10-3-09 Dianne de Las Casas, Johanna Chesser & Marita Gentry
Friends:
My book launch party at Octavia Books in New Orleans was a huge success. We had a nice crowd (even though it was LSU game day) with lots of children. All the children were given hats to wear. The girls received roach antennae tiaras while the boys received cone party hats.
10-3-09 Buggy Girls with Roach Antennae Tiaras
I set up a party table with a gorgeous cake, “bug juice,” bookmarks, and a roach party centerpiece.
10-3-09 The Party Table
To celebrate the release of the book, I performed the story while Marita illustrated live. It was a fantastic combination. All the children were given story shakers and everyone danced and sang along.
10-3-09 Marita draws & Dianne tells
We had so much fun. The whole crowd rocked the book store! We have such sweet little fans! Look at this precious little girl, Jordyn!
10-3-09 Little Jordyn
Tom Lowenburg and Judith Lafitte, the book store owners were absolutely fantastic. They were so sweet, moving and shifting things around to accommodate our party. Their staff was awesome too! Thank you all so much for your help in making our book launch party such a smashing success!
10-3-09 Madame Poulet (Tom Lowenburg) Eating Monsieur Roach (Judith Lafitte)
Fans came from miles around, coming from as far as Baton Rouge! We love our friends, family and fans! Thank you so much for supporting us!
10-3-09 Ms. Hannan and Kaci with The Cajun Cornbread Boy and Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach books
Thank you so much to Holly Stone-Barker and family for coming all the way from Zachary, Louisiana. Holly is the illustrator of my next book, Mama’s Bayou, which will be out in the spring.
Sneak peek of Mama's Bayou (Spring 2010)
I love this picture. Marita Gentry’s mother and grandmother came to the party. Three generations! Beautiful!
10-3-09 (R to L) Marita, her mom & grandmother
Eliana, my 9 year old daughter, had a blast. She and her cousins were also instrumental in helping me set up. Thank you, Eliana and Camrynn for setting up the sound system!
10-3-09 Eliana and her party blower
After the performance, I gave away prizes: a set of creepy crawly cards, my Jump, Jiggle & Jam CD, and a bag of goodies that included my Handmade Tales book. Then it was time for cake and bug juice! The Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach cake was absolutely adorable and delicious! It was almond cake with pineapple filling. Yum!
10-3-09 Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach cake
Marita and I signed a ton of books and we wore the beautiful, handpainted Madame Poulet hats Marita made. So much fun!
10-3-09 Marita Gentry & Dianne de Las Casas sign books
Even my husband, Antonio, got into the spirit, wearing a Monsieur Roach hat that Marita made.
10-3-09 Antonio as Monsieur Roach
Here is a picture of me with Ellen Miller, a school librarian from Bissonet Plaza Elementary. My first book, Story Fest, is dedicated to Ellen.
10-3-09 Dianne de Las Casas & Ellen Miller
Our book launch party was a huge success. It was tons of fun! If you didn’t make this party – don’t worry! Marita and I have many book signings scheduled. Just check the calendar for a location near you http://www.storyconnection.net/?content=calendar or sign up for BookTour.com.
The hallmark of a successful party? Being party pooped out… LOL
10-3-09 After the party - My nieces, Ashlynn & Camrynn
Marita and I have chosen Octavia Books as our official “book launch” independent bookstore. In New Orleans, my books will be launched at Octavia Books.
10-3-09 Judith Lafitte at the Party Table
Thank you to everyone who came to the Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach book launch party! It was an event to remember!
Until next time…
Warmly, Dianne
