International Reading Association

International Reading Association Conference, Chicago, Illinois – April 26-27, 2010

by Dianne on May 9, 2010

4-28-10 Dianne de Las Casas signing books at Pelican Publishing

Friends:

Towards the end of April, I was at the International Reading Association Conference in Chicago, Illinois signing my books, The Cajun Cornbread Boy, Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach and Mama’s Bayou at the Pelican Publishing Booth.

When I arrived on Sunday, April 25, 2010, it was storming. But the next day, the weather cleared and it was gorgeous. Look at the beautiful tulips blossoming in downtown Chicago!

4-26-10 Tulips bloom in Chi Town

I was fortunate that many of my children’s author friends were also signing. I tried to see as many of them as possible. One of my favorite authors is Jane Yolen. Jane lost 40 pounds and looks like a million dollars! Way to go, Jane!

4-26-10 Author Jane Yolen & Dianne de Las Casas

It was great to see all my friends because I also stocked up on books and knocked off a lot of Christmas shopping! Who wouldn’t want to receive a signed book as a gift?! On Monday night, I attended the Highlights Foundation dinner and saw more close friends like Juliet Bond and MJ Diem.

4-26-10 Dianne de Las Casas, Illustrator Eric Rohmer and Author Candace Fleming

On Tuesday, April 27, 2010 I ran around trying to see as many of my author friends who were also signing. I was able to visit with my dear friend, Mary Jo Huff (but we forgot to take a picture together!!). I also neglected to take pictures with my buddy, Illustrator Rick Anderson and author Michael Shoulders. It was great meeting Eric Ode for the first time. We’d been corresponding for years by email and Facebook. I saw many fans from Louisiana, Guam, and other states and countries around the world!! It was a great conference.

4-27-10 Author Anastasia Suen and Dianne de Las Casas

I saw Lisa Yee and had the privilege of taking a picture with her and Peepy! :)

4-27-10 Author Lisa Yee, Peepy & Dianne de Las Casas

I had been corresponding with Author Nancy Krulik on Facebook. I finally got to meet her in person too. Yay!

4-27-10 Author Nancy Krulik and Dianne de Las Casas

Another highlight was getting to see my buddy, Eric Kimmel. I adore his books and love him as a person. He’s such a great guy, gracious and giving…

4-28-10 Author Eric Kimmel and Dianne de Las Casas

One of my storytelling heroes has always been Margaret Read MacDonald. I love her work and what she has contributed to children’s literature through her folktale collections and children’s books. I am happy to say we are now friends. Margie, you rock!

4-27-10 Dianne de Las Casas and Author Margaret Read MacDonald

IRA was an awesome conference and I loved every minute of it. I made new friends (Hi Vanessa and Deborah from Nashville, Tennessee!). A special thank you to Caitlin Smith, the school sales manager for Pelican Publishing for everything you did to make my visit to Chicago a success!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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South East Regional IRA Conference – November 29-30, 2009

by Dianne on December 2, 2009

11-29-09 Signing books at SE IRA Conference in New Orleans

11-29-09 Signing books at SE IRA Conference in New Orleans

Friends:

This past Sunday and Monday, I signed books for Pelican Publishing at the South East Regional International Reading Association Conference. It was a great conference and I met so many wonderful people and made new friends. It was also nice seeing my old friends too! I was excited to finally meet Brod Bagert, Rick Anderson, Chuck Galey, and Michael Shoulders. I had corresponded with Rick, Chuck, and Michael over Facebook but had not met them in person. Wonderful guys! They were so warm and friendly.

11-29-09 Chuck Galey, Rick Anderson, Dianne de Las Casas & Michael Shoulders

11-29-09 Chuck Galey, Rick Anderson, Dianne de Las Casas & Michael Shoulders

On the first day, I signed by myself and did very well, moving a lot of books. I shared the table with other Pelican authors including Cecilia Dartez and Sheila Hebert Collins.

11-30-09 Pelican Authors - Dianne de Las Casas, Cecilia Dartez & Sheila Collins Hebert

11-30-09 Pelican Authors - Dianne de Las Casas, Cecilia Dartez & Sheila Collins Hebert

On the second day in the morning, Marita Gentry, the illustrator for The Cajun Cornbread Boy and Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, joined me.

11-29-09 Dianne de Las Casas and Marita Gentry sign books

11-29-09 Dianne de Las Casas and Marita Gentry sign books

We did a live demonstration with me telling the story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach and Marita illustrating on a large pad. It was so much fun and afterwards, we signed books. Books flew off the table as people lined up. We had a marvelous crowd. Thank you so much to the teachers and librarians who came to see us! We love you!

11-29-09 Joyous fans wait for autographs from Dianne and Marita

11-29-09 Joyous fans wait for autographs from Dianne and Marita

I took Marita to meet my friends, Rick Anderson (Illustrator) and Michael Shoulders (author). Lo and behold, Brod Bagert was at the table. So we all took a moment to pose for the camera… I really enjoyed meeting Brod, who is a children’s poet from New Orleans. He was charming and effervescent and always had women flocked around his booth. Of course, it can’t hurt that Brod serenaded me with song and poetry performed in Spanish!!

11-30-09 Brod Bagert, Dianne de Las Casas, Rick Anderson, Marita Gentry & Michael Shoulders

11-30-09 Brod Bagert, Dianne de Las Casas, Rick Anderson, Marita Gentry & Michael Shoulders

Back at the Pelican booth on Monday afternoon, New Orleans Saints fever was high. But chicken and roach fever was higher! :)

11-30-09 Dianne & John Scheid pose as Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach

11-30-09 Dianne & John Scheid pose as Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach

Thank you very much to the fabulous Pelican sales team who did a phenomenal job: Caitlin Smith, Scott Campbell, and John Scheid. I look forward to being with you at the next conference! TLA, here we come!

11-30-09 Caitlin Smith & John Scheid, part of the dynamic sales team at Pelican Publishing

11-30-09 Caitlin Smith & John Scheid, part of the dynamic sales team at Pelican Publishing

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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