Marita Gentry

Barnes & Noble Easter Event – Saturday, April 16, 2011

by dlcasas on April 20, 2011

4-16-11 Dianne performs Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach as Marita draws the story

Friends:

This past Saturday, Marita Gentry and I had a big event at Barnes & Noble Citiplace in Baton Rouge. It was an Easter event sponsored by Louisiana Public Broadcasting. There was an amazing Cupcake Decoration Station. The cupcakes were decorated to look like Easter baskets. Too cute!

4-16-11 The Easter basket cupcake decoration station

Marita and I had two shows. For our first show, we performed The Cajun Cornbread Boy. She drew as I told the story. Love that creative dynamic between us!

4-16-11 Dianne performs The Cajun Cornbread Boy as Marita draws the story

We signed books after the show and then performed again a little while later. This time, we did Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, a favorite amongst our young fans. The kids had such a great time dancing on stage!

4-26-11 Marita draws Monsieur Roach and his partying friends as Dianne sings and dances with her roaches

Marita is an amazing artist. I am always astounded by how fast and accurately she draws! Just look at this… and it looks just like our book!

4-16-11 Marita Gentry with her roach illustrations. What an amazing talent!

My daughter, Kid Chef Eliana, also signed her cookbook, Eliana Cooks! Recipes for Creative Kids. She sold so many books that Barnes & Noble is now down to only three copies! Way to go, Eliana!

4-16-11 Kid Chef Eliana signs books at Barnes & Noble Citiplace for the big LPB Easter Event

A special thank you to LPB and to Abby Hannie at Barnes & Noble for organizing such a fun and busy event! That was A LOT kids and we loved it! Hoppy Easter!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

Texas Library Association Conference, Austin – April 12-15, 2011

by dlcasas on April 20, 2011

4-14-11 Dianne de Las Casas at TLA with Dewey the Dragon from There's A Dragon in the Library

Friends:

Last week, I signed books at the Texas Library Association conference with my children’s book publisher, Pelican Publishing Company, and my professional book publisher, Libraries Unlimited, an imprint of ABC-Clio.

4-13-11 Dianne de Las Casas signs books at ABC-Clio Libraries Unlimited at TLA

I went to the conference with Marita Gentry, illustrator of several of my children’s books. We have a new book out this Spring, There’s A Dragon in the Library, and it went over very well at the conference!

4-13-11 Marita Gentry and Dianne de Las Casas pose with TX librarians at the Pelican Publishing Booth at TLA

I didn’t get to do as much as I wanted to at the conference because I was constantly signing books. I had a back-to-back, packed schedule with both of my publishers. :)

4-13-11 Dianne de Las Casas, Dewey the Dragon and Nina Fancher at TLA

Marita and I had a fabulous time. I love the fact that our new book gave us an excuse to wear tiaras because of its fairytale theme. The tiaras and Dewey the Dragon stole the show!

4-13-11 Marita Gentry and Dianne de Las Casas signing books at the Pelican Publishing Booth at TLA

This year I didn’t get many pictures with author friends! I got to hug Phil Bildner and say hi to my Texas storytelling friends. Lucky me, when I went to dinner at Guero’s with my phenomenal team at Pelican Publishing (thank you Caitlin and John), I also got to dine with the fabulous children’s book team of Jan Peck and David Davis. We ran into Jeanette Larson and Melanie Hope Greenberg and they joined us. On another night, I had dinner at Moonshine with my incredible team at Libraries Unlimited (much love to Sharon, Debby, Blanche, Shannon). Kristin Fontichiaro and Alexey Root, both Libraries Unlimited authors, are sweet as pie, and I hung out with them at dinner with the LU team.

4-14-11 Dianne de Las Casas and Melanie Hope Greenberg taken at Guero's Restaurant in Austin, TX (iPhone pic)

I managed a bit of shopping and met a wonderful husband and wife team at GSH Designs, where I bought lots of great jewelry for my daughters and for friends. Thank you Rosa and Johnny!

4-15-11 Rosa and Johnny of GSH Designs jewelry. Such nice people!

It was a wonderful conference and I love the city of Austin. I wish I could have seen more of it! A big hug to Marita Gentry for making my TLA conference such a special one.

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 1 comment }

National Library Week Book Event at Barnes & Noble Perkins Rowe – Friday, April 8, 2011

by dlcasas on April 19, 2011

4-8-11 Dianne with the winner of the Design a Dragon contest

Friends:

On Friday, April 8, 2011, I had a big book event at Barnes & Noble Perkins Rowe in Baton Rouge. To celebrate the start of National Library Week, Barnes & Noble and Denham Springs Junior High had an art exhibit. The art teacher in charge, Sharon Loyd, a good friend of mine, had the students create mythological creatures inspired by Marita Gentry’s dragon art in our book, There’s A Dragon in the Library.

4-8-11 The wall of dragon art at Barnes & Noble Perkins Rowe in Baton Rouge

The students did such an amazing job!! I was asked to be the judge of the contest. Here is the winning illustration. It is done by Sarah Fontenot, in the 6th grade. I love the paisley pattern on the dragon and how she cleverly incorporated all of my books into the picture! Way to go, Sarah!

4-8-11 The Winning Entry by Sarah Fontenot for the Mythological Creatures Art Contest using my book, There's A Dragon in the Library, as inspiration

I told the story of There’s a Dragon in the Library with lots of great helpers.

4-8-11 Telling the story of There's a Dragon in the Library

It was a fun event and I was so honored!! Thank you Barnes & Noble, Sharon Loyd, Sarah Fontenot, and Denham Springs Junior High. You rock!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

Hammond Eastside Elementary Author Visit – Friday, April 1, 2011

by dlcasas on April 19, 2011

4-1-11 Dianne takes a picture with a first grade class

Friends:

On Friday, April 1, 2011, I visited Hammond Eastside Elementary, courtesy of my friend and first grade teacher, Michelle Cardaronella. Here I am performing The Gigantic Sweet Potato with students from my first show.

4-1-11 Performing The Gigantic Sweet Potato at Hammond Eastside Elementary

I saw two groups of students in different grade level seatings. I love performing Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach with the students and they had so much fun!

4-1-11 Performing Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach at Hammond Eastside Elementary

I love seeing them on the ground with their little roach legs sticking up at the end of the story. It’s hilarious!

4-1-11 Roaches on the ground in Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach story

I performed Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach with both groups and I love the expression of this third grade student, who played the part of Monsieur Roach!

4-1-11 Madame Poulet has words with Monsieur Roach

After my shows, it was time to sign books for the students. There were long lines of students waiting to have their books signed. It’s always a treat for me to interact with the students one on one during a book signing!

4-1-11 Students line up for book autographs

I made sure that all the students received bookmarks and that all the teachers received reading posters. Thank you, Michelle, for such an enjoyable visit!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

St. Mary Parish PK Tour Day 5 – Friday, March 18, 2011

by dlcasas on March 18, 2011

3-18-11 Aucoin Elementary welcomes Dianne de Las Casas in three languages - English, Spanish and Vietnamese!

Friends:

Today was the last day of my five day PK tour of St. Mary Parish Schools sponsored by the Title 1 Department of St. Mary Parish School Board. I went to Amelia, Louisiana to J.S. Aucoin Elementary. I was greeted warmly by the Aucoin Elementary principal, Mr. Joe Stadalis. Mr. Stadalis was so warm and friendly and he has an amazing rapport with his students!

3-18-11 Dianne de Las Casas & Joe Stadalis, Principal of Aucoin Elementary

I had two shows back to back and my first show was for students bussed in from Wyandotte Elementary.

3-18-11 Dancing zydeco with students from Wyandotte Elementary

My first story was Mama’s Bayou, performed with a large magnetic story board that is an enlarged page from the book. The animals are placed on the board as I sing the story. It’s so much fun to have students from the audience on stage with me. Full of audience participation, Mama’s Bayou is a great story for the PK and Kindergarten set.

3-18-11 Performing Mama's Bayou with students from Wyandotte Elementary

After performing The Cajun Cornbread Boy, we had a blast with The Gigantic Sweet Potato. A shy teacher played the part of Lily Mouse so it was fun to see her act on stage!

3-18-11 Performing The Gigantic Sweet Potato with students from Wyandotte Elementary

My second show was for students from Aucoin Elementary. Aucoin is very diverse with a large Hispanic and Vietnamese student population. I spoke Spanish and even used the few Vietnamese words I knew. I began with Mama’s Bayou and really enjoyed the students I had on stage with me (Hi Eric!).

3-18-11 Aucoin Elementary students help perform Mama's Bayou

After Mama’s Bayou, I performed The Cajun Cornbread Boy. The children really enjoy meeting Cajun Cornbread Boy and I do a little skit showing them how spicy he is (he never keeps his pan on). He’s just full of cayenne!

3-18-11 Dianne de Las Casas explains how spicy The Cajun Cornbread Boy is

My favorite part of the day was performing Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach for the Aucoin Elementary students. They were such an amazing audience!

3-18-11 Aucoin Elementary students are the best audience!

The boy who played Monsieur Roach was absolutely adorable. His name was Angel and he was so much fun!

3-18-11 Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach with Angel playing the part of the roach

All of the roaches had a great time, singing and dancing!

3-18-11 Monsieur Roach and his friends dance and have a party!

I love having all the “roaches” on stage and the best part is the story’s end, when Madame Poulet slurps up all the roaches. They lie “dead” on the floor, with their “legs” up. It’s hilarious!

3-18-11 Madame Poulet leaves behind a trail of roaches!

After my show, one of the Aucoin students gave me a picture that she drew of Madame Poulet and the roaches. Too cute!

3-18-11 A drawing of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach and friend from a student at Aucoin Elementary

I have two very special people I need to thank for taking care of me all week long. First, thank you to Alecia Rabalais from St. Mary Parish Schools Title 1 Department, who is responsible for my visit. Alecia works so hard to serve the students and teachers of St. Mary Parish. Another thank you to Tiffany Fakier, a consultant with St. Mary Parish School Board, who works with Alecia. Both Alecia and Tiffany really spoiled me this week, helping me unload, set up and pack up my show every day. We completed 14 shows this week. Yay! I am sending both Alecia and Tiffany a virtual hug! :) Another special thank you to Mr. Moncriffe his generous support of literacy and the arts in St. Mary Parish schools.

3-18-11 Tiffany Fakier, Joe Stadalis & Alecia Rabalais

I had an amazing time in St. Mary Parish. Thank you to all the principals, teachers, staff and students of St. Mary Parish Schools for hosting my visits! I had GIGANTIC fun! Laissez les bon temps rouler. Let the good times roll!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 2 comments }

St. Mary Parish PK Tour Day 4 – Thursday, March 17, 2011

by dlcasas on March 18, 2011

3-17-11 Morgan City, Louisiana, home of the Shrimp & Petroleum Festival

Friends:

Today was St. Patrick’s Day and although I am not Irish (I have Welsh blood coursing through my veins), I wore my bit o’green. But I did find my lucky leprechaun at Shannon Elementary in Morgan City! :)

3-17-11 Happy St. Paddy's Day from Shannon Elementary!

My first show was a mix of PK and K students. I began with Mama’s Bayou, illustrated by Holly Stone-Barker. I love having the students become part of the show!

3-17-11 Mama's Bayou from first show at Shannon Elementary

Next, I performed The Cajun Cornbread Boy, illustrated by Marita Gentry. Cajun Cornbread Boy is such a spicy guy and he is fun to introduce to the students!

3-17-11 The Cajun Cornbread Boy at Shannon Elementary

I finished the show with a rousing performance of The Gigantic Sweet Potato, also illustrated by Marita Gentry. It’s tons of fun when everyone pulls up the gigantic sweet potato!

3-17-11 The Gigantic Sweet Potato from first show at Shannon Elementary

For my second show at Shannon Elementary, children were bussed in from a nearby school. Again, I began with Mama’s Bayou and then performed The Cajun Cornbread Boy. But by special request, I performed Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach because one of the PK teachers made the story shakers with her students and brought them to the show. Of course, I pulled volunteers from the group of students with their cool music makers to play the roaches. A cute little boy named Blaze played the part of Monsieur Roach. Adorable!

3-17-11 Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach from second show at Shannon Elementary

Alecia Rabalais was unable to accompany me today because of meetings in Lafayette but Tiffany Fakier was such a fantastic companion. She’s a take-charge, take-care-of-things person, and she has me totally spoiled. She helps me unload, set up, and pack up every day! What a wonderful woman!

3-17-11 Tiffany Fakier, a consultant with the St. Mary Parish School Board

Tiffany and I went to lunch at Castalano’s, a locally owned, family Italian restaurant. The portions are more than generous and the food was absolutely delicious! Tasty eggplant parmesan filled my tummy!

3-17-11 Eggplant Parmesan at Castalano's in Morgan City. Yum!

Tiffany and I were lucky enough to run into an old friend… Mr. Lenny Armato, Supervisor at the St. Mary Parish Schools Special Education Department. :) He’s such a sweet guy… he shared his chocolate cake with me! Thank you, Mr. Armato. You know a way to a girl’s heart!

3-17-11 Mr. Lenny Armato at Castalano's

At my second school, Maitland School, I was so excited to see one of my favorite school librarians – Ann Breaux! She is so sweet and goes out of her way to make children’s literature exciting for her students. She did some amazing displays for my books. Look at the Cajun Cornbread Boy she had made by her sister, Mary. Too cool!

3-17-11 Ann Breaux, the amazing librarian from Maitland School had her sister, Mary, create a replica of Cajun Cornbread Boy. Way to go, ladies!

Ann Breaux’s son, Jaden, created this phenomenal rendition of the Cajun Cornbread Boy out of homemade, hand-painted clay. Jaden, you are sooo creative!

3-17-11 Jaden Breaux from Maitland School created The Cajun Cornbread Boy from homemade, hand-painted clay. Awesome!

Ann Breaux also did this shoebox float for Mama’s Bayou. I love it!

3-17-11 The Maitland School Library celebrates Mama's Bayou with shoebox float

After visiting the library, it was time for the show to start. I opened with Mama’s Bayou. I just love this story time magnet board!

3-17-11 Dianne de Las Casas talks about Mama's Bayou at Maitland School

Mr. Armato said that he was going to stop by Maitland School to see Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach. He had heard that it was such a funny story and wanted to see it performed. Jaden, Ann Breaux’s son, played the part of Monsieur Roach.

3-17-11 Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, played by Jaden Breaux from Maitland School

It was fun and hilarious, especially when the roaches get slurped up in the end…

3-17-11 Madame Poulet and the dead roaches at Maitland School in Morgan City, LA

After my shows at Maitland, my day was not over! I visited my dear friend, fellow storyteller, and Morgan City legend, Ms. Dolores Henderson. Ms. Dolores was a school librarian and has been a mentor to me for years. I cherish her friendship and feel blessed to have her in my life!

3-17-11 Dianne de Las Casas with Ms. Dolores Henderson, former school librarian and storyteller from Morgan City

Then it was off to meet my friends, the Breaux family, for dinner at the Latin Corner. Ann, Jeremy, Jaden, Shannon, Reagan, and Mary (Ann’s sister), you are an incredible family and I am honored to be your friend. Thank you for a wonderful dinner!

3-17-11 The Breaux Family

And thank you for the laughs!! LOL

3-17-11 Is that Mork and Mindy?!! Nanu, Nanu!

I am in love with the “Spirit of Morgan City.” The people of St. Mary Parish have been so fabulous and I have enjoyed every moment here!

3-17-11 The Spirit of Morgan City monument, a renowned landmark

One more day to go in St. Mary Parish!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

St. Mary Parish PK Tour Day 3 – Wednesday, March 16, 2011

by dlcasas on March 16, 2011

3-16-11 Taking pictures with students from Hattie Watts! Go Wee Jacks!

Friends:

Today was the third day of my five-day PK tour of St. Mary Parish Schools. Let me tell you something about St. Mary Parish Schools – their middle name is “Hospitality!” The minute I drove my car up to Hattie Watts Elementary, the custodian, “Pretty Girl” Steph, and the assistant principal, Charles Foulcard, helped unload my car. When I entered the auditorium, my table and microphone were ready. The principal, Niki Fryou, greeted me and welcomed me to Hattie Watts. Yes, hospitality is the “Louisiana Way,” especially in St. Mary Parish!

3-16-11 Dianne de Las Casas with Niki Fryou, Principal of Hattie Watts Elementary

My first show began with a mixed group of PK and K students or as Ms. Fryou referred to them, “almost Kindergarteners” and “almost First Graders.” I performed Mama’s Bayou with the help of audience members. They loved The Cajun Cornbread Boy and his iron skillet. I even danced with Mr. Foulcard, the assistant principal, who was “stylin’ and profilin’” with his Cajun two-step! :)

3-16-11 Charles Foulcard, Assistant Principal of Hattie Watts, dances Cajun two-step with Dianne de Las Casas

A rousing rendition of The Gigantic Sweet Potato had the kids singing and clapping. Talk about having a ball!

3-16-11 The Gigantic Sweet Potato from the first show at Hattie Watts Elementary

My second show as just as much fun with lots of wiggles and giggles from my Kindergarten audience, who were very participatory. Ms. Fryou, the principal, played the part of Lily Mouse in my story, The Gigantic Sweet Potato. She was awesome!

3-16-11 Hattie Watts' principal, Ms. Fryou, plays the mouse at the end of the line in The Gigantic Sweet Potato

I really loved it when she acted out the part of the mouse receiving the GIGANTIC sweet potato pies from Ma Farmer. Too cute!

3-16-11 Those swwet potato pies are heavy for such a little mouse!

We had special guests in the audience too. Lenny Armato, St. Mary Parish Schools Special Education Department Supervisor, and Maryanne Adams, St. Mary Parish School’s Elementary Coordinator, came by to observe the show. Thank you both for your support of literacy in St. Mary Parish Schools. The children are definitely benefiting from your generosity! Look at Mr. Armato with Cajun Cornbread Boy. I think they were destined to be friends!

3-16-11Two spicy guys together - Lenny Armato with from St. Mary Parish Schools Special Education Department with his Tabasco tie and Cajun Cornbread Boy with his cayenne pepper!

All of my shows were at Hattie Watts Elementary so I had a nice leisurely lunch from Lynn’s Hot Tamales Restaurant. I ate a yummy hot sausage sandwich and fried boudin balls. My taste buds did a happy dance!

3-26-11 Lunch from Lynn's Hot Tamales - Hot Sausage sandwich and fried boudin balls. Mmmm!

My last show was after lunch and a group from Cinderella Head Start joined us. I performed Mama’s Bayou with full audience participation. Holly Stone-Barker’s illustrations are just so amazing!

3-16-11 Dianne performs Mama's Bayou with the third group of Hattie Watts students

I taught some PK students how to dance the Cajun two-step, which is a perfect opener for the Louisiana stories I shared. The Cajun Cornbread Boy was a big hit and the students love meeting Cajun Cornbread Boy in person, even if he is a spicy guy who sometimes eschews his pan!

3-16-11 Dianne teaches PK students how to dance Zydeco

My last story, The Gigantic Sweet Potato, was hilarious because the boy who played Pa Farmer from the story was so funny and cute!

3-16-11 The third performance of The Gigantic Sweet Potato

This is Adonis, my little PK super star! Thank you for playing Pa Farmer, Adonis. (Now where are my diamonds?!!) LOL

3-16-11 Dianne with super star, Adonis, from Hattie Watts Elementary

It was a terrific visit at Hattie Watts. I couldn’t have asked for a better day. Upon my departure, Ms. Fryou, the principal, gifted me with a box of… CHOCOLATES! Luscious, dark chocolates at that! Way to endear yourself to me, Ms. Fryou. By the way, you will love my Fall 2011 book, Blue Frog: The Legend of Chocolate!

Hattie Watts Elementary, thank you so much for a wonderful visit! You totally rock! Alecia Rabalais & Tiffany Fakier, you ladies make my visit a splendid one indeed!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

St. Mary Parish PK Tour Day 2 – Tuesday, March 15, 2011

by dlcasas on March 15, 2011

3-15-11 The Gigantic Sweet Potato from second show at W.P. Foster Elementary

Friends:

Today was the second day of my PK Tour in St. Mary Parish Schools. My first two shows were at W.P. Foster Elementary in Franklin, Louisiana. When I first arrived, I was greeted by their friendly principal, Mr. Michael Payton. Ms. Renee, a PK teacher, totally took care of me, providing me with water, an easel, a microphone and anything else I needed. I began my first show with a performance of Mama’s Bayou with the help of the sweet students.

3-15-11 Mama's Bayou from first show at W.P. Foster Elementary

After a fun rendition of The Cajun Cornbread Boy, I performed The Gigantic Sweet Potato. “Heave ho! Heave ho! We’ll pull this sweet potato, just a little more to go…”

3-15-11 The Gigantic Sweet Potato from first show at W.P. Foster Elementary

After I finished my first show, I had a few minutes to refresh then it was show time again! Another fun group came in and we had the best time. I began with Mama’s Bayou, with the help of the students. Then I did The Cajun Cornbread Boy. Ooh yeah, cher!

3-15-11 The Cajun Cornbread Boy at W.P. Foster Elementary

When I performed The Gigantic Sweet Potato, my kitty cat was a precious little girl named Harlie, who was in PK3. She was soooo cute and hilariously funny! She had the audience rolling with her precocious little attitude. I totally fell in love with this child! I wanted to pack her up with me and take her home. :)

3-15-11 Harlie from PK3 with Cajun Cornbread Boy at W.P. Foster Elementary. What spicy friends!

After W.P. Foster Elementary, Alecia, Tiffany and I went to lunch at a Hot Tamale restaurant that served sandwiches and poboys. I had the hot tamales and made a mess with the juice dripping all over my dress! LOL My second school was J.A. Hernandez Elementary, also in Franklin, Louisiana. I was greeted by their wonderful principal, Ms. Sylvia Lockett. What a sweetheart! The first class to come in was Ms. Quantie Skinner’s PK class. I was so impressed because the whole class made Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach story shakers from my the book activities on my website!

3-15-11 Ms. Skinner's PK class made Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach story shakers!

This is the fabulous teacher who not only prepped her students for my visit but also had incredible control over her tiny tots. She is a third-year teacher but has the presence of a 20-year veteran! Way to go, Ms. Skinner!

3-15-11 Quantie Skinner, a fantastic PK teacher at J.A. Hernandez!

I began my show with a fun performance of Mama’s Bayou. One little girl, Tatiana, was so excited that I made up a song and a dance called “Do the Tatiana.” She helped me perform Mama’s Bayou along with fellow students.

3-15-11 Mama's Bayou with Tatiana and friends at J.A. Hernandez Elementary

I performed The Cajun Cornbread Boy and it was so much fun. The kids jumped and laughed and had a ball! But the star story of the day at J.A. Hernandez was Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach! I was so inspired by Ms. Skinner’s class that I performed the story in their honor. Boy, did we have FUN! After the show, boys were going back to class imitating Madame Poulet saying, “Monsieur Rooooooach!” Too cute!

3-15-11 Madame Poulet and roaches at J.A. Hernandez Elementary School

We were joined by Peter Pan Headstart from a local community center and the visiting students were so well-behaved. What a precious group of kids!

3-15-11 Madame Poulet and roaches at J.A. Hernandez Elementary School

I couldn’t have asked for a better day in St. Mary Parish. The weather was gorgeous and the principals, teachers, staff and students were AWESOME! I leave you with a picturesque scene, a bayou in Franklin, Louisiana.

3-15-11 A bayou with shrimp boats in Franklin, Louisiana

Thank you, Alecia Rabalais and Tiffany, for a wonderful Day 2 in beautiful St. Mary Parish, Louisiana! I can’t wait until tomorrow!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 1 comment }

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

by dlcasas 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 }

Book Launch Party! There’s a Dragon in the Library at Cherry Books in Thibodaux, Louisiana – Saturday, February 19, 2011

by dlcasas on February 20, 2011

2-19-11 There's a Dragon in the Library fans at Cherry Books

Friends:

This past Saturday, Marita and I launched our new book, There’s a Dragon in the Library, at Cherry Books in Thibodaux, Louisiana. We had a big bayou bash!

2-19-11 Telling the story of There's a Dragon in the Library at Cherry Books, Thibodaux, LA

The story was fun and interactive. Marita drew the dragon as I had all the kids act out the parts with puppets.

2-19-11 The whole cast of There's a Dragon in the Library at Cherry Books, Thibodaux, LA

As usual, Marita’s drawing was AMAZING!! She is such a talented illustrator. I am so lucky to work with her!

2-19-11 Marita Gentry with her Dewey the Dragon drawing from There's a Dragon in the Library at Cherry Books, Thibodaux, LA

Afterward, the kids made mini accordion dragon puppets. They came out sooo cool!

2-19-11 Avid fan, Jaden B., proudly displays his accordion dragon puppet. Too cool!

We even had a fan come who matched the cover of our book! Precious!

2-19-11 A fan at Cherry Books matches the book!

Thank you to everyone who came to help us celebrate our new book. A special thanks to the Breaux family, who came from St. Mary Parish! You all rock! Thank you also to Cherry Books for your support!!

Books are for reading, not for eating! Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →