Holly Stone-Barker

St. Mary Parish PK Tour Day 1 – Monday, March 14, 2011

by Dianne on March 14, 2011

3-14-11 Dianne and some sweet teachers from Raintree Elementary

Friends:

Today was the first day of my author visit tour in St. Mary Parish, visiting PK and K classes throughout the parish. My first school was Raintree Elementary and the school greeted me with such hospitality! Ms. Vee hooked me up with water, a microphone, and anything else I needed. I was ready to go! I had two shows. The first show was for PK students. They were shy at first but I finally warmed them up and we had a grand time.

3-14-11 PK Students from Raintree Elementary help with Mama's Bayou

My second show was for kindergarten and they were such a lively, participatory group. I had fun riffing with them and making jokes.

3-14-11 Kindergarten students from Raintree help with Mama's Bayou

We had a terrific time with all my stories: Mama’s Bayou, illustrated by Holly Stone-Barker, The Cajun Cornbread Boy, and The Gigantic Sweet Potato, both illustrated by Marita Gentry. Afterward, I had lunch from a local eatery called Chick’s. Talk about delicious!

3-14-11 Hot sausage po-boy from Chick's. Mmmm!

My second school was LaGrange Elementary. Again, the hospitality was superb! Everyone was so helpful and accommodating, providing me with water, an easel, a table, a microphone, and even a Diet Coke! Boy, did I have a fun group of PK and K students!

3-14-11 Greetings from LaGrange Elementary!

My first story was Mama’s Bayou and members of the audience helped with the story, including Alecia, who filled in for a faulty easel by becoming a human easel! :)

3-14-11 Dianne's hostess, Alecia Rabalais from St. Mary Parish Schools Title 1 Department

My second story was The Cajun Cornbread Boy. The students loved the story and were so responsive and participatory in the refrain, “Run, cher, run, as fast as you can. You can’t catch me, I’m full of cayenne!”

3-14-11 Dianne plays a fierce fox in The Cajun Cornbread Boy at LaGrange Elementary

My final story was The Gigantic Sweet Potato and I had a blast performing this story. The teacher who played the part of Itty Bitty Lily Mouse was ADORABLE!

3-14-11 Performing The Gigantic Sweet Potato at LaGrange Elementary

A special thank you to Mr. Michael Moncriffe, Supervisor of Federal Programs, who came to observe the last show. I am honored to be in St. Mary Parish working with the Pre-K and K cuties. They are so much fun! Another GIGANTIC thank you to Alecia Rabalais, my hostess, who is as sweet as potato pie!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 1 comment }

Dianne’s 4 Deuces Speakeasy Murder Mystery Birthday Party – Saturday, January 15, 2011

by Dianne on January 17, 2011

1-15-11 The Birthday Diva

Friends:

Saturday, January 15 was my birthday and I had a fabulous party. We had a murder mystery party set at a Roaring 20s Chicago Speakeasy.

1-15-11 The Diva Dianne Sign

For two days, we prepped the food and party decor. It turned out great! On the buffet we had: marinated asparagus, alfredo cheese pasta bake in ramekins, Italian meatballs, caprese flatbread, Caesar salad, mushrooms with Italian sausage, Gouda cheese plate, and Eliana’s marinara. On a side table, we had peppercorn beef brisket, Parmesan chicken tenders, and ranch roasted potatoes.

1-15-11 The 4 Deuces Speakeasy Murder Mystery Birthday Buffet

We also had appetizers on the coffee table: deviled eggs made by my friend, Karen, lumpia (Filipino eggrolls) made by my mom, Josie, and roasted pears wrapped in prosciutto. There was also garlic-stuffed olives on queso fresco (Mexican cheese) and puff pasty topped with spinach ricotta.

1-15-11 Appetizers!

Eliana and her friend, Maci, were also dressed up. They were so cute! They were also so helpful during the party, helping to facilitate the night’s events!

1-15-11 Maci as a gangster and Eliana as a diva

We had a fountain featuring 4 Deuces punch (a tasty Caribbean-like concoction not for the kiddos).

1-15-11 Tropical Punch Fountain with Karen AKA Donna Wannabe in the background

I had gorgeous cupcakes made with cards and card suits to “suit” the theme.

1-15-11 The 4 Deuces Cupcakes

Everyone came dressed in costume. It was awesome! Loved the gangsters and flappers!

1-15-11 Donna Wannabe (Karen Spahr) and her brother Don Wannabe (Antonio Casas)

It was a parade of fedoras, fishnets and feathers!

1-15-11 Holly Stone-Barker as Mary Toosteal and Heather Stone as Vanessa Crooner

The evening started with everyone mingling and finding out about each other’s characters. I was Madame Meme and my husband was Don Wannabe. We were the owners of the 4 Deuces Speakeasy.

1-15-11 Antonio AKA Don Wannabe and Dianne AKA Madame Meme

We had a lot of colorful characters, including a congressman!

1-15-11 Dianne AKA Madame Meme with Wayne Barker AKA Congressman Toosteal

Carrie Crooner-Ravioli was the jazz singer played by my 20 year old daughter, Soleil.

1-15-11 Soleil AKA Carrie Crooner-Ravioli and Holly AKA Serina Siren

My mom, Josie Chretien, played Rebecca Ravioli, daughter of Big Jim Ravioli.

1-15-11 Josie Chretien (Dianne's Mom) as Rebecca Ravioli

Harold Rihner was Big Jim Ravioli, the murder victim!

1-15-11 Harold Rihner AKA Big Jim Ravioli

My brother, Gary James, a police officer in real life, played Inspector Nutella.

1-15-11 Gary James (Dianne's brother) as Inspector Nutella, the police officer

My two illustrators came all the way from Baton Rouge to join my party! Woo hoo!

1-15-11 Holly Stone-Barker, Dianne de Las Casas & Marita Gentry (AKA Attorney Penny Cheatum)

It was a complicated plot and there was a lot of double-crossing, back-stabbing, and two-timing going on! My character, Madame Meme, had a key piece of written evidence. Everyone participated and I loved all the costumes!

1-15-11 Kathleen Gebbia AKA Guilda Guiseppi and John Gebbia AKA Jack Guiseppi

As people were milling about, gathering information, the lights went out, there was a loud pop, and Big Jim Ravioli ended up murdered.

1-15-11 The lights go out and Big Jim Ravioli croaks!

Everyone was given a chance to find a murder weapon and had to solve puzzles to go on a scavenger hunt. During the night’s mystery, another murder occurred, in an unexpected twist of events. Guilda Guiseppi found a murder weapon and killed Don Wannabe (Madame Meme’s husband) with an ice pick.

1-15-11 Everyone solving puzzles to find murder weapons

We had to look over evidence presented by the inspector and come to our conclusions. Whodunnit? We had winners in different categories: Best Sleuth (the won who solved the mystery), Best Female Costume, Best Male Costume, and Best Performer. Clay Chretien (Capo Toto Tequila, Boss of all Bosses) won for Super Sleuth. Karen Spahr (Donna Wannabe) won for Best Female Costume. John Gebbia (Greasy Jack Guiseppi) won for Best Male Costume. The Best Performer Prize went to Harold Rihner for his double role as Big Jim Ravioli (the murder victim) and Mayor Bumpkin.

1-15-11 Dianne (middle) with 4 Deuces Speakeasy Murder Mystery Trophy Winners!

It was amazing to share my special day with all the special people in my life – people who make my life better just for being in it. It made my 41st year in this world so meaningful!

1-15-11 Diva Dianne getting ready to blow out her birthday candle

It was an amazing night and I am overjoyed to have shared it with my family and friends. Thank you so much!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

Bissonet Plaza Elementary Twisted Tales Residency Day 7 – Tuesday, December 14, 2010

by Dianne on December 15, 2010

12-14-10 Telling Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach to Ms. Anchissi's Kindergarten class

Friends:

Today was the 7th day of my “Twisted Tales: Spinning Stories into Fractured Funnies” residency at Bissonet Plaza Elementary in Metairie, Louisiana. I started the day signing books in the Teacher’s Lounge for all the students who ordered books. My first class was Ms. Anchissi’s kindergarten class. We had a lot of fun with Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. They loved the story and enjoyed making their story shakers.

12-14-10 A row of chicken story shakers from Ms. Anchissi's Kindergarten class

My next class was Ms. Frechette’s third grade class. They were assigned the story, “The Gingerbread Man” to fracture. While each group had fantastic stories (“Easy as Pie,” “The Beignet Boy,” and “The Rat Race”), the stand-out story was “Easy as Pie.” Since the students had finished their stories, we worked on a final of “Easy as Pie,” with me typing the story on my iPad. The students were so amazed and watched on the Smart Board as I demonstrated my iPad using the Elmo. The refrain in the story is so cute: “Roll, roll, roll as easy as pie. You can’t catch me, I’m the pie guy!” Adorable! Needless to say, I chose this story to turn into a story theater script that the students will perform on Thursday. Phenomenal work, Ms. Frechette’s class! Woo hoo for you!

12-14-10 Easy as Pie by Ms. Frechette's third grade class

Next, I headed to Ms. Morrow’s fourth grade class. They had not progressed as quickly as I had hoped but they certainly worked hard while I was in class! The stand-out story of the class was by Jasmine, Dairon, Bennett and Madison. It is titled, “The Big Yellow Lion,” a fractured version of “The Little Red Hen.” I loved how the story was set in the jungle with a big yellow lion making a mud pie (chocolate mud pie, that is) and included a cute refrain: “Me oh my, a mud pie? I won’t help you, no, not I!” It will be so much fun to perform as a story theater!

12-14-10 The Big Yellow Lion from Ms. Morrow's 4th grade class

After 4th grade, it was on to Ms. Chieffo’s 2nd grade class. As soon as I walked into the room, they cheered for me. And it cheered me up because I had been feeling under the weather all morning. Ms. Chieffo asked me to quickly show them how to fold their “Ma Farmer’s Down Home Cookbook.” They are cute little recipe books made into an origami 6-page book using a single sheet of 8 1/2 X 11″ paper. After performing a rousing rendition of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, they made their stylish story shakers. It was such a pleasure to be in their class because they were so well-behaved.

12-14-10 Second graders from Ms. Chieffo's class with their story shakers

I spent my lunch in the teachers lounge again, signing books for all the classroom teachers I have working with during my residency. After lunch, I went to Ms. Tonguis’ 1st grade class. She asked me to share Mama’s Bayou and I happily obliged. Afterward, I performed Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, and the students created their fanciful story shakers. Ms. Tonguis is so much fun to be around! She even acted out the part of Monsieur Roach, complete with lying on the ground with her “legs up” to simulate a roach’s early demise. Too funny!

12-14-10 Showing Mama's Bayou to Ms. Tongui's first graders

My last class was Ms. Dagneault’s 5th grade class. The students worked in their groups, completing their fractured fairytales. They were assigned “Cinderella” and turned it into “Cinder Man,” “Raparella,” “Cinderella Gone Bad,” and “Minirella.” Phenomenal creativity flowed in this class!

12-14-10 Ms. Dagneault's 5th graders work on their fractured fairytale

It was such a wonderful day at school (except for the part about me being under the weather). This year, I have not written one behavior report. I haven’t had to counsel any students on their behavior and all the students have been super polite and helpful. Thank you so much, Bissonet students, for being so terrific! A special shout-out and thank you to Destiny in 5th grade, who helps carry my bag down the stairs every day! Ms. Easley, if you are reading… YAY for Bissonet!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 1 comment }

Book Signings: Pitot House Museum and Barnes & Noble Bluebonnet in Baton Rouge – Saturday, December 4, 2010

by Dianne on December 5, 2010

12-4-10 Dianne de Las Casas with Papa Noel at the Pitot House Museum holiday book signing

Friends:

Saturday was such a busy day! I had a book signing in the morning at 9am at the Pitot House Museum Holiday event in New Orleans. I even got to take pictures with Papa Noel! My friend, Denise McConduit, the children’s book author of the DJ series of books (DJ and the Zulu Parade, DJ and the Debutante Ball, DJ and the Jazz Fest) was also there. We couldn’t resist taking a picture together!

12-4-10 Pelican Authors Denise McConduit and Dianne de Las Casas at the Pitot House Museum holiday event

After two hours of busy and constant book signing, I had to go to Baton Rouge to perform The Gigantic Sweet Potato with illustrator Marita Gentry and to sign books at the Barnes & Noble on Bluebonnet in Perkins Rowe. Carron Fillingim, the CRM, was there to greet me. Kid Chef Eliana also had a signing!

12-4-10 Marita Gentry and Dianne de Las Casas present The Gigantic Sweet Potato at Barnes & Noble Baton Rouge in Perkins Rowe

We had a lot of fun! I performed the story with the help of the kids in the audience as Marita illustrated live. She is so amazing!

12-4-10 The kids line up with Marita's awesome drawings to create a scene in The Gigantic Sweet Potato

We signed a TON of books and sold out of every title except The Gigantic Sweet Potato. Woo hoo!

12-4-10 Dianne de Las Casas and Marita Gentry with Destiny, our pretty fan with flaxen, gold-spun hair! Just gorgeous!

Kid Chef Eliana also signed books and sold quite a few copies.

12-4-10 Kid Chef Eliana's Cookbooks are displayed and she's signing books too!

It was a full but fun day and we ended the night by going to the Cinemark Theater to see Tangled. What a great movie! It was a great twist on the traditional Rapunzel. Loved it!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

Book Signing at A Tisket A Tasket with Kid Chef Eliana – Saturday, November 13, 2010

by Dianne on November 17, 2010

11-13-10 Dianne de Las Casas and Kid Chef Eliana signing books at A Tisket A Tasket in the French Quarter

Friends:

Kid Chef Eliana and I had a joint book signing this past weekend at A Tisket A Tasket gift shop in the French Quarter. Eliana signed her new cookbook, Eliana Cooks! and I signed my children’s books, The Gigantic Sweet Potato, Mama’s Bayou, Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, and The Cajun Cornbread Boy.

11-13-10 Dianne de Las Casas and Kid Chef Eliana signing books

From the moment we arrived, Eliana attracted attention! We were constantly busy, passing out samples of her Devil’s Food Monster Muffins and signing books.

11-13-10 There is a big crowd for Kid Chef Eliana!

I was so impressed by the way Eliana handled herself and spoke to people about her book. She sold 30 books in two hours! She’s such a pro! :)

11-13-10 Kid Chef Eliana poses with her sign at A Tisket A Tasket

I look forward to my next book signing with the coolest kid chef around!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

Mama’s Bayou Book Signing at Barnes & Noble Perkins Road in Baton Rouge – Saturday, July 10, 2010

by Dianne on July 14, 2010

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

{ 0 comments }

Zachary Elementary School Visit – Monday, April 19, 2010

by Dianne on April 20, 2010

4-19-10 Warming up with a second grader dancing Zydeco

4-19-10 Warming up with a second grader dancing Zydeco

Friends:

On Monday, April 19, 2010, I visited Zachary Elementary in Zachary, Louisiana and performed for the entire school of second and third graders. My illustrator for Mama’s Bayou, Holly Stone-Barker, is the artist-in-residence at the school. Her sister, Heather Stone, a second grade teacher, arranged my visit. I started with telling The Cajun Cornbread Boy. The students were so much fun and participated in the story.

4-19-10 Zachary Elementary audience particpating in The Cajun Cornbread Boy story

4-19-10 Zachary Elementary audience particpating in The Cajun Cornbread Boy story

Then I performed Mama’s Bayou, with help from the students on stage.

4-19-10 Performing Mama's Bayou with the help of students on stage

4-19-10 Performing Mama's Bayou with the help of students on stage

I closed my program with a rousing performance of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, again with the help of students from the audience.

4-19-10 Students are roaches in Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach

4-19-10 Students are roaches in Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach

Afterward, I had lunch with Heather Stone’s second grade class in the cafeteria. Their beefaroni was delicious! I also visited their classroom and told another story. Holly Stone-Barker was in the class and we showed the students the new book we are working on.

I had a wonderful day at Zachary Elementary. Thank you, Heather for bringing me to Zachary Elementary. I had a marvelous time and can’t wait to return!!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

Texas Library Association Conference, San Antonio – April 15-16, 2010

by Dianne on April 18, 2010

4-16-10 Dianne de Las Casas signing books at ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited

4-16-10 Dianne de Las Casas signing books at ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited

Friends:

What a busy week it’s been! I attended the Texas Library Association Conference in San Antonio, Texas with my two illustrators, Marita Gentry and Holly Stone-Barker. My days were non-stop, running from book signing to book signing. I signed at both of my publishers, ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited and Pelican Publishing Company. The only time I got to see the Riverwalk was from my 27th floor room balcony!

4-15-10 View from private balcony at Marriott Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas

4-15-10 View from private balcony at Marriott Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas

That evening, Marita, Holly and I attended the Storytelling Swap at the Grand Hyatt. Marita and I told a 7 minute version of Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach, with her drawing the tale as I told. It was so much fun and everyone loved it. The next day, when we signed books, we had a lot of librarians come to buy the book because of our performance.

On Thursday, the girls and I hit the ground running. We signed books at Pelican Publishing during the Exhibit Hall opening from 10am-12pm. It was crazy buzy with non-stop signing for all three of us.

4-15-10 Holly Stone-Barker, Dianne de Las Casas & Marita Gentry sign books

4-15-10 Holly Stone-Barker, Dianne de Las Casas & Marita Gentry sign books

I was lucky enough to get a picture with my good friend, Phil Bildner, a fellow author and amazing person. Phil started a non-profit called NOLATREE. He lives in NYC but takes youth to New Orleans during the summer to rebuild the 9th Ward and areas devated by Hurricane Katrina. Phil, you totally ROCK!

4-15-10 Dianne de Las Casas with Author Phil Bildner

4-15-10 Dianne de Las Casas with Author Phil Bildner

I had a lot of librarians who came looking for me. :) It was a good day!

4-15-10 Dianne de Las Casas & Marita Gentry with a librarian fan

4-15-10 Dianne de Las Casas & Marita Gentry with a librarian fan

In the afternoon, I signed books with ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited. Again, it was busy but fun because I got to see people I adore like Debby LaBoon, my author rep and Sharon Coatney, my editor. Plus, I got to see a lot of librarians I knew as well as making a lot of new connections!

4-15-10 Dianne de Las Casas with a fan at the ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited booth

4-15-10 Dianne de Las Casas with a fan at the ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited booth

Later that evening, I went to dinner with Shannon, an editor with Libraries Unlimited, Kendall Haven, an LU author with nearly 25 LU titles, Debby LaBoon, and Sharon Coatney. We ate at a charming restaurant called Josephine Street Cafe, which had a tree growing in the middle! The food was delicious but the company was even better.

4-15-10 Shannon, Sharon & Debby from Libraries Unlimited

4-15-10 Shannon, Sharon & Debby from Libraries Unlimited

On Friday, Marita, Holly and I headed back to the convention center to sign more books with Pelican Publishing. At the beginning of my signing, Eric Kimmel, author extraordinaire and my friend, came to see me. I was so touched that he stopped by! Thank you, Eric. I <3 U! :)

4-15-10 Dianne de Las Casas & Author Eric Kimmel

4-15-10 Dianne de Las Casas & Author Eric Kimmel

I was also fortunate enough to hang out with the amazing Matthew Gollub, who is an author and phenomenal performer. On Thursday night, I went to the Doo Wop dance with Shannon from Libraries Unlimited and hung out with the two of them all night. What fun! Thanks for swapping tips with me, Matthew. You are one cool dude!

4-16-10 Author & Performer Matthew Gollub with Dianne de Las Casas

4-16-10 Author & Performer Matthew Gollub with Dianne de Las Casas

My last signing was at ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited, where the company interviewed me for a video podcast. I’ll let you know when the video is up. After signing, I had a little while to walk the exhibit hall, find friends, and shop. I happened to catch Jenni Holm, my friend and the author of the Baby Mouse series. Her 2 year old daughter, Millie, was with her. I sat on the floor with Millie and told stories while her mom signed books. Typical! LOL But I had a ton of fun with Millie!

4-16-10 Dianne de Las Casas with Author Jennifer Holm (Baby Mouse) and her 2 year old daughter, Millie

4-16-10 Dianne de Las Casas with Author Jennifer Holm (Baby Mouse) and her 2 year old daughter, Millie

We had to leave on Friday evening because I had a keynote and workshop to present on Saturday so I had to stop at the San Antonio airport store to buy gifts for Eliana. To my delight and surprise, I was privileged to meet Suzanne Collins, the author of The Hunger Games series. Suzanne and I were both buying “tortilla warmers.” She was so sweet that she let me pick the one I liked best. Despite all her success, she remains humble and gracious. Now, I am an even BIGGER fan! Thanks, Suzanne!

4-16-10 Author Suzanne Collins (The Hunger Games series) and Dianne de Las Casas buying tortilla warmers at the San Antonio Airport store

4-16-10 Author Suzanne Collins (The Hunger Games series) and Dianne de Las Casas buying tortilla warmers at the San Antonio Airport store

The Texas Library Association conference was rockin’ awesome and I had a blast. I look forward to attending next year, with several new books including There’s a Dragon in the Library, illustrated by Marita Gentry.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

Book Signing at A Tisket A Tasket, French Quarter Fest – Sunday, April 11, 2010

by Dianne on April 13, 2010

4-11-10 The door display at A Tisket A Tasket in the French Quarter New Orleans

4-11-10 The door display at A Tisket A Tasket in the French Quarter New Orleans

Friends:

On Sunday, April 11, 2010, Holly Stone-Barker and I signed copies of our book, Mama’s Bayou at A Tisket A Tasket on Decatur Street in the French Quarter.

4-11-10 Holly & Dianne sign books at A Tisket A Tasket in the French Quarter

4-11-10 Holly & Dianne sign books at A Tisket A Tasket in the French Quarter

It was French Quarter Fest and business was brisk! We moved a lot of books. We met the nicest people from all over the United States and Canada! I love how New Orleans attracts people from all over – an extraordinary city attracting extraordinary people! A Tisket A Tasket was so good to us, providing a beautiful display to attract customers and prominently showcasing our books.

4-11-10 The nice sign at A Tisket A Tasket

4-11-10 The nice sign at A Tisket A Tasket

Holly and I had a wonderful time! A special thank you to Lisa Jones and her staff for making us feel so welcome! We’ll be back!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

Mama’s Bayou BIG BASH Book Event at Barnes & Noble, Harvey, LA – Saturday, April 10, 2010

by Dianne on April 13, 2010

4-10-10 Mama's Bayou at Barnes & Noble Westbank in Harvey, LA

4-10-10 Mama's Bayou at Barnes & Noble Westbank in Harvey, LA

Friends:

This past Saturday, I had a Mama’s Bayou BIG BASH book event at Barnes & Noble in Harvey, Louisiana with Illustrator Holly Stone-Barker. We had a wonderful crowd and performed Mama’s Bayou with children from the audience participating.

4-10-10 Our lovely audience at Barnes & Noble Westbank

4-10-10 Our lovely audience at Barnes & Noble Westbank

Afterward, Holly demonstrated her cut paper and collage technique, creating a beautiful dragonfly. We gave away prizes and the audience was treated to snacks and Frappucinos courtesy of Barnes & Noble!

4-10-10 Holly Stone-Barker demonstrates her cut paper and collage technique

4-10-10 Holly Stone-Barker demonstrates her cut paper and collage technique

Holly and I signed books for our fans and had a ton of fun. It was a great night and we look forward to returning! Special thanks to Jane French, Children’s Department Manager, and Aaron Boyd, Community Relations Manager for their help in setting up our wonderful event.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →