3-5-10 Dianne teaches the hand motions to Mama's Bayou

Friends:

On Friday, Holly Stone-Barker (illustrator of Mama’s Bayou) and I had a BIG BASH book event to launch our new children’s picture book, Mama’s Bayou. The children’s section of Barnes & Noble was PACKED! Even Marita Gentry, the illustrator of my other children’s books (The Cajun Cornbread Boy and Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach) attended.

3-5-10 Barnes & Noble children's section is packed with fans!

I sang the story with audience participation while Holly guided the children and helped them place their magnets on the giant magnet board. Then Holly demonstrated her cut paper and collage technique, creating a dragonfly.

3-5-10 Holly demonstrates cut paper and collage, creating a dragonfly

Afterwards, we gave away TONS of prizes – the dragonfly art Holly created, book bags, stuffed gators, a cookie sheet magnet board, and a plush mama and baby frog that was the grand prize. Finally, it was time to sign books. Holly and I were busy the whole time, meeting, greeting and signing.

3-5-10 There is a long line waiting for autographs

We signed so many books that we sold out. There was not a single copy of Mama’s Bayou left on the shelves!

3-5-10 Dianne & Holly sign books and sell out!

It was a fabulous event. Barnes & Noble invited us to do another book signing in the summer! Thank you to our wonderful family, friends, and fans who came to see us and support us! A special thank you to Abby Hannie, Community Relations Manager of Barnes & Noble Citiplace in Baton Rouge and all the helpful staff at the store. You rock the bayou!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Mama's Bayou by Dianne de Las Casas, Illustrated by Holly Stone-Barker

Friends:

On Thursday, I appeared on ABC-26 Good Morning New Orleans with Holly Stone-Barker, illustrator of Mama’s Bayou. It was a very short three-minute segment but we talked the book, performed an excerpt, and talked about Holly’s art. It was short but we had a great time!

What was really interesting was waiting in the TV station break room with other guests. Holly and I met Trixie Minx, a burlesque dancer and owner of Fleur de Tease, a burlesque review.

3-4-10 Trixie Minx, Owner of Fleur de Tease Burlesque

Holly and I even got to try the feathers! All of this before 6 o’clock in the morning! LOL

3-4-10 Dianne & Holly with feathers at the ABC-26 TV studio

What a fun morning!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

2-27-10 Mama's Bayou Frogs Cake

Friends:

My Mama’s Bayou book launch party with Holly Stone-Barker was a smashing success! We had a beautiful cake made to look just like the frogs in our book, Mama’s Bayou. I also set out mini marshmallow frogs for the kids. So cute!

2-27-10 Holly & Dianne in front of the cake table

Judith Lafitte and Tom Lowenberg, owners of Octavia, were wonderful hosts. They rearranged the book store for our party and did a fantastic job! Thank you so much, Judith and Tom!

2-27-10 Dianne is a Judith Lafitte fan! Judith is co-owner of Octavia Books.

Eliana, my 9 year old daughter, dressed up as a gator. I made her cousins outfits with shirts that had the book’s images on them. They were so cute!

2-27-10 Eliana (gator girl on right) with her cousins

Holly set up a large story time magnet board made from one of the pages in our book. It’s so gorgeous!

2-27-10 Mama's Bayou giant story time magnet board

As I sang the story, the children put the animal magnets on their place in the bayou. It worked out so well and the kids loved it!

2-27-10 The children hold their magnets for the story time board

I played the tambourine and sang the story with hand motions. Eliana held the book and turned the pages. Holly managed the children with the placement of their animals on the magnet board. It was fun!

2-27-10 Dianne & Eliana demonstrate the story's motions

Here are the children doing the hand motions for the story.

2-27-10 The children participate in the story

When the story was finished, I sat on the floor with the children to watch Holly as she demonstrated how she creates her cut paper and collage art.

2-27-10 Dianne on the floor with the kids for Holly's demonstration

Holly did a wonderful demonstration and created a dragonfly! The children were fascinated, watching her put together the dragonfly.

2-27-10 Holly Stone-Barker demonstrates her cut paper and collage technique, creating a dragonfly from the book

After Holly’s demonstration, I showed everyone all the activities that were available with our book, all free and downloadable from the web http://www.storyconnection.net/?content=mamasBayou. Then we drew prizes. We gave away a book bag, a cookie sheet magnet board, a mama and baby frog plush set, and a giant stuffed mama and baby frog.

2-27-10 Drawing prizes!

All the children were given a packet of activity sheets and goody bags containing chocolate graham cracker bears, a “Bear Hugs” postcard, bookmark, hopping frog, and party blower. Then we served frogs, poured swamp juice, and signed books.

2-27-10 Holly & Dianne sign books for loyal fans, Jon & Jordyn!

It was a fantabulous day! Thank you to everyone who came to our book launch party. Special thanks to Nina, Katie, and Caitlin of Pelican Publishing for coming! Judith and Tom of Octavia, we couldn’t have done it without you! And of course, thank you to our loyal fans, friends, and family who always stick by us. We’ll stick “bayou” too!

Rock and read on the bayou!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

2-24-10 Eliana is a gator for Mama's Bayou BIG BASH book launch

Friends:

I have been very busy preparing for the launch of my newest children’s picture book, Mama’s Bayou, illustrated by Holly Stone-Barker. Holly and I are holding our launch party this Saturday, February 27, 2010 at Octavia Books in Uptown New Orleans at 1:30pm. It’s truly going to be a BIG BASH!

The BIG BASH book party will include lively storytelling with audience participation (by moi) and an art demonstration by Holly Stone-Barker. You are not going to want to miss what we have in store!

We will be serving gourmet cake (in the shape of the frogs in the book) and swamp juice. The children will be given reading posters, bookmarks, and bear hugs postcards that they can stamp and mail to a loved one in addition to some other treats in a goody bag. We will be giving away door prizes including a GIANT Mama Frog and her big baby frog. Look at all these frogs!

2-24-10 Frogs sit in the office waiting for the BIG BASH book launch

In addition, we are holding other BIG BASH book signings in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at Barnes & Noble Citiplace on March 5, 2010 at 7pm and in Thibodaux, Louisiana at Cherry Books on March 6, 2010 at 11am.

And of course, we will be personalizing books. Mama’s Bayou is a gorgeous book. Holly and I have worked very hard not only to create a book that grown-ups and children will read and love together, but we have downloadable activities available on our websites to enhance the reading fun. http://www.storyconnection.net/?content=mamasBayou

We hope to see you at our special events! It’s a BIG BASH on Mama’s Bayou and you don’t want to miss this party!!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

2-12-10 TS Cooley's Mardi Gras Spirit

Friends:

On Friday, I visited T.S. Cooley Magnet Elementary School in Lake Charles, Louisiana. It was the Friday before Mardi Gras and the school was celebrating “Louisiana Day.” The school was decked out in Mardi Gras decorations and the students wore purple, green and gold.

I had two assemblies: one for K-2 and one for grades 3-5. First, it was the little ones. I told the story, “The Frog and the Cajun Princess,” a fractured tale and parody of “The Frog Prince.” Then, with help from audience members, I sang, “Thibodaux Lived Near the Bayou,” an adaptation of “Old McDonald Had a Farm.” I ended with Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. The kids were so much fun and they loved the stories.

My next assembly was for grades 3-5. I told the same stories except that I replaced the song with a string story, “The Pesky Skeeter” and a demonstration of a string star. The students were so enamored of the string figures that they began using their Mardi Gras beads to form the figures. So I did an impromptu instructional session. They loved it!

2-12-10 A student creates a star from Mardi Gras beads

Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach was also a big hit with the older grades. Afterwards, they told me how much fun they had and that I was the best storyteller they had ever seen. I love my job!

2-12-10 Students grades 3-5 take a picture with Dianne

After my school visit, I had the privilege of lunching with a friend and fellow writer, Cay Gibson. Cay is a columnist with the Lake Charles American Press newspaper and children’s literature expert. She took me to a fabulous local restaurant called Southern Spice. They had the best fried green beans I had ever tasted. Wow!

2-12-10 Dianne de Las Casas and Cay Gibson

Then Cay and I were lucky enough to meet a Mardi Gras queen, the queen of Krewe de La Maison in Lake Charles.

2-12-10 Dianne with the Queen of the Krewe de La Maison in Lake Charles

I really enjoyed my day in Lake Charles. Thank you so much to T.S. Cooley Magnet Elementary, Principal Fritzi Fralick, Renee’ Stump, and Cay Gibson for your hospitality! Laissez les bon temps rouler! Happy Nardi Gras!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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

1-26-10 Telling stories at Bissonet Plaza Elementary Family Literacy Night 1-26-10

Friends:

Tonight I was the featured author at Bissonet Plaza Elementary’s Saint-sational Family Literacy Night. I performed stories, sang, promoted reading, and signed books. My first story was Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. The students loved the story and really participated. It was so much fun to tell it to the Bissonet students because I have been their storyteller/author-in-residence every year (for 9 years) and the students know and love me. Of course, I love them right back!

1-26-10 Telling Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach

By request, I also told The Cajun Cornbread Boy. I don’t know who loved it more – the kids or the grown-ups! The students sang and participated in all the story’s motions. It was so much fun! Just look at these students blowing raspberries! LOL

1-26-10 Students participating in the story, The Cajun Cornbread Boy

After my performance, I signed books. I enjoyed being at one of my favorite schools around. A special thank you to Ellen Miller, who coordinated the event and invited me as their honored guest. Another special thank you to my sweet daughter, Eliana, who was my assistant and pro photographer!

Remember the magic number, Bissonet students… 20! Read 20 minutes a day to strengthen your thinking muscle!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

1-19-10 Performing for Quitman Lower Elementary 1st & 2nd grades

Friends:

Today I had the privilege of doing a school visit and a professional development workshop for Quitman Lower Elementary in Quitman, MS.

Angie Ledbetter, the Assistant Principal, was my contact person. My GPS misguided me to the wrong side of town and I called Angie on her cell phone in a panic. She was sweet and guided me in and greeted me upon my arrival. She told me that Carol Satterfield, a teacher and big “Fan of Dianne,” drove all the way from North Mississippi to see me and was spending the day at the school. How cool is that?!

Right before my first show, the Principal, Mr. Bounds, greeted me, welcomed me to the school, and introduced me to the students. I performed 2 shows. The first show was for pre-K and K. The second was for 1st and 2nd grades. It was so much fun and the students had a blast!

After my second show, Angie and another teacher, Tootsie, took me to lunch. We ate at a local restaurant, Skidmore’s Old Tyme Butcher Shop and Grill. They served delicious hot plates. I had fried chicken, cornbread, mac and cheese, green beans and peach cobbler. Talk about a Southern cooked meal!

1-19-10 Skidmore's Ole Tyme Butcher Shop and Grill in Quitman, MS

Lunch was so much fun. We laughed and laughed. Everyone that walked in the door could have been a book character! When we were finished eating, Tootsie said, “Now we have to clean our table and scrape off our plates.” It was like a flashback to junior high. So I took my dishes to the slop bucket and scraped off my plate. There was a big sign above the table where the bin for the dirty dishes was. It said, “Please do not throw your metal forks into the trash.”

Then Tootsie told me to read the fine print. Underneath that it said, “Throw away your spit cup please.” I’m not making this up! Better be careful… The white styrofoam cup you think is your drink might actually be someone’s spit cup! Eeeew. Of course, I HAD to take a picture!

1-19-10 Throw away your spit cup sign in Ole Tyme Butcher Shop restaurant in Quitman, MS

After lunch, we went back to school and I took a tour down the halls. The schools is one that really works to integrate the arts and the walls show it! There was art everywhere!

1-19-10 Students study Pointillism at Quitman Lower Elementary

A “Learning is Fun” attitude permeates the school’s atmosphere, from the administration to the staff to students. Quitman Lower Elementary’s teachers are enthusiastic and committed to their classrooms.

1-19-10 Learning is Fun mural in Quitman Lower Elementary

In the afternoon, the teachers came into the multipurpose room for my Story Fest workshop. It was so much fun sharing my signature story theater techniques with them. They were such great participants!

1-19-10 Teachers in Story Fest Workshop portraying a monkey swinging in the trees

They really embraced the story theater warm-up exercises, including Mr. Bounds, the school’s principal!

1-19-10 Mr. Bounds, Quitman Lower Elementary Principal, plays an old woman

I enjoyed their energy and willingness to step out of their comfort zones.

1-19-10 A lion and lioness coming out of a cave

When we were finished with the warm-up exercises, I divided the group in half and they created their own story theater. One group performed “The Turtle Who Could Not Stop Talking.”

The other group performed my brand new story theater script, adapted from my new book, Mama’s Bayou.

1-19-10 Teachers performing Mama's Bayou Story Theater

Afterwards, I signed tons of books and gave all the teachers reading posters. Every student received bookmarks. I really enjoyed my day at Quitman Lower Elementary. Thank you so much, Angie Ledbetter, for inviting me to Quitman. I love you and your school!

Tomorrow, I spend the day at Quitman Upper Elementary. Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

1-16-10 Dianne de Las Casas and Holly Stone-Barker, Excalibur Maid representing Mary Poppins

Friends:

Mardi Gras Season begins on the Twelfth Night of Christmas every year, January 6. I had the privilege and honor of being a guest at a Mardi Gras ball! I was invited by my illustrator (of Mama’s Bayou) and dear friend, Holly Stone-Barker. It was my first Mardi Gras ball and I had a ball!

1-16-10 Posing at the entrance of the Excalibur Ball

The ball was held at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner, Louisiana. The Krewe of Excalibur rolls in Metairie on Friday, February 5, 2010. My husband, Antonio, and I were seated at the “Nemo” table. Holly’s mom, Diane, was a maid representing the Disney movie, Finding Nemo. Our table was loaded with favors and tons of gifts!

1-16-10 Our table, loaded with favors

The pomp and circumstance began with a parade of breathtaking costumes, along with a history of the Krew of Excalibur, which is in its 9th year. The 2010 theme is “Knight-Time Stories” and the costumes represented favorite children’s stories that were also movies. There was “Dr. Seuss.”

1-15-10 Maid Alexis Smith representing Dr. Seuss

Here is “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

1-16-10 Maid Danielle Fricke representing Pirates of the Caribbean

My friend, Holly, was a maid representing “Mary Poppins.”

1-15-10 Holly Stone-Barker is a Maid representing Mary Poppins

“The Jungle Book” brought back childhood memories. I was in the play in elementary school, only my costume wasn’t as cool!

1-16-10 Maid representing The Jungle Book

Then there was Holly’s mom, Diane Stone, who was a stunning “Nemo.”

1-15-10 Holly Stone-Barker's mother, Diane Stone, is a Maid representing Finding Nemo

I felt like skipping down a yellow brick road for this one…

1-16-10 Maid representing The Wizard of Oz

The glorious parade culminated in the presentation of the King and the Queen. Presenting… King Excalibur IX!

1-16-10 Dr. Leo A. Pei is King Excalibur IX

The King was followed by the breathtaking Queen Excalibur IX. She was absolutely gorgeous in satin and sequins. She was elegant and graceful, and radiated joy.

1-16-10 Brittany Joy Falgout is Queen Excalibur IX

The costumes were so grandiose and awe-inspiring. I was told that they were made by D&D Designs. Every new costume just took my breath away.

1-16-10 All Hail the King and Queen!

What I love about Mardi Gras is how rich in history it is. Many visitors to New Orleans don’t realize how much tradition is behind Mardi Gras’ culture. It’s not just about beads and throws and parades. It’s about family and honor.

1-16-10 Nemo (Diane Stone), Junior Knight (Stephen Barker) & Mary Poppins (Holly Stone-Barker)

After the presentation of the court, dinner was served buffet style. Then it was time to dance! Vince Vance and the Valiants were the “Knight-Time” entertainment. Antonio and I shook, shook, shook our booties. Thank goodness I brought my Footzy Rolls, roll-up flat shoes made just for occasions like these. My ankle is still weak from my sprain two months ago. I chucked the high heels and felt fine in flats!

1-16-10 Dianne with her husband, Antonio

Holly has some sweet friends and family. I met her in-laws, who came in all the way from North Carolina!

1-16-10 The Barkers from North Carolina

Holly’s friend, Kathy, is a hoot. Just look at this vivacious woman!

1-16-10 Holly's friend, Kathy, dances!

Holly’s sister, Heather, sang with Vince Vance. LOL

1-16-10 Heather Stone with Vince Vance

Speaking of Vince Vance, I met him a couple of years ago. He came out into the audience and recognized me. I couldn’t believe he remembered me! He announced my name over the P.A. as “The Famous Storyteller Dianne de Las Casas” and had me join his girls on stage, singing “Love Shack.” Being on stage is no new place for me… LOL It was fun!

It was a grand evening and we partied until 2:30am! What a great way to continue celebrating my birthday! I really enjoyed meeting Toni, Holly’s friend. Toni had never met me and gave me the most gorgeous gifts! Her son, Nick, was a junior knight, like Holly’s son, Stephen. Toni, thank you! You are so sweet!

1-15-10 Dianne, Holly, Toni & Kathy having a ball!

Holly, thank you so much for inviting me and Antonio to the Excalibur Mardi Gras ball! I absolutely loved every minute of it. I had a ton of fun! See the grateful grin on my face?!

1-16-10 Dianne at Excalibur Mardi Gras Ball

Happy Mardi Gras Season! Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne