!!

2-4-10 It's Ms. Dianne!

After lunch, I went to Ms. A. Hoadley’s second grade class. They were so jazzed to see me. Ms. Hoadley and the students cheered when I walked in the class. What a feeling! It was my first visit so I told the story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. Boy, did the students get into the story! They laughed so hard. At the end of the day, Ms. Hoadley delivered handmade cards. They are adorable – I will post some pics of them in tomorrow’s blog.

2-4-10 Eating a roach in Ms. Hoadley's second grade class

Ms. Hoadley and I posed for pictures in front of her SUPER BOWL SAINTS bulletin board. She is so creative. The boys decorated footballs while the girls decorated fleur de lis. What a great board!

2-4-10 Ms. Dianne and Ms. Ally Hoadley in front of her Saints Super Bowl bulletin board

Then it was on to Ms. Till’s fourth grade class. The fourth grade was split up this week with the addition of a “new” fourth grade teacher to alleviate overcrowding in the grade. They moved Ms. Vega from second grade into fourth. As a result, my fourth grade classes are all “mixed up.” Fortunately, the fourth grade teachers worked with me and let me keep the original students for each story that I assigned. Ms. Till’s “old” class was as chatty as they were last time and it was a challenge to keep the entire group on task. Still, we managed to put together a really cool story theater with a beat master, a story chorus, dancers, and a solo dancer. Combined with the storytellers, their story is really good. If they can pull it together and perform as a cohesive group, it will be a phenomenal performance.

2-4-10 Ms. Till's fourth grade class rehearses The City Mouse and the Country Mouse

My last class was Ms. Glass’ third grade class. It was my first visit with them. After eating some king cake with the students, I assigned roles for storytellers and the story chorus in the story, “Beaver and Turtle’s Race.” Then we did my Story Fest warm-up activities with them acting out roles. They loved it. We had some time at the end and the students created the rap for their story chorus. It is so cute.

2-4-10 Ms. Glass' third grade acts out the role of a school bus filled with mischievous kids

I had a great day at Strehle. Look at what Ms. Hoadley’s PK class said! Awwwww. I love y’all too! I look forward to tomorrow at Strehle.

2-4-10 Ms. Hoadley's PK students express how they feel about Ms. Dianne and her story

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

2-3-10 Dancing to world music with Ms. Robinson's PK

Friends:

Today was my fifth day at Strehle Elementary in Avondale, Louisiana doing my Story Fest residency. My first class was Ms. Short’s first graders. Oh, they were such a sweet and fun group. This was my second visit and they were so excited to see me and hugged me as soon as I walked in the door. I told them the story of “Sody Sallyraytus” and they loved it. Afterwards, we danced to jazz and Mardi Gras music. We even did a second line. Ms. Short even gave me a gift when I left the class – a candied pretzel. Yum!

2-3-10 Telling Sody Sallyratus to Ms. Short's happy first graders

It was then on to Ms. Robinson’s pre-K class. The students were all waiting for me in a quiet circle. It was my first visit and I told them the story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. They cracked up every time I said, “Monsieur Roooooooach.” They also loved singing and dancing with me.

2-3-10 Telling Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach to Ms. Robinson's pre-K class

My next stop was Ms. Badeaux’s second grade class. It was my second visit and again, the students were so excited to see me. They gave me a big group hug. Then I noticed all the marvelous Mardi Gras floats created from shoe boxes. So cool!

2-3-10 Mardi Gras Shoebox floats from Ms. Badeaux's second grade class

I told the story of Sody Sallyraytus and taught them about alliteration. Then we did some “word whizzling,” making new words out of a long word. We used the words “Sody Sallyraytus.” Together, we found 26 words!

2-3-10 Ms. Badeaux's second graders concentrate on creating new words out of Sody Sallyraytus

I moved on to Ms. Walter’s 5th grade homeroom in Ms. Walker’s class. It was our third and last classroom visit and we rehearsed their story, “The Ant and the Grasshopper.” This class is so good. They really have their act together.

2-3-10 The storytellers of The Ant and the Grasshopper in Ms. Walter's 5th grade class

All the storytellers rehearsed without a script and the story chorus totally rocked. I loved watching them in action. I am so excited about seeing them perform!! They are going to be phenomenal!!

2-3-10 The story chorus of The Ant and the Grasshopper in Ms. Walter's 5th grade class

After lunch, I visited Ms. Hervey’s first grade grade class. Again, there were cool shoe box Mardi Gras floats. I love this Saints Who Dat Nation float, in honor of the Saints making it the Super Bowl.

2-3-10 The Who Dat Nation Shoe Box Mardi Gras float from Ms. Hervey's first grade class

It was my second visit so I told the story of “Sody Sallyraytus.” They really enjoyed the story and after the story was finished, they kept asking me to re-enact the characters. Then we danced to Mardi Gras music with scarves and second-lined around the room. It was fun.

2-3-10 Ms. Hervey's first graders open their big bear mouths and take a big bear bite in the story, Sody Sallyraytus

Next, I visited Ms. Creecy’s 4th grade class. The students did a good job with their story, “The Tortoise and the Hare.” We did a few run-throughs and once the storytellers learn their parts, the story will be perfect. I love the story chorus with the pencil beat done by Angel. We even had other teachers stopping in to see what all the fun was about! Ms. Creacy’s class’ story chorus is so catchy! I can’t wait for performance day.

2-3-10 Ms. Creacy's 4th grade story chorus jams out in The Tortoise and the Hare

My last class was Ms. Johnson’s third grade class. The students did a nice job rehearsing their story, “The Frog and the Ox.” I love the multi-faceted parts of the story chorus. There are dancers and two “back-up” lines. They are using scarves and the result is stunning. The storytellers are learning their parts and tried hard to practice without a script today. Since this was our last rehearsal, the storytellers need to work on their lines so they can present a cohesive performance with their story chorus. Still, I love what the students have done with this story. They were fantastic!

2-3-10 Ms. Johnson's 3rd grade story chorus in formation for The Frog and the Ox

Being with the students today was uplifting and wonderfully restorative, after all that I have been through the past couple of days with my dad (who is recovering now). I love my work!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Dianne's 5th Christmas - 1975

Friends:

I received some terrible news today. My dad was in a bad fire. The accident happened in his nursing home. No one knows how he caught fire but it was 2:30am on February 1 when his roommate called for help. My dad’s bed was ablaze. Severe third degree burns cover 20% of his body and the doctors are trying to save his legs. He is in critical condition and is heavily sedated. He is in a burn center in Southern California (he lives in California and I am here in Louisiana) and is going into surgery tomorrow. I’ll know more after the surgery.

But there was also light in this shadow of a day. It was my brother, Gary’s birthday. He is 37 today.

2-1-10 Gary James, the Birthday Boy

We celebrated with his kids, Christian, Jourdan, Camrynn, Ashlynn and Jasmynn, my mom and stepdad, my husband, Antonio, and my 9 year old daughter, Eliana. We had dinner at Outback Steak House and it was fun. It was good to have some levity today.

2-1-10 Gary James, Karate Kid

Happy Birthday, Gary! I love you!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

1-30-20 UNO Professor of Children's Literature, Pat Austin, gives a passionate book talk

Friends:

I spent half of my Saturday at a professional development seminar hosted by the University of New Orleans (UNO) and Metairie Park Country Day School. Pat Austin, Professor of Children’s Literature at UNO, headed the program. The program began with Pat discussing this year’s ALA winners: the Newbery, the Caldecott, the Prinz, the Sibert, the Geisel, the Pura Belpre’, and the John Steptoe New Talent awards. She booktalked her favorite and not-so-favorite selections from the list. Then Pat showed us some excellent books that didn’t win awards but should have.

After Pat, the lower elementary librarian from Country Day shared how she used the Kindle with her 6th graders. It was interesting to see the school embrace and integrate new technology. The final presentation was by the high school librarian, who shared her experiences in Saudi Arabia, traveling on grant funds. It was very interesting. After a discussion of “Have the Newberys lost their way?”, it was time to eat.

1-30-10 Lunching with Librarians at Country Day's Book Update Event, including my dear friends, Ellen Miller to my left and Betty Brodtmann, to my right

We were treated to a 3 course meal of mixed greens with tomatoes and artichoke hearts, pan seared Marsala chicken, buttery Yukon gold potatoes, haricot vert, and delicious Spumoni cheesecake. Every bite was delectable. The Country Day chef, Jerome, did a phenomenal job. Thank you!

I enjoyed my morning and loved meeting new people. It’s always great to hang out with librarians because they get excited about championing books. We all have the same goal – literacy! Getting kids to read is a job we must all do together.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne