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

12-19-09 Telling The House that Santa Built

Friends:

I performed a holiday program for the St. Bernard Parish Library on Saturday. Because the library in Chalmette is still located in a trailer (from Katrina), the program was held in the new St. Bernard Council for Aging building. I began my program with a new story, “The House that Santa Built” and it was so cute. Then we sang “Up on the House Top” with members of the audience performing with me.

12-19-09 Performing Up on the Housetop

Then I told a new personal story called “Eliana’s Christmas Surprise,” a story about my youngest daughter and how Santa left behind evidence of his visit to our house. It is a hilarious story and the adults as well as the children were cracking up. Then I told my story, “Santa’s Stuck” with the help of reindeer from the audience.

12-19-09 The reindeer and little mouse pull Santa out of the chimney

Finally I ended with everyone singing, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” It was a fun program and I had a blast. Afterward, Eliana and I enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Community Grill with Janet Perez from the library and her beautiful 21 year old daughter, Sam. Thank you, Janet! I had a blast at the library and can’t
wait to return!

12-19-09 Janet Perez of the St. Bernard Parish Library with her daughter, Sam

12-19-09 Performing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Ho! Ho! Ho! It’s time to go…

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

12-18-09 Performing Santa's Stuck for third grade

It was my last day of my Handmade Tales residency with Bissonet Plaza Elementary in Metairie, Louisiana. My first order of business was to stuff the classroom teachers’ mail boxes with my books, The Cajun Cornbread Boy and Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. It was all arranged by Ellen Miller, the librarian. Thank you, Ellen!

12-18-09 Copies of The Cajun Cornbread Boy and Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach in the teachers' boxes

In the morning, I was able to watch the school play put on by the third grade and some drama students from 4th and 5th grade. It was awesome! They are so talented!

12-18-09 The Bissonet Christmas Play main characters

Then it was on to tell stories to all the grades during their P.E. period. I decided to do a holiday program since it was the week before Christmas. I told some new stories, including “The House That Santa Built,” which turned out to be such a good story!

12-18-09 Telling Pre-K students The House that Santa Built

I really enjoyed telling stories to the students. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, Bissonet Plaza Elementary! Thank you for another wonderful year! Enjoy the holidays!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

12-17-09 5th graders make string figures

Friends:

Today was a big day at Bissonet Plaza Elementary. It was the 9th day of my Handmade Tales residency and my 3rd through 5th grade classes performed in a grade level Story Fest celebration. I saw all of the grades during their P.E. period. First was 5th grade. Ms. Brumfield’s class performed “The Pesky Skeeter” with string.

12-17-09 Ms. Brumfield's 5th graders perform The Pesky Skeeter with string

Then students from Mr. Joyce’s class performed the draw and tell story of “The Emperor’s Drazgon.”

12-17-09 Students from Mr. Joyce's 5th grade class perform The Emperor's Dragon

Last but not least, Ms. McLeod’s class performed “The Magic Star,” a cut and tell tale. I was so proud of this class because my storyteller from this group told the story without a script! It was such a pleasure to teach 5th grade this year! They were such a delightful group of students. To reward their hard work, I gave all the students string and taught them the double star string figure. Yay 5th grade!

12-17-09 Ms. McLeod's 5th graders perform The Magic Star

After a planning period break, pre-K came in. I told them the story of “The Mouse’s Wedding” and they loved the story with the little mice made of bandanas.

12-17-09 Performing The Mouse's Wedding for Pre-K

3rd grade was a lot of fun. They did a great job performing their stories. Ms. Fury’s class performed “The Girl Who Used Her Wits,” a cut and fold tale.

12-17-09 Students from Ms. Fury's 3rd grade class perform The Girl Who Used Her Wits

Mr. Boone’s 3rd grade class performed “Mr. Wiggle and Mr. Waggle,” a story that needs nothing more than your hands to tell the tale! Ms. Arnett’s class had two students to represent them. They told the cut and tell story of “Papa’s Teepee.” Alex, the storyteller, forgot his script and I didn’t have a copy so he told the story from memory! He did an absolutely magnificent job. I was completely impressed. It wasn’t just a couple of lines. It was the entire story!

12-17-09 Dianne with students from Ms. Arnette's 3rd grade class who performed Papa's Teepee

Ms. Frechette’s 3rd graders performed “The Ugly Duckling” with towels. It was precious!

12-17-09 Ms. Frechette's 3rd graders perform The Ugly Duckling

Eliana, my 9 year old daughter, came with me. She comes to Bissonet every year for one day and the students love her! She was such a big help! In fact, she took almost all the pictures I am using in this blog! She helped me with some draw and tell tales and even told stories by herself! Definitely a storyteller’s daughter! I love you, Eliana! Thank you for everything!

12-17-09 Dianne's daughter, Eliana, draws Pile It on the Pie a Mile High

Here is Eliana telling “Mr. Wiggle & Mr. Waggle” while I demonstrate the story.

12-17-09 Eliana tells the story of Mr. Wiggle & Mr. Waggle while Dianne demonstrates

With Kindergarten through 2nd grade, I told stories including “The Mouse’s Wedding,” a handkerchief tale.

12-17-09 Performing The Mouse's Wedding for 2nd grade

I even taught the 2nd graders a partner game from Singapore called “The Pearl.”

12-17-09 2nd graders learn a partner game from Singapore

Unfortunately, I missed taking pictures of 4th grade because all the cameras we brought (3 of them!) either ran out of memory (from the videos we took) or ran out of battery and I didn’t have the charger! I am so sad!! But my 4th graders did a PHENOMENAL job, especially Ms. Morrow’s class who put their all into their performance. I was awesome!!

12-17-09 Dianne performs for kindergarten

Tomorrow is my last day at Bissonet. I will be performing a holiday show for all the grades!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

12-16-09 Ms. Morales' 4th grade class turns April showers into May flowers

Friends:

It was my 8th day of my Handmade Tales residency at Bissonet Plaza Elementary in Metairie, Louisiana. In the morning, I went into the teacher’s lounge and left them a big surprise. I decorated the lounge for Christmas with table runners and centerpieces. I also gave the teachers and staff a huge basket filled with gourmet coffee, syrups, tea, cocoa, chocolate, cookies and other treats. The school recently redecorated their lounge in rich colors of dark chocolate, red, and caramel. They call it “Cafe’ Bissonet.” So I themed my gift to go with their new cafe’.

12-16-09 Office staff, Donna & Tammy, with the basket of goodies Dianne made for Cafe' Bissonet

My instructional day began in 4th grade with Ms. Morales’ class. After creating books from the story, “The King’s Advisor,” we rehearsed their story, “April Showers,” for their performance on Thursday. They did a great job. There are so many creative students in this class!

12-16-09 A student in Ms. Morales' 4th grade class with his flower from the story, April Showers

After that, I had a break and got to visit with my best friend, Author & Children’s Musician Johnette Downing, who performed for the lower grades. Johnette and I rarely see each other because of our hectic schedules so it was so nice to see her again! I love you, Johnette!

12-16-09 Dianne de Las Casas with her best friend, Johnette Downing

My next class was Ms. Lemoine’s 1st grade class. I told “The Stubborn Turnip” with string and they loved the story. Then we made the 6 page books from the story, “The King’s Advisor.”

12-16-09 Telling stories in Ms. Lemoine's 1st grade class

In Ms. Vizzini’s 2nd grade class, they listened to “The Stubborn Turnip” and were awed by the trick in the string story. Afterward, we made 6 page books from a single sheet of paper. They wrote such cute little stories in their books.

12-16-09 A student in Ms. Vizzini's 2nd grade class creates a book

In Mr. Boone’s 3rd grade class, we made the 6 page books after I told the story “The King’s Advisor.”

12-16-09 Instructing students in Mr. Boone's 3rd grade class

Then we rehearsed their story, “Mr. Wiggle & Mr. Waggle” for their performance on Thursday.

12-16-09 Rehearsing Mr. Wiggle & Mr. Waggle with students in Mr. Boone's 3rd grade class

My last class was Pre-K. I told “Going on an Elf Hunt” and the story came out so cute!

12-16-09 Telling stories in Pre-K

Later that night, I went to the Bissonet Faculty and Staff Christmas party at Seymour’s in Harahan. I had a blast hanging out with all the teachers and staff of Bissonet! Thank you for inviting me, Nancy Morales (4th grade teacher)! You rock!

12-16-09 Paula Naugle, 4th grade teacher, and Dianne de Las Casas at the Bissonet Christmas Party

Another great day at Bissonet!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

12-9-09 Students from Ms. Morrow's Class perform The Frog and the Ox with balloons

Friends:

My day began with Ms. Morrow’s lively 4th grade class. They all cheered when I walked into the room. All the students remembered me from my previous years there. We did the draw-and-tell tale, “Catching a Pest.” It was a fun time with Ms. Morrow and her class! I look forward to seeing them perform “The Frog and the Ox” on performance day.

12-9-09 Students from Ms. Morrow's 4th Gr. Class drawing Catching a Pest

My second class was Ms. Frechette’s 3rd grade class. After teaching them “Catching a Pest,” I told them the story of “The Ugly Duckling” using towels. I let them practice using bandanas. It was a blast.

Afterward, I chose some students from Ms. Frechette’s class to perform “The Ugly Duckling” using the towels. The entire class participated in the story and it came out so cute. I can’t wait to see it on performance day.

There was a mix-up in the schedule so Pre-K had to be rescheduled for Thursday. It was then on to Ms. Chieffo’s 2nd grade class. They learned “Catching a Pest” and then made the snowflake from the story “Papa’s Teepee.” Seeing the snowflakes fall to the ground never gets old for me!

12-9-09 Ms. Chieffo's 2nd grade class creates a snow blizzard

After lunch, I headed to Ms. Tonguis’ 1st grade class. She is a new teacher at Bissonet and I really enjoyed her personality and being in her class! First, we made the mouse with the numbers 1 through 7 from the story, “Catching a Pest.”

12-9-09 A mouse made with the numbers 1-7 by a student in Ms. Tonguis' 1st grade class

Then I told “Papa’s Teepee,” turning a coffee filter from a teepee into a snowflake. The students in Ms. Tonguis’ class had a blast with their snowflakes. They were adorable!

12-9-09 Ms. Tonguis' 1st grade class loved making their coffee filter snowflakes

My last class was Ms. Brumfield’s 5th grade class. They were excited to see me and we did the draw-and-tell followed by teaching them “The Pesky Skeeter,” an original short story made with string. The string figure was a challenge for them but by the end of class, several of the students had mastered the string. They can’t wait to do it again. I issued them a challenge. The next time I return to class, if 10 students master the mosquito string figure, then they get to keep their strings. I love seeing their faces when they master the skill and see the string transform!!

12-9-09 Students from Ms. Brumfield's 5th Gr. Class create a mosquito from string

It was a great day at Bissonet! Let’s see what tomorrow brings!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Note: Students’ faces are obscured to protect their identities.

12-8-09 Ms. Arnett's 3rd grade class creates winter wonder window!

Friends:

Today started out on a “bad foot.” A storm ravaged our area and left us with no electricity. Everyone was late getting ready because the alarms didn’t go off. Then, when I got in my car, it wouldn’t start. My brother to the rescue. He jump-started my car and I was able to get to school, albeit a few minutes late.

2-8-09 My brother, Gary, cleaning the corrosion from my dead battery & giving me a jump

My first class was Ms. Arnett’s 3rd grade class. I had enough time to tell the story, “Papa’s Teepee,” and teach it to them. It was fun to see them delight in the falling snowflakes. They even decorated their class window to make it look like it was snowing outside.

12-8-09 Ms. Arnett's 3rd grade class cutting snowflakes from coffee filters

My second class was Ms. Fury’s 3rd grade class. After doing the story, “Catching a Pest,” they learned the story, “The Girl Who Used Her Wits.” It was a fun riddle story and the students enjoyed making “fire wrapped in paper” (a paper lantern) and “wind wrapped in paper” (a paper fan).

Ms. Anchissi’s kindergarten class enjoyed the story of “Catching a Pest,” a story that uses the numbers 1 through 7 to tell a story and draw a mouse. Then we did Papa’s teepee and created snowflakes. They loved it, especially making the snow fall.

12-8-09 Ms. Anchissi's kindergarten class making snow fall

Afterward, Ms. Anchissi decorated her classroom Christmas tree with the students’ snowflakes. It was so pretty!

12-8-09 Ms. Anchissi's kindergarten decorates their Christmas tree with snowflakes

It was then on to Ms. Leblanc’s 2nd grade class. They drew the mouse and then created their snowflakes out of coffee filters, after hearing the story, “Papa’s teepee.” Again, it was like seeing children playing in real snow when they launched their snowflakes!

12-8-09 Ms. Leblanc's 2nd grade class with their coffee filter snow flakes

After lunch, I went to Ms. Bonnano’s 1st grade class. Ms. Bonnano was so excited to see me. What a sweet teacher! After I told the story of “Catching a Pest,” I told them how I was inspired to create the story. They challenged me to create Santa Claus using numbers. It was fun and I’ll continue to work on it…

12-8-09 Ms. Bonnano's 1st grade class' challenge to create Santa using only numbers

They loved making their snowflakes and had fun creating a big blizzard. Following that activity, I gave them a writing prompt for their journals “The Time It Snowed in Class.”

12-8-09 Ms. Bonnano's 1st grade class creates a blizzard

My last class was Mr. Joyce’s 5th grade class. After showing them “Catching a Pest,” I taught them “The Emperor’s Dragon.” I then chose 2 students to perform the story. They did a really good job and I was impressed with their teamwork.

12-8-09 5th grade students from Mr. Joyce's class draw the story The Emperor's Dragon

My car would not start AGAIN and was parked in the teacher’s parking lot. After getting a jump, I was able to get home. I look forward to another day at Bissonet. Hopefully, tomorrow will get off to a better start!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

Note: The students’ faces are obscured to protect their identities.

12-7-09 Making Bandana Man with Ms. Morrison's 4th graders

Friends:

Today I began a two-week residency at Bissonet Plaza Elementary in Metairie, Louisiana. This is my 9th year at Bissonet, and I look forward to my annual visit. Special thanks to Ellen Miller, Bissonet’s Librarian, for always inviting me back! This year, I am doing Handmade Tales with the students, teaching them the stories. At the end of the residency, students from each class will perform a tale.

My day began in 4th grade with Ms. Morrison’s class. I told them the story “Catching a Pest,” a story I created that uses the numbers 1 through 7 to depict a mouse. They loved it. Then I shared “Bandana Man,” a rendition of “Gingerbread Man,” created with a bandana. The students had so much fun learning how to make Bandana Man, though it was challenging.

12-7-09 Bandana Man in Ms. Morrison's 4th grade class

I then went to Ms. Naugle’s 4th grade class. They were working on a number of holiday projects, including these adorable cards!

12-7-09 Happy Holiday Cards from Ms. Naugle's 4th Grade Class

I told “Catching a Pest” and then taught them “Bandana Man.” They enjoyed the handmade tales and had a great time.

12-7-09 Ms. Naugle's 4th grade class creates Bandana Man

From 4th grade, I traveled downstairs to Ms. Hahn’s kindergarten class. They loved the story of “Catching a Pest” but were REALLY thrilled when I told “Papa’s Teepee,” a story that turn a coffee filter into a Native American teepee and then turns the teepee into a snowflake. I worked with them, helping them turn their coffee filters into snowflakes.

12-7-09 Working w Ms. Hahn's Kindergarten Class

After creating their snowflakes, we created a snow blizzard, turning the classroom into a “winter wonderland.” You should have seen the students’ faces as they floated their snowflakes!

12-7-09 Ms. Hahn's Kindergarten Class makes snowflakes!

After kindergarten, it was on to Ms. Presser’s second grade class. We did “Catching a Pest,” “Papa’s Teepee,” and I even had time to do a draw and tell story, “The Emperor’s Dragon.” All of the stories are from my book, Handmade Tales. The students were so well-behaved. I really enjoyed seeing them make their snowflakes float to the ground!

12-7-09 Ms. Presser's 2nd graders created snowfall

My next class was Ms. Duhe’s first grade class. They were so excited to see me that they cheered. So many of the students remember me from last year’s visit. In many cases, I see the students as they go from kindergarten to 5th grade. The children had fun doing the handmade tales.

12-7-09 A student in Ms. Duhe's 1st grade class creates a mouse using numbers

We hung their snowflakes from their display line. Wintry greetings from Ms. Duhe’s class!

12-7-09 Ms. Duhe's 1st graders' snowflakes

My final class was Ms. McLeod’s 5th grade reading class. The students were so excited to see me. It was such a warm welcome. We worked on “Catching a Pest” and “The Magic Star,” a cut and tell story. The star proved to be very challenging for the students. Consequently, I only took one picture!

12-7-09 A fifth grader creates the numbers mouse

It was a great day and I enjoyed being back at the school. It’s a challenge going up and down the stairs of the school with my sprained ankle still healing but the students helped me tremendously. Tomorrow is another full day! Six classes of joyous students.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

(Note: Students’ faces are obscured to protect their identities.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne